Modern Building Services

MODERN BUILDING SERVICES OCTOBER 2022 33 FEATURE SMART BUILDINGS The most practical way to achieve NZEB through design Whether you are refurbishing an existing building or constructing something new, one efficiency- optimising principle that can always be applied is the fabric- first approach. This popular construction measure can be part and parcel of your NZEB design, regardless of the size or purpose of the building. Reducing or offsetting the energy demands of our homes, as well as businesses, is the one sure way to net zero, as a smartly designed energy supply can decrease the final effects of green house gases on the atmosphere. This approach is not only vital to realising the country’s net zero emissions ambitions, but can offer significant benefits to building developers, owners and operators. The end goal for architects today is to create highly- insulated building envelopes, at the foundation of which are carefully constructed junctions to minimise air leakage and unnecessary heat loss. Reducing demand in the first instance and delivering energy savings over the long-term with little or no maintenance is achievable through attention to the details, for example, insulation. HVAC, drainage, indoor and outdoor pipe insulation lay the foundation that blocks out moisture and prevents corrosion, whilst preserving the building’s breathability. Moreover, a well-insulated building will help to minimise energy demand, preparing the building for the next key step towards net zero – supplying as much energy as possible through renewable sources, preferably on site. Recently, the options for renewable and low carbon energy generation have grown in variety and efficiency, from photovoltaics to air or ground source heat pumps. Choose the best building blocks for your NZEB foundation In large commercial buildings, such as hospitals, data centres, and pharmaceutical manufacturing, thermal insulation solutions can help optimise energy consumption and prevent condensation on vital equipment. Innovations, such as Armacell’s closed-cell technical insulation, provide excellent levels of thermal performance whilst saving installation space, thanks to its exceptional material properties. Easy to manipulate and install, they are rigorously tested cooling and are distribution systems that don’t require external water vapour barrier. Thanks to a dust-free composition and integrated MicroBan™ properties that prevent the growth of bacteria and molds on surfaces, ArmaFlex Ultima is an ideal insulating solution for hospitals and clean room applications. Specially-developed for data centres, fibre-free and halogen-free NH ArmaFlex Smart prevents overheating, electrical or mechanical failures of components. With Smart and Ultima, you can take the pressure off cooling systems in your data centre and take its energy efficiency to the next level, improving power usage effectiveness and reducing your carbon footprint just through insulation. Achieving NZEB is easier thank you think The UK has already begun to reduce its dependence on gas and oil supply and has written up legislation to enshrine net zero energy in law – culminating in a gradual emergence of buildings with improved energy performance, lowered maintenance costs, and a minimal effect on the environment. The Committee on Climate Change has offered that ‘net zero is necessary, feasible and cost- effective’ and therefore, it is important to increase our use of new and advanced technologies that reduce construction’s carbon footprint and our reliance on fossil fuel generated energy for keeping our buildings warm and dry. Although it represents only a small expense in the overall construction budget, technical insulation has a significant impact on cooling system efficiency and operating performance. More information can be found at www.armacell.com