Looking for a 100% recyclable insulation material? Look no further than JACKODUR® range of extruded polystyrene insulation. 

As the world becomes increasingly aware of the need for sustainable building practices, JACKODUR® can help raise the sustainable rating of a building as a fully recyclable high performance insulation material.

Manufactured from extruded polystyrene foam (XPS), the JACKODUR® range is designed for all construction applications, ranging from floor slabs to walls, where insulation is a key requirement. 

Here are just a few of the benefits of insulation with JACKODUR®:

Fully Recyclable

JACKODUR® is made from XPS (extruded polystyrene), which is a 100% recyclable material. Waste and reject of XPS can be recycled and put back into the manufacturing process. JACKODUR® insulation is made from up to 50% recyclable or non-fossil raw materials. It does not contain any harmful chemicals, making it a safe choice for any building development.

Thermal Performance

JACKODUR® offers superb thermal insulation properties from λD=0.027W/(mK). JACKODUR® is available in various thicknesses and edge finishes with a smooth or textured surface. 

Durability

JACKODUR® is designed to be long-lasting, ensuring maximum efficiency for decades. Unlike some traditional insulation materials, it does not lose its insulating properties over time. It is load bearing with compressive strengths ranging from 300 to 700kPa, dimensionally stable, resistant to frost/thaw changes and rot-proof. 

Waterproof

Unlike some traditional insulation materials, which can become damaged or lose their insulating properties when exposed to water or moisture, JACKODUR® remains unaffected by water. The XPS close cell structure does not allow water penetration, making it an ideal insulation material for areas that may be prone to moisture, such as basements, bathrooms or other areas that are at risk of water intrusion. Additionally, it helps prevent the growth of mould or mildew, which can be hazardous to human health.

In conclusion, JACKODUR® is an exceptional insulation material that offers a wide range of benefits. Its energy efficiency, durability, recyclability, waterproof characteristic, and cost-effectiveness make it an excellent choice for building professionals who are seeking to reduce the environmental impact while ensuring quality insulation. By choosing JACKODUR®, you can enjoy the benefits of a high-performing insulation material that is also environmentally responsible.

Ultimately, when choosing the right bracing system for your project it is important to remember and consider the reasons why it is essential that a bracing system is used. With any ICF installation the bracing system will ensure straight and plumb walls while preventing failure of the formwork, provided they are fitted and used correctly.

There are multiple options available when it comes to choosing the right bracing system for your ICF (Insulated Concrete Formwork) project. Sometimes it depends on your preferred supplier of ICF, or it could be down to the contractor’s preference. Whatever your reason for choosing the ‘Bracing System’ the requirement for it remains the same. 

The different styles of system available, without going into detail on all the different types, can be put into two main categories, metal and timber. Both types have their own pros and cons, at JACKON by BEWI we would always recommend using a metal system. 

Some of the reasons why are as follow:

• They tend to be stronger and will last longer than timber when it comes to repeated use.
• They are more reliable and will provide a greater level of consistency compared to timber which could warp and twist when left exposed to the elements. 
• They are easier to adjust and align once concrete has been poured and due to its increased strength can therefore be safer to adjust. 

These benefits along with others help ensure the straightest possible walls are created in an efficient and timely manner without increased pressure on the workforce. Some of the metal systems will also provide a safe working platform to allow access to the top of the walls to help with pouring the concrete at a safe height without the need for further scaffolding. 

So, how do they work and what do they provide?

The bracing systems will provide you with an easily adjustable system that will plumb your walls as soon as the concrete is poured while maintaining a tolerable level. They also provide support for the poured concrete, as it cures, against lateral loads, wind and other conditions until the concrete has achieved enough strength to stand on its own. 

How to Install the Bracing System. 

The general rules when installing any bracing system will usually follow the same steps and processes. 

The bracing is usually installed after the 3^rd course of ICF has been stacked and will be positioned 1200mm to 1800mm apart with support being provided with 600mm of any corner. The spacings should be checked and be in line with manufacturers specifications. Additional support should also be considered when it comes to every door and window opening. Although all bracing systems are installed on the inside of the structure, in some cases additional support may be required externally when it comes to openings, corners, and T-sections of walls. 

