In line with the release of the new Future Homes Standard (FHS) a major focus for developers has been shifted to planning for the introduction of new energy systems like heat pumps and solar panels in new properties.
But what should continue to be at the forefront of developers’ minds is that compliance will still largely depend on good insulation and airtight construction to minimise energy loss.
In fact, the introduction of these systems won’t deliver the intended improvement in performance and compliance without strong fabric efficiency.
Often the forgotten area of the house within new developments, the loft actually has a crucial impact on energy efficiency in particular, with improper insulation and storage reducing energy efficiency by up to 50%.
WHAT BUILDERS AND DEVELOPERS NEED TO CONSIDER
Not only do builders and developers need to keep in mind the FHS but potential buyers are more concerned than ever about energy costs amid current economic crises. So, what to builders and developers need to consider?
Heat rises, and in a typical British home, 25% of a home’s heat goes out through the ceiling, into the loft and out of through the roof.
Most people have some loft insulation, whether implemented by a developer or following completion but homes actually need a lot more that many think.
Proper insulation stops such drastic heat loss by acting as the woolly hat for a home, trapping the heat inside so consumers need to use less energy to heat it constantly.
WASTED ENERGY
Shockingly, in the wider property landscape, over 13 million homes still only meet 1976 standards for loft insulation, which can cost end users hundreds of pounds on wasted energy each year.
Energy efficiency from insulation can be an attractive selling-point for developers building new homes and should therefore be an important consideration.
“Action shouldn’t stop at simply insulating lofts in new developments.”
Action shouldn’t stop at simply insulating lofts in new developments. Most people don’t know that squashing insulation can double heat and energy loss through the space, which is why boarding on top of insulation in all builds is so vital.
Fluffy loft insulation works by trapping air, so when it gets squashed, those air bubbles disappear and therefore thermal performance is reduced.
Raised loft boarding is the best option to include within new developments to prevent energy loss.
The system works by creating a raised platform for boarding to rest on above the insulation, while allowing it to retain its full depth to help with energy efficiency.
Systems such as raised loft boarding are designed to enable developers to implement better insulation protection to meet compliance and ultimately allow the end user to manage energy efficiency and save money.
After all, new energy systems and low-carbon technologies can only perform as well as the fabric they sit within.
