by Brianna Crandall — May 8, 2015—U.K.-based insulation manufacturer Xtratherm is the first company to be included in the certification listing of the new BRE Certified Thermal Details and Products program, which focuses on improving the energy performance and internal environment of buildings by providing independently and accurately assessed thermal details and products.
The program, launched in March, aims to reduce the level of thermal bridging that can arise in buildings and residences, causing heat loss. It certifies the “as designed” thermal performance of junction details (SAP table K1 and other custom details), products (windows, doors and roof lights), and major building elements (wall, roof and floor systems).
The program also enables suppliers to demonstrate that their products and services meet the appropriate performance standards, helping clients avoid costly mistakes and reduce risk.
Xtratherm, which is said to be one of Europe’s largest manufacturers of rigid insulation products, submitted a full set of 25 junction details, which were assessed by experts from building research center BRE and then independently certified by BRE Global (BRE’s certification company). BRE notes that other companies are following suit.
The certified details will be accessible via a free online database aimed at manufacturers, suppliers, specifiers and designers. It will include a range of government accredited construction details, as well as BRE-certified details, products and elements. The database will go live July 31, 2015.
Danny Kearney, technical manager with Xtratherm, commented, “We view this scheme as being a truly independent verifier of this most critical component in achieving an efficient building fabric. The concentration on U-values only, without looking at how insulation joins with other components gives an unreliable picture of overall insulation performance. The new cataloging and verification system will be a great asset to designers and building professionals not only in the U.K. but throughout Europe.”
More information on the program is available from the BRE Certified Thermal Details and Products Scheme Web page.