The bracing systems should be mechanically fixed to each course of ICF and then also the floor. Depending on the bracing system the location of the fixings should be done in a way that adjustment can easily be made if required. If adjustments need to be made, make sure they are done as you go to prevent forgetting later. It is vital that the diagonal section of the bracing is suitably fixed and secured during this process with care being taken to the location so that access is clear and easy for adjusting once the concrete has been poured. 

Once all bracing has been installed and before you pour the concrete, a string line should be placed at the top of the wall to allow for plumbing and checking straightness. We would recommend adjusting the bracing prior to pouring concrete so that the system is approx. 5mm out of plumb with wall sections falling inward. This is because the walls will move slightly when concrete is poured, and it tends to be easier to push a wall to plumb rather than pull. 

The above process is just a brief guide, and all bracing systems should be installed as per the bracing system and ICF manufacturers guidelines. 

As the concrete pour itself is probably the most important part of the build process, and if you are a newbie to the ICF world, it is worth having an experienced professional complete a pre-pour check to make sure all guidelines have been followed, and remember, there’s no such thing as too much support!!

For a more in-depth guide into installing ICF bracing check out the link to our preferred system PLUMWALL for the step-by-step instructions and video tutorial.

The most energy-efficient homes may be built and designed using these 12 combined processes that use readily available building supplies and equipment as well as simple building techniques. Affordable zero-energy buildings are the pinnacle of energy efficiency. We can help create low-energy buildings that require less demand from the grid that are future homes standard ready for 2025.

The following techniques can help you create a new home that will be less expensive to own and build.

Start With Smart Design

Building a net-zero home involves a number of energy efficiency procedures, all of which should be understood by designers, architects, builders, and potential homeowners. Additionally, the residence should be planned such that contractors and builders may carry out these actions as cheaply as feasible. Builders should ask architects to pay special attention to a number of design criteria. These crucial elements won’t be overlooked thanks to a thorough collaboration between the builder and designer.

Solar Tempering By Using The Sun

During the winter, and using south-facing windows for solar heating reduces the need for heating. Summer cooling expenditures can be reduced by shading the same windows. Solar tempering attempts to maximise this passive utilisation of solar energy without adding more thermal mass at a higher cost than necessary to achieve optimal passive solar heating. When designing you should take solar tempering into consideration.

Use Energy Modelling To Optimise

To ensure that the aim of net-zero energy can be accomplished while keeping costs low, the energy use of the home should be evaluated during the design process using energy modelling software. To combine building performance and construction cost, design decisions can be made or amended based on the results.

Completely Seal The Building’s Perimeter.

The single most economical step builders can take to increase the energy efficiency of an airtight home is ensuring a thermally efficient envelope. BEWI’s ICF range alongside high-quality doors and windows can achieve airtightness of passive standard and lower.

Increase Building Envelope Insulation

The next most economical method for building an airtight home, after making the house airtight, maybe to super-insulate the house, and BEWI Building Systems include the ICF system THERMOMUR® and the insulated concrete raft system JACKODUR® ATLAS of which both systems are designed for the rapid construction of highly thermally efficient buildings, with market leading airtightness and excellent acoustic insulation. As previously said, energy modelling can assist you in achieving the ideal insulation levels for the ceiling, walls, and floors. Pick frame techniques that reduce thermal bridging and make it simpler to insulate the building envelope.

Use Windows and Doors that are Highly Insulated

Windows and doors are the third most cost-effective way to make a house more energy efficient because they act as large energy holes in an airtight, well-insulated building shell. By choosing the right window and door components, properly placing them, and maximising their size and orientation you can reduce heat loss and gain through windows and doors.

Establish a Reliable Fresh Air Supply

Since net-zero energy homes are so airtight, maintaining a constant supply of clean, filtered air and managing moisture levels are essential to their performance. One benefit of this ventilation requirement is that air-tight homes are cosier and healthier than conventional dwellings. High energy-efficiency ventilation systems, sometimes referred to as energy recovery ventilation (ERV) or heat recovery ventilation (HRV) systems, remove stale air while recovering its heat and reintroducing that heat to the house with the new air.

