SA Affordable Housing January - February 2020 // ISSUE: 80

ADVERTORIAL Insulation: the invisible energy saver By Thermal Insulation Products & Systems Association SA (TIPSASA) A thermally comfortable building is neither too hot nor too cold for most of the people most of the time. This is achieved by a clever combination in the design of the building, north orientation, correct windows, building envelope insulation, indoor mass and draught proofing. W ith the introduction of energy efficiency legislation, minimum levels of insulation have become mandatory in all new buildings and extensions since November 2011 to intervene and to reduce peak electricity demand usage. ENERGY EFFICIENCY LEGISLATION: • The Department of Trade and Industry published an amendment to the National Building Regulations on 9 September 2011 to introduce requirements for energy usage in buildings. • This regulation, ‘Energy usage in buildings’, was promulgated on 9 November 2011. • All new buildings and extensions have to comply with the new regulation. • Roof assemblies, roof covering materials such as tiles or metal sheeting, ceilings and added insulation, are required to meet a minimum total thermal resistance (R-value) as specified for the various climatic zones. • The 19 relevant Building Occupancy Classes are: • A1 Entertainment and public assembly • A2 Theatrical and indoor sport • A3 Places of instruction • A4 Worship • C1 Exhibition hall • C2 Museum • E1 Place of detention • H1 Hotel • H2 Dormitory • H3 Domestic residence • H4 Dwelling house • H5 Hospitality WHAT DOES THIS MEAN TO THE BUILDING CONTRACTOR? The building sector has great potential for energy savings since building design is the major factor determining the energy efficiency usage of a building - provided the contractor adheres to the specifications on the approved plans and not substitute products with cheap sub-standard products that are not in compliance with the relevant SABS Standard. Substitution of products to ‘save a quick buck’, jeopardises the energy efficiency design which means it fails to meet the criteria as set out in the Energy Efficiency Regulation. Incorrect products and installations could also lead to health and safety issues. This is a violation of the National Building Regulations, the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations as well as the Consumer Protection Act. ENERGY-EFFICIENT DESIGN PRINCIPLES: • Design for climate – as per climatic zones. • Building orientation – main living area windows to face north. • E3 Other institutional (residential) • Insulate roofs, ceilings, walls and floors – installation of recommended insulation levels to minimise heat loss or gain. • E4 Health care • Insulate geysers and pipes. • F1 Large shop • Positioning of windows to allow cross ventilation and accommodate glass selection. • E2 Hospital • F2 Small shop • F3 Wholesale store • G1 Offices www.saaffordablehousing.co.za Basically, north-facing windows provide winter heating. The combination of indoor mass (concrete floor, heavy walls and JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2020 19

SA Affordable Housing January - February 2020 // ISSUE: 80 | Page 21