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Globally, there has been a significant shift towards implementing more sustainable practices to help reach net-zero goals and combat climate change. Between eco-friendly materials and technologies, the construction industry is under immense pressure to put renewable resources into practice and ensure buildings are at optimal efficiency to help with decarbonisation. Despite introducing these elements, buildings are still susceptible to thermal bridging which can compromise the energy efficiency of the construction and therefore contributes to excessive energy consumption. General Manager of Armatherm, Paul Beech, discusses the importance of identifying thermal bridging during initial plans and the role thermal break materials play in helping to reach a sustainable future.
Since the plans to reach Net Zero were announced in June 2019, the industry has made a conscious effort to use more sustainable materials with 70 per cent of projects incorporating eco-friendly targets, and 43 per cent actually meeting them. However, in this time, the price of sustainable materials has increased considerably with 70-to-80 per cent of them costing more than traditional materials. To aid with meeting sustainability targets, architects have also implemented other elements such as solar panels into projects as a renewable energy source. These have, of course, contributed to helping the UK cut carbon emissions by 53 per cent, however, with other targets in place to be met in the lead up to 2050, experts are unsure that with current practices the UK will meet them and consequently Net Zero.
There are a number of reasons that this could be the case, but a main cause that can often be overlooked, is the issues associated with thermal bridging. Because of these weak spots in the building envelope, it is easier for heat to transfer from the inside out and vice versa. Due to this, the inside temperature fluctuates, and more energy is required to keep it at a certain temperature. This overconsumption of energy is contributing to the problems with reaching Net Zero and therefore needs addressing if the UK is to meet its targets.
Sustainable solutions
In addition to this, thermal bridging is also a main factor for causing condensation which, when left untreated, can cause mould and risk occupants’ health. Not only can it cause issues with damp and mould, the settling of this moisture on the cold spots of the building structure can, over time, damage the materials used. To combat this and fix the problems with the decayed materials, Armatherm has seen a rise in the amount of retrofitting projects being completed. These projects are, however, more costly to be completed and many are choosing to demolish and rebuild instead. Even though this may be more cost effective than retrofit projects it isn’ t a sustainable approach. Factors such as air, soil and water pollution, waste
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