Decide on a System for Heating and Cooling that Uses Less Energy

Airtight homes work hand in hand with more modern methods of heating and ventilation, due to the lower levels of heat loss achieved via great air tightness. A heating system is not looked at as the main heating system anymore but as a supplementary back up you can also make the most of this with advancing technologies like heat pumps and infrared.

Carefully Heat Water

After heating and cooling, the cost of heating the water in a home is sometimes the highest. In order to reduce the amount of hot water used, it is crucial for architects and builders to choose and locate effective water heating technology, utilising technologies that work in conjunction with solar. Battery storage is a great way of reducing DHW (Domestic Hot Water) costs.

Adopt Energy-Effective Lighting

Air-tight homes must optimise lighting for residents while minimising energy consumption for lighting. These tasks are a good fit for LED lighting. They last a lot longer than Compact Fluorescent Lighting (CFLs), use less energy, and don’t contain mercury. Additionally, they can provide a range of lighting requirements, from intense white light to gentle, warm light. A home’s energy use can be significantly decreased by choosing the best LED lights for the job, placing lights in strategic locations, and making the most of natural light.

Choose Energy-Efficient Electronics and Appliances

Air-tight homes use high-efficiency HVAC and hot water equipment and have extremely energy-efficient building shells, the largest category of energy consumption in airtight homes is now appliances and electronics. As a result, the final stage in reducing home energy use is choosing high-efficiency devices and appliances.

Use Renewable Energy from the Sun

Grid-tied solar photovoltaic (PV) panels in conjunction with battery storage and a building design that has been carefully calculated to keep electrical loadings low are the most efficient and economical ways to power an airtight home. They may supply all the energy requirements of a house, including hot water, appliances, lighting, heating, and cooling systems.

For more information on how to make your home energy-efficient with BEWI’s Insulative Building Systems get in contact with one of our experts today.

What Are Accreditations?

Accreditations are awards or seals of approval that demonstrate a specific company adherence to protocols and systems. They also indicate that the company is competent and reliable. We have received numerous accreditations, as we adhere to the highest industry standards and are committed to providing our clients with the best possible service.

What Is A Trade Association?

A trade association, also known as an industry association, is a membership organisation that promotes and protects the interests of a certain trade. They offer their members specialised services, such as customised insurance, legal counsel, group training, and more.

We are a proud member of many trade associations around the world, including the Construction Products Association, PlasticsEurope, the association of plastic manufacturers, and many more. These trade associations allow us to stay up-to-date on the latest industry news, regulations, and more. We are able to offer our members the best possible service by being a part of these important organisations.

There are many benefits to being a member of a trade association, such as access to specialised services, group discounts, and more. Members have access to exclusive deals on products and services, as well as customised insurance plans that are designed specifically for members.

Why Are Accreditations Important?

They are greatly regarded by businesses. They are symbols of honour displayed with pride on metaphorical shirt sleeves. You may get a general idea of a company’s culture and human resources policies through organisations like Investors in People or TopEmployers Institute. After that, accreditations unique to a given trade must be obtained.

A flood of abbreviations, acronyms, and emblems claiming that you are in the hands of a reliable business or person might make it seem like a bit of a minefield. Let’s examine a few of the most well-known and what they might reveal about a company.

Which Accreditations Should My Project Look Out For?

ISO, or International Organisation for Standardisation, is a global federation that consists of 110 national standard bodies that regulate quality. It aims to encourage growth within manufacturing, trade, and communication businesses.

The accreditation ISO 9001 demonstrates our ability to consistently provide products and services that meet customer and applicable statutory and regulatory requirements and aims to enhance customer satisfaction through the effective application of the system, including processes for improvement of the system and the assurance of conformity to customer and applicable statutory and regulatory requirements. All the requirements of ISO 9001 are generic and are intended to be applicable to any organisation, regardless of its type or size, or the products and services it provides.

It is the gold standard for quality management. A company must therefore show that it has the capacity to monitor processes, how it executes and manages quality, and what steps it takes to promote continuous improvement. An organisation’s quality management system will undergo an on-site audit and, if found to fulfil the necessary criteria, will be certified with ISO 9001.

