Two RIBA-approved Actis CPDs updated to include more thermal modelling advice
Two popular RIBA-approved CPD modules created by insulation specialist Actis have been updated to include additional information on thermal modelling, refurbishment options and key aspects of current consultation on The Future Homes Standard.
Tomorrow’s Insulation Solutions for Future Homes Standards and Addressing the Performance Gap with Reflective Insulation have been immensely popular with builders, specifiers, architects and building control officers over the past few years, with thousands of construction professionals finding them invaluable as they wrestle with the complexities of ensuring a thermally efficient new build or conversion.
Tomorrow’s Insulation Solutions for Future Homes Standards gives guidance on how to meet energy efficiency targets which see new build homes having to reduce carbon emissions by 31% over previous levels, while Addressing the performance gap with reflective insulation looks at how to achieve as-built performance.
The updated versions add information on thermal modelling psi values to calculate heat loss at junctions, the provision of construction details at both design and as built stage, the replacement of SAP methodology with the newly proposed Home Energy Model (HEM) to calculate energy efficiency, and the addition of information on the benefits of new reflective insulation technologies.
RIBA-approved CPDs are worth double the points of a standard CPD, with 76% of RIBA members choosing training which has been specifically approved by the professional body.
Amaret Chahal, Actis regional specification manager and co-author of the Future Homes Standard CPD, who worked on revisions for both modules explained: “These updated versions give further insight into implementing more stringent thermal efficiency standards and the steps towards achieving the Future Homes Standard.
Co-author Actis UK and Ireland technical director Thomas Wiedmer, himself an architect, added: “Addressing the performance gap with reflective insulation, which we initially created a decade ago to help construction professionals uncover ways to combat thermal bridging and achieve optimal energy efficiency, has been augmented with additional information about thermal modelling as well as about new reflective insulation technologies, products which are particularly useful in reducing thermal transmission of elements as well as construction details and airtightness. An additional benefit is seen in roof refurbishment scenarios.”
An example of this type of product is Eolis HC, a two-in-one reflective insulation with an integrated vapour barrier which enables builders and roofers to reduce the number of steps required to achieve an impressive U-value as well as airtightness in roofs.
Eolis HC is especially transformative for loft and barn converters dealing with shallow rafters where headroom is at a premium.
Eolis HC can be installed just like any other multifoil product but achieves better thermal performances due to Actis-patented new reflective insulation technology. This makes it an ideal way to avoid spending time cutting insulation between timbers with a roof or wall application. It means loft and barn converters dealing with shallow or uneven timbers will have a much easier time creating habitable rooms.
For more information or to book a CPD session contact solutions@insulation-actis.com.