As many businesses are concerned with becoming as environmentally friendly as possible and reducing their carbon footprint in accordance with government initiatives, those who are involved with the planning and design stages of building and modifying non-domestic premises should be incorporating materials that help improve how eco-friendly a building’s construction is. Using eco-conscious materials ensures compliance with relevant legislation and can allow for building occupants to have low energy costs and fuel consumption.
Construction companies should incorporate ways to reduce energy consumption during the build process, especially when specifying materials and elements. One way a construction team can improve the efficiency of a premises is by considering the thermal performance of all of the materials and elements proposed to be used during the Design Development Stage (Stage D).
The thermal performance of a building element is determined by a “U” Value, which is a measure of heat loss. A “U” Value is calculated by the different components that are used to create the overall element. For instance, an industrial door may have outer layers that consist of metal and inner layers that include high-density CFC foam or other materials that help reduce heat transference.
Other factors used when determining “U” Values include the thickness of the product and the conductivity of each material (referred to as a “K” Value), along with installation standards and production standards. Once a value has been determined by a numerical score, builders can understand how effective the element is at preserving heat and energy. The product with a high U Value will not have as good a thermal performance as one with a lower score.
An example of a product with a good “U” Value is HAG’s S Door, which is manufactured from double-skinned, PU-foamed steel sections and has a “U” Value of 0.5 for a 42mm panel of 0.33 for a thicker 67mm panel.
When specifying products, architects and construction companies will be able to find or request U-Value information from the provider and installer, however, further information about calculating U-Values can be found on the NBS website.
As U Values are the foundation of energy and carbon reduction standards, it is important to factor them during design and specification in order to successfully obtain approval from Building Regulations.
Referring to them during the Design Development Stage can eliminate additional expenses from having to revise designs in subsequent stages and allows you to estimate how much energy conservation the finished building will offer.
Ensuring your building has a good thermal performance forms part of government building regulations in England in order to conserve fuel and power. The UK government introduced an initiative to cut the UK’s carbon footprint that requires all new non-domestic buildings to be ‘zero carbon’ from 2019.
For more information about relevant Part L compliance, please refer to Approved Document L2A: Conservation of fuel and power in new buildings other than dwellings and Approved Document L2B: Conservation of fuel and power in existing buildings other than dwellings.
HAG has a number of products designed for industrial use that offer a good U Value, making them an energy-conscious solution for installation. Our products are also designed to help construction companies comply with government legislation and initiatives, including Approved Document L2A: Conservation of fuel and power in new buildings other than dwellings and Approved Document L2B: Conservation of fuel and power in existing buildings other than dwellings.
To find out more information about HAG’s product range, or to request assistance in specifying a door for your newly built commercial premises or existing premises, please get in touch with a member of our team. Call us on 0800 072 3444 or fill out our contact form online.
HAG offers a wide range of products and services, if you would like further information call 0800 072 3444 now to speak to a member of our team.