An organisation’s dedication to continuous improvement in energy management is demonstrated by ISO 50001 certification, which enables them to set the bar high within its respective industries and guarantee compliance with all relevant legal and regulatory standards.

ISO 14001 is a member of the ISO 14000 family of international standards, which offers recommendations for organisations aiming to manage their environmental effect. The framework is intended to assess and enhance how businesses utilise and dispose of natural resources as well as cut back on greenhouse gas emissions.

The standard is generic, which means it can be used by businesses of any size and in any sector. The standard is appropriate for anyone from a large business, trying to reduce waste, to a tiny office expecting to consume less gas and energy. A firm’s dedication to the environment and a more responsible, effective use of the planet’s resources are demonstrated by an ISO 14001 accreditation.

An organisation must prove its dedication to reducing negative environmental effects in order to receive this award. Providing proof of ongoing environmental management improvement. Complying with all applicable environmental laws.

Accreditations Overall

The assurance that clients will receive services up to a standard of excellence that an accrediting authority can certify should be provided by these programmes, in principle. thereby putting a business on an equal footing with or putting it above its rivals. There is a suitable accreditation or membership plan available, regardless of whether a client chooses procurement, quality, health & safety, or a combination of these.

Which Trade Associations Should My Company Look Out For?

Plastics Europe is a prominent trade organisation in Europe, that has offices in Brussels, Frankfurt, London, Madrid, Milan, and Paris. With more than 100 member companies that produce more than 90% of all polymers across the 27 member states of the European Union, plus Norway, Switzerland, Turkey, and the United Kingdom, they collaborate with national and European plastics organisations. Plastics Europe actively backs the World Plastics Council (WPC) and the Worldwide Plastics Alliance on a global scale (GPA).

Plastics Europe believes that plastics are key materials in innovation and for helping us reduce greenhouse gas emissions and tackle climate change, and they are working towards a positive future that brings to life the responsible actions, partnerships, and innovations the European plastics industry is making.

The Construction Products Association (CPA) is the leading organisation that represents and champions construction product manufacturers and suppliers. Members of this association reap the benefits of CPA coordinating with members and the larger construction industry to reach a consensus on significant issues, tracking and advising on government policies and regulations, working with decision-makers to develop effective, evidence-based policies and solutions and representing our members at industry-wide gatherings and events.

Members of this association believe in creating a high-performing UK manufacturing sector and world-class construction industry. CPA is product-neutral and supports all materials equally and represents the construction products sector as a whole. They create believable, workable solutions that are supported by data and research. Members share the belief in thoughtful, successful regulations that are transparent, goal-driven, and offer long-term predictability, instead of using restrictive, “tick-box” procurement criteria, innovation should be promoted, promote formal, accessible standards that are open to everybody and benefit all.

CPA is dedicated to making sure that sustainability contributes to the desirable built environment in the UK and supports a robust manufacturing and distribution industry.

Operation Clean Sweep (OCS) is an international programme created to prevent resin pellet, flake, and powder loss and to help keep this material out of the marine environment. It is a stewardship programme run by the Plastics Industry Association(PLASTICS).

Each sector of the plastics business, including resin makers, transporters, bulk terminal operators, recyclers, and plastics processors, has a responsibility to play by putting excellent housekeeping and pellet, flake, and powder containment policies into effect.

In order to help the industry to implement appropriate housekeeping and pellet containment practices in an effort to achieve zero pellets, flake, and powder discharge, PLASTICS developed and introduced the Operation Clean Sweep®programme. They pledged to collaborate with international groups to address the problem of marine waste.

The National Custom and Self-Build Association (NaCSBA) is the only organisation in the UK that works solely to advocate for legislation that would make custom-build and self-build more widely available. As a non-profit organisation, financial independence guarantees that they have a distinct voice when campaigning.

In addition to promoting members through their Members Directory and the Code of Practice that all NaCSBA commercial members agree to, they aim to expand the sector and all of its advantages.

Trade Associations Overall

Trade Associations’ Code of Practice gives customers peace of mind when looking for businesses to assist them in their self-build endeavours by providing assurance that their top option is a tried-and-true operator operating in the industry.

