SA Affordable Housing September / October 2020

FEATURE SAINT-GOBAIN Fitting ThinkPink Aerolite insulation. How ceiling insulation impacts energy efficiency By Eamonn Ryan Insulation is both integral to energy efficiency and part of the SANS 10400-XA regulations. Insulating a ceiling dramatically slows down heat loss or gain, thus reducing the need for heaters or air-conditioners, which translates directly to less energy used and lower energy bills. Affordable home layouts are evolving to cater more for individuals whose lifestyles centre on family, work and entertainment, as shown as one of the important trends identified in this month’s project, Westview 2 Security Estate (see page 17). More families are opting for open plan homes where light and views across living areas are free flowing. While this is conducive to contemporary living, it can also affect comfort especially in colder months as cool air flows freely throughout the open space. At least 35% of the average home’s energy is lost or gained through the ceiling in a typically noninsulated home. With ever-increasing power costs, energy efficiency legislation for new buildings SANS 10400-XA was published by the National Regulator for Compulsory Standards in 2011. The best time to implement energy saving and insulation to a home is at the time of construction. However, when it comes to appearances versus living comfort, and during retrofitting projects, architects are notoriously blind to the needs of insulation, which is required by standards. SANS 10400-XA governs alternative sources of heat, but also requires all new buildings to comply with performance parameters. This means that insulation will have to be installed to achieve the stipulated R-value – for which purpose South Africa has been divided into six climatic zones according to humidity and temperature variations. Ultimately, energy performance certificates will have to be issued (as per an amendment in 2014). This regulation points to the direction in which home building is heading – but it is not 12 SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2020 SAAffordHousing saaffordablehousingmag SA Affordable Housing www.saaffordablehousing.co.za

SA Affordable Housing September / October 2020 | Page 14