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Chris Duffy, Specification Manager for SFS intec, provides an update on SFS intec’s new CPD seminar.

“As we all brace ourselves for the next changes to Part L of the Building Regulations which will take effect next next year, we have been busy preparing a new seminar to soothe the transition. 

With RIBA accreditation, this new CPD seminar on Airtightness and Thermal Efficiency provides advice for architects and specifiers when designing building envelopes to meet the more stringent airtightness and energy efficiency requirements demanded by the new legislation.

Air leakage and ingress through the building envelope is recognised as a principle area of heat and energy loss. Airtightness will be a key factor in meeting the proposed 25% reduction in CO² levels suggested in the 2010 revision of Part L2 Building Regulations and specifiers have made it clear to us that they are eager to understand simple best practice.

The 1 hour seminar covers:
- The main points of energy loss with examples and case studies
- How this can be overcome in several different design details
- The major changes in the new Part L Regulations
- The future for energy efficient and air tight envelope design 
- How control of airtightness through design and specification of purpose  designed fasteners and sealants is the most effective method to meet the 2010 efficiency requirements

The Specification team has already been touring the country with the seminar and enjoyed 150 bookings in the first six months!
 
If you have any specific questions regarding the changes to Building Regulations or fasteners for roofing and cladding, please give the technical team a call on 0113 2085 500.

To find out where the seminar’s are taking place in your area, contact Claire Pearson on 0113 2085 500.

I wonder why lobbying groups and national newspapers continue to talk about air traffic’s contribution to carbon emissions when buildings contribute over 40% of total emissions! The construction industry continues to remain low on the radar despite the prominent role it clearly plays.

Carbon tax and CO₂ reduction were top talking points in this year’s Budget and I think we all acknowledge this will have a significant impact on the future of the building industry. But there is little recognition or appreciation of the role the sector can play in reducing total emissions.

Under the Climate Change Act, the Government has set limits on carbon emissions for the next 40 years, aiming to reduce emissions by 80% (compared to 1990) by 2050. A series of five-year targets are being imposed, and the UK is reportedly on target to meet the first 22% reduction by 2012.

As one of the biggest consumers of global energy, buildings as a whole are now being targeted. Research by the World Business Council for Sustainable Development has revealed that the world’s houses and office buildings consume 40% of global energy and emit the same proportion of gases. (At this point I switch the television and printer off at the plug).

Of course, all of us involved in the roofing and cladding industry may feel we have been there before. But are you aware of the series of changes to the Building Regulations Part L (in Scotland Technical Standards Part J) that are being stacked up to achieve this, with the aim of 34% reduction by 2020?

It is anticipated that by April next year the first steps will be introduced, followed by more in 2013, which is why we need to take actions now to be ready for new changes in the future.

The industry is faced with the scenario that excessive energy consumption (including CO₂ emissions) is going to be hammered by both legislative and economic pressures. As energy and CO₂ footprints become a general business issue - perhaps even taxed - building occupiers and building owners will be demanding proof of long term efficiency.

One of the main contributors to carbon emissions is air leakage from the interfaces and lap joints within many types of roofing and cladding materials, which significantly reduces the thermal efficiency of a building. At SFS intec, we have been working hard to provide the industry with warranted butyl sealants that are designed to perform to the rigorous standards demanded by the Building Regulations, with a 25 year warranty providing sustainable performance.

Similarly, in response to innovation in the building envelope, we have developed a range of bespoke austenitic stainless steel fasteners for each specific application, including composite panel, built up roofing, aluminium standing seam, single ply, and rainscreen and façades. Examples of these can be found on the products pages of this site.

As we fight to rise out of recession and strive to make measureable cost-efficiencies when it comes to commercial and other non-residential properties, it is clear that improving our installation practices and using warranted materials are central to the future of construction.