We hope this blog has enlightened you on trade associations and accreditations regarding their importance, what they do and how they award reliable businesses such as BEWI.

Everyone is becoming more conscious of the importance of energy transition in light of climate change, and many have turned to the development of energy efficiency within their homes as the first step to becoming environmentally responsible in order to help climate change. However, whilst most so-called energy-efficient homes developed and built today may have the greatest intentions, they frequently make the same errors.

1. Placing a Priority on Technology

Focusing primarily on the building envelope is the most straightforward, dependable and efficient strategy for increasing energy efficiency. BEWI’s Building Systems include the ICF system THERMOMUR® and the insulated concrete raft system JACKODUR® ATLAS, both of which are designed for the rapid construction of highly thermally efficient buildings. They are both market-leading products which help achieve excellent airtightness and acoustic insulation. You should make sure that the homes you build are airtight; with an emphasis on Thermal Bridging. Thermal bridging is an area of a building which has a significantly higher heat transfer than the surrounding area or materials, making the building much less energy-efficient. You must ensure that the insulation is thick and continues throughout the house. These elements should be a priority before upgrading heating systems or water heaters, the equipment required to provide energy is reduced, i.e instead of a 16kw heat pump, you may only need a 9kw heat pump.

2. Focus on Insulation

Before Air Sealing or Without Providing outstanding airtightness is perhaps the absolute most effective way to achieve energy efficiency. JACKODUR® is a premium range of extruded polystyrene insulation, it includes the best-in-class thermal properties and is best for the job. When heating or cooling, an airtight structure uses less energy, maintains constant, level temperatures throughout and keeps moisture-laden air from getting into the building assembly. A good design is a foundation for exceptional airtightness and field implementation of that design must be done correctly. An airtight building benefits from an appropriate ventilation plan. The temperature should be managed and fresh air must come from a purposefully controlled source (refined fresh air instead of leaks in the building structure); this can be achieved using (HVAC) either heat recovery or demand-controlled ventilation.

3. Neglecting the Blower Door Test

Property developers should do a blower door test. There is no alternative method to assess whether a structure is airtight besides this easy, affordable test. A blower door, which is a type of large fan, is used to pressurise and depressurise a building inorder to locate leaks and gauge their size. Unfortunately, very few structures perform a blower door test while they are being built and therefore the air leakage rate is much higher than it could be.

4. Ignoring the Orientation of the Sun

You should design homes so that it takes advantage of the sun’s energy. The sun can help us heat our homes for free, as long as we plan for it properly. This means making sure the properties you build have the right kind of shade and that you size your window area correctly for different orientations. You must be careful to design with Part 0 of building regs in mind, which takes into consideration overheating within dwellings. For highly glazed units this can be achieved with external shading or by reducing the amount of glazed areas.

5. Not Doing a Shading Study

The majority of locations are covered by buildings and trees at specific times of the year and day. In order to accurately forecast how shading would affect the building, this information must be appropriately identified. To provide this information, simple instruments and software are available.

6. Choosing the Incorrect Type of Glass

One of a building’s most crucial elements is its windows. They have a significant impact on how a location feels and offer views, lighting, ventilation and other advantages. The choice of windows and glass can be difficult and daunting and choosing the incorrect glass might have serious repercussions. The correct windows and glass may enhance a building’s beauty and performance while also providing outstanding comfort.

7. Ignoring the Source and Impact of Materials

It’s crucial to actually understand the origins and effects of the materials we choose in the effort to construct an energy-efficient structure. Numerous supposedly high-efficiency materials really have a considerably greater detrimental impact on the environment than positive effects. This is why it is important to use a sustainable supplier for building materials, giving you the sustainable, low-energy future of construction, today. BEWI designed its product range to help you move towards zero energy construction, whether you are building a house from scratch or just fitting out a new room. BEWI are committed to innovative, energy-efficient products and environmentally friendly operations this including manufacturing, distribution, product use, waste management and recycling.

8. Setting Ineffective Goals

When faced with a challenge during the process, it can be simple to compromise if adequate goals aren’t defined upfront. Although rating systems and certificates aren’t always ideal, they can aid in properly directing a project in the face of difficulty.

