Design Buy Build Issue 67 2024 | Page 43

THE IMPORTANCE OF THERMALLY ISOLATING BUILDING ENVELOPES

In the UK , a staggering 45 % of all carbon emissions stem from the building environment , with domestic buildings contributing 27 % alone . In the pursuit of a more sustainable future , integrating energy efficient solutions into building structures is paramount .
There are a number of important areas within a building envelope where thermal bridges can occur , which are often overlooked in the initial design phase . These are significant culprits of energy loss , and often compromise the overall efficiency of a building . To combat this , innovative solutions like Armatherm ’ s thermal breaks play a crucial role .
So , how do thermal breaks work ?
These cutting-edge materials can be seamlessly integrated into various structural connections within a building , from foundations to roofs . Incorporating thermal breaks , particularly in balcony and column base applications , yields significant reductions in energy transfer , resulting
in a cost-effective and reliable solution .
What are the benefits ?
By identifying and addressing potential thermal bridging points during the initial design phase , architects , specifiers and developers can make informed decisions that optimise energy efficiency . The reality is , however , they ’ re often overlooked and not specified , which can render other costly energy-saving solutions redundant .
Failure to prioritise thermal breaks can hinder achieving desirable R values necessary for sustainable construction . Such oversight not only jeopardises compliance with regulations like the 2008 Climate Change Act , but also undermines broader sustainability goals .
Thermal breaks emerge as one of the most significant investments which can be made during a major construction project , contributing substantially to the creation of sustainable , energy efficient structures that align with regulatory standards , and of future environmental targets .
For guidance on selecting the most suitable thermal break materials for your project , visit www . armatherm . co . uk .
HEATING , VENTILATION & INSULATION

Thermal Bridging Solutions

Armatherm™ is one of the leading suppliers of thermal break materials for the construction industry . Our goal is to provide architects , engineers , and contractors with the knowledge and materials to effectively address thermal bridging issues . Armatherm™ thermal break materials have low thermal conductivity , high strength , and have been designed and tested to carry the loads , and prevent thermal bridging . www . armatherm . co . uk
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