by Brianna Crandall — August 14, 2015—A free online database of certified thermal details and products has gone live. Aimed at manufacturers, suppliers, specifiers and designers, it includes a range of government-accredited construction details, as well as details, products and elements that have been certified under U.K.-based approvals body BRE Global’s certified thermal details and products scheme, which was launched earlier this year.
The aim with the database and the certification program is to reduce the level of thermal bridging that can arise in homes and buildings, causing heat loss. The database allows users to search a range of accurate and independently assessed thermal junction details, products and elements, ensuring accuracy, consistency, credibility and quality throughout the design and specification process.
The scheme provides independent, third-party assessment and certification by BRE Global of the thermal performance of junction details (SAP table K1 and other bespoke/custom details), products (windows, doors and roof lights), and major building elements (wall, roof and floor systems). Once certified, all details and products then get listed in the database.
The database will also be included within the next update of Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) software, the methodology used to calculate Energy Performance Certificates for new and existing homes and to demonstrate compliance to Part L: Energy Efficiency of the U.K. government’s building regulations. The details can be used for a more accurate assessment of the performance of the building and to help close the performance gap.
Certified thermal details and products will also be recognized within BRE’s new consumer standard for homes—the Home Quality Mark.
For further information on the program and the certification process, visit BRE’s Certified Thermal Details and Products Scheme Web page.