9. Not Completing an Energy Model

Without an accurate energy model, everything is just conjecture. Including an energy model in the design, phase is the greatest approach to comprehending how design choices will affect the final product. An effective energy model can be utilised as another tool throughout the design process.

10. Ignoring the Architecture

It could be argued that great architecture that is thermally uncomfortable and inefficient does not make good architecture. The sole focus also cannot be on energy efficiency. Beautiful, thermally comfortable and energy-efficient spaces are the goal; anything less is no longer acceptable.

To avoid these typical mistakes with your energy-efficient home get in contact with us today!

BEWI is Europe’s leading sustainable building materials source. BEWI’s factories are managed to the highest European standards for quality, energy, and environmental compliance. In addition, BEWI insulation products are designed to reduce the energy requirements of any building throughout its lifetime and therefore contribute significantly to a reduction in global warming. BEWI is the perfect choice for sustainable construction projects.

Sustainable Construction Material Manufacturing

In this blog post, we will explore BEWI’s sustainable construction materials that can be used to reduce the carbon footprint of buildings. Construction companies have a huge environmental impact, so it is important to find ways to offset this and become more sustainable by looking into the manufacturing process and how sustainable their operations are, as well as the material itself.

Our Environmental Pledge

We are an ISO 14001 accredited company. This indicates that our manufacturing facilities are now identifying and minimising waste by emphasising more suitable renewable energy sources and energy-saving techniques that produce a more sustainable and effective organisation, using less and saving more.

This certification validates the continuous improvement culture BEWI has adopted. Because it requires ongoing evaluations to keep environmental considerations at the forefront of everything you do, implementing the ISO 14001 framework into our organisation is not a one-time endeavour.

Our Manufacturing Process

Our extruded polystyrene (XPS) is made using a continuous extrusion method with electricity as the primary power source. Polystyrene granules are melted in an extruder, and a blowing agent is then injected into the extruder at high pressure. When the pressure drops at the exit die, the polystyrene foams, forming a board with a uniform and closed cell structure.

After trimming the boards’ edges, the product is cut to size. For specific board types, the smooth foam skin produced by the extrusion process is mechanically removed in order to improve the adhesive strength when used in conjunction with, for example, concrete, mortar, or construction adhesives. Some boards receive special surface patterns or grooves.

The majority of the off-grade or production-scrap material used in the production of XPS foam is recycled. And many of the manufacturing facilities have ISO 9001 certification. ISO 9001 is a certification given to a business when they demonstrate that their organisation is customer-focused and committed to delivering high quality services.

Our Packaging

The polyethylene-based packaging film is recyclable and is actually recycled in those countries with a return system. It is important to provide recyclable packaging for products, especially those used in construction, which require protection to not be damaged during transportation, preserve and enhance the products, display important information, and act as a marketing tool.

Today, BEWI is among the top producers of extruded polystyrene (XPS) products, providing construction and industrial users with the highest levels of insulation effectiveness and cost savings. As one of our clients, you may put your trust in our in-depth production knowledge and depend on our wide selection of products for environmentally responsible thermal insulation solutions, both for construction applications and for many other uses.

Considerations

In a world that is demanding more and more energy, it is vital to help reduce the demand on electrical generation and the network infrastructure. One way to do this is to design and build more sustainably, thinking well beyond the initial construction phase and throughout the lifecycle of the structure, whilst being sensitive to the environment and local eco-systems. 

To do this we need to look at building performance over the planned lifecycle – how well will each structure perform when built? Does it meet the planned targets for heat loss and energy efficiency and how will this model look 100+ years from now? 

Unlike other Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), ICF is unique in that its thermal performance will not change over its lifecycle, being unharmed by rot, seasonal fluctuations or rodent attack. The structural and thermal integrity will remain high for generations to come. 

Parameters for ICF energy demand

ICF is often considered alongside other MMCs, predominantly timber frame. Timber frame design will generally achieve very low U-values. The problem is that only the highest rated component in the wall – the insulation itself – is the main component that performs at these stated U-values. 

