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Retrofit
PIR insulation , with lambda values as low as 0.022 Wm /. K means it is possible to achieve the highest insulation values using the minimum thickness of material compared with traditional insulants .
Building passport
Another challenge in raising energy efficiency standards is the lack of ability to measure and demonstrate a building ’ s performance over its lifetime . Residential and commercial properties could benefit from a building passport , with regular checks being made , normalising the concept that buildings , like vehicles , must be judged over time and meet certain standards . This could also provide full traceability of products and services installed into a building , so that when it is bought / sold or renovated an accurate and informative log is kept .
Such a passport could contain buildingrelated information on elements such as energy consumption / production , maintenance and building plans , and could be transferable between building owners . This digitalisation could go some way to ensuring buildings are sustainable and perform to the standards intended .
Retrofitting insulation in our leaky homes is a vital instrument in reducing heating demand , cutting CO 2 emissions whilst addressing fuel poverty and improving comfort and wellbeing . Only if this is done will there be a long-term asset that reduces energy usage and can be confidently passed on to future generations . ■
Simon Storer www . insulationmanufacturers . org . uk
Insulation Manufacturers Association ( IMA ) is the trade association that represents both the Polyisocyanurate ( PIR ) and Polyurethane ( PUR ) insulation industry in the UK . Its members manufacture rigid insulation that provides around 40 per cent of the total thermal insulation market in the UK . IMA ’ s membership comprises all of the major companies in the industry , including manufacturers of finished PIR and PUR insulation products , as well as suppliers of raw materials and associated services .
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