However, this type of construction may give the homeowner certain issues and problems which they would not have with a new home built using mainly masonry materials.

Durability

MMC timber frame components are preservative treated. However, this is only fully effective if the timber is not drilled or cut. Site alteration dictates that this is inevitable and these areas would require additional treatment to maintain the long-term protection of the timber components.

Timber is vulnerable to both wet and dry rot and attack from a variety of insects and vermin.

Energy efficiency

New homes built using timber frame are generally very energy efficient. Thick thermal insulation is placed between the inner leaf studs, resulting in only the air in the home being heated. The building inner block wall of a cavity-insulated masonry construction would also warm up, creating a thermal store. Timber frame homes are subject to overheating during the summer months.

Noise

The basic rule is that mass helps to reduce the overall transmission of noise. A wall constructed using concrete blocks will have approximately 50% greater sound insulation due to its much higher mass than an insulated timber stud wall. Noise is one of the most common complaints from homeowners in timber frame dwellings.

ICF Construction

ICF comes as two variations, Woodcrete (where the external and internal forms are made with recycled wood to create the ICF form) and EPS where we use ‘expanded polystyrene’ and both can offer excellent levels of acoustic performance, thermal performance and air tightness. 

ICF is branded as having a thermal mass due to the concrete core. However, this is only true with Woodcrete as the inner skin is breathable. Woodcrete will act as a thermal mass – meaning some of the energy created will be absorbed into the walls. This will have an impact on heat up and cool down times and the controllability of the system design will be compromised. 

EPS has two continuous layers of insulation both internally and externally. EPS reflects the heat created, meaning little or no energy is absorbed into the concrete core. This means that the heat up times and controllability are not compromised. The result is less energy being required to achieve comfort levels, with both heating and cooling demands reduced. 

ICF buildings consistently get results of 0.5 to 1.5 ACH₅₀, largely depending on the roof type and wallplate detail. Most air infiltration in an ICF home is through a conventional roof and around windows and doors, so attention to these areas is critical.

All of the above vastly affect the mechanical infrastructure. Choosing ICF will help reduce the energy requirements and demand, which will also reduce the capacity of equipment required.

ICF

Insulated concrete forms (ICFs) are construction materials made from concrete sandwiched between two layers of insulation. ICFs are a low-energy option because they have a high thermal mass, which means they absorb and store heat well. This makes them ideal for low-energy buildings, as they can help regulate indoor temperatures and reduce heating and cooling costs. Insulated Concrete Formwork offers a low carbon, environmentally friendly, quick build technique without compromise, producing high performance homes.

Heating systems in ICF dwellings  

It is clear from anecdotal evidence that many ICF domestic dwellings in the UK have had heating systems over-specified due to a lack of understanding of the thermal properties of this MMC.

For the fortunate owners/occupants of ICF dwellings, the general consensus is that very high levels of comfort have been achieved, due to the smoothing out of extreme swings in ambient temperatures that occur for a number of days, without a marked difference in internal comfort conditions. 

Heat Pumps

Ground source heat pumps are the most efficient of all heat pumps because they extract energy from the ground where temperatures are more stable and consistent than outside air. If there is sufficient available ground area, relatively close to the dwelling and heat pump plantroom, this is the favourable option for collecting the low-grade heat. An alternative option is to use bore holes, the number and depth being dependent on the heat demand within the dwelling. 

Air Source Heat Pumps can be a more cost-effective option as the heat requirement within ICF dwellings is very low. The efficiency, quietness and overall performance has vastly improved in recent years due to advancements in technology and refrigerants. 

Other alternatives to traditional water-based heating systems include the use of Far Infrared heating systems such as NEXGEN Heating. These heating systems operate very quickly on demand and the Graphene film heats solid objects, not the air, so a feeling of warmth/heat is experienced very quickly. Operating at approximately half the electrical energy requirement for direct electric systems, it is an excellent option for EPS ICF and can be installed for a fraction of the cost of a traditional wet system. 

MVHR

Mechanical Ventilation Heat Recovery is a method of providing controlled levels of continuous fresh air into a dwelling that is heated, when required, by the warm, moist and stale air extracted from the kitchen and bath/shower rooms. These systems are only effective when high levels of airtightness are achieved by the method and integrity of the construction.

Uncontrolled ventilation (Infiltration – otherwise known as draughts) can account for 30% or more of the total heat loss from a dwelling. The introduction of fresh air and air movement is vital to an airtight property. Very high levels of airtightness can be achieved in ICF construction, due to the simplicity and integrity of the structure, with little or no thermal bridging assisted by very high tolerances of other components, such as windows.

MVHR can improve Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) reduce allergic reactions to dust, eliminate condensation and mould growth and should be considered as an integral part of the mechanical services design package during the planning stages. It’s very important to ensure the system is commissioned correctly to ensure correct installation.

An emerging alternative to MVHR is ‘Demand Controlled Ventilation’. This technology provides good IAQ by modulating airflow on a room by room basis based on demand, keeping the humidity at an optimum level (between 40-60%, typically at 50%). This whole house system is on average half the cost of MVHR as it requires much less infrastructure. The primary energy is also lower and this has a positive impact on efficiency and SAP.

Hot water

The design of a hot water system is determined by a number of factors, which include occupancy levels, the number of hot water outlets and the periods and frequency of maximum demand. There are alternative methods of hot water production which include stand-alone hot water cylinders heated with a mini heat pump, which extract waste heat from bathrooms and kitchens and use it to kickstart a mini refrigerant circuit on top of the cylinder, producing high levels of hot water at very low running costs. 

Other options include products like Sunamp Heat Batteries. These units are approximately half the size of the equivalent capacity standard hot water cylinder and operate by melting and solidifying a phase change material (PCM) to absorb and give up heat. Mains water is heated by passing it through the PCM, solidifying the liquid and absorbing the latent heat.

The key to ensuring very low energy consumption for comfort heating and hot water is ensuring that the construction meets the design criteria. ‘Fabric First’ is the golden rule before thinking about the mechanical services. 

A Solar Photo-Voltaic/battery system will be most effective when meeting the very low energy demands created by a thermally efficient and air-tight dwelling. 

Glenn Kiely, Business Development Manager, Building Systems, BEWI (UK)

Living in an ICF house – Nick Welch 

Having lost our family home to fire in December 2018, we had the opportunity to rethink how our new home would be built. I had a very good understanding of the features and benefits of ICF as a modern method of construction and jumped at the suggestion by our builder, who suggested ICF for the rebuild.

I specified the mechanical services package, which was to include an ASHP, MVHR, UFH, Solar PV and in some areas, Nexgen Far Infrared heating.

The heating/cooling smoothing effect of the ICF, in response to any sudden large swings in ambient temperatures, enabled the design of the heating system to meet design room temperatures at the average minimum temperature of 9°C and not the minimum design temperature of -1.6°C for our area in North Devon.

I was entirely confident that the ICF would give a heating/cooling profile that would meet these design criteria.

For a build of 288m², the specification included the installation of a 5kW Vaillant Arotherm Plus Air Source Heat Pump, UFH in the main living areas comprising 2 zones with 2 Programmable Thermostats (no heating on the mezzanine and the loft room office), four bedrooms – all on one zone, controlled with one programmable thermostat, electric only towel warmers, thermostatically controlled, along with single NEXGEN heating panels applied to the ceilings in 3 shower rooms and one main bathroom.

The lounge/dining area has a wood burner with an output greater than the heat loss for the whole house (7kW), which covers the shortfall when temperatures drop to very low single figures or below freezing for extended periods of time.

The concept was to achieve comfort conditions across the whole of the ground, first and mezzanine level, aided by the 24/7 operation of the MVHR system, with minimum heat/energy input and without the requirement for multiple zones and thermostats. 

Hot water has been produced largely through an export capture device (Solar iBoost), which has resulted in the heat pump not operating since March for hot water demand.

Having been living in our new home for almost two years, the results have been extraordinary. Levels of comfort are very high and the warmth and freshness of the indoor environment is literally a breath of fresh air.

My wife is particularly pleased because all the indoor plants are thriving at levels not seen before in our previous home.

Nick Welch, October 2022