In recent years, the construction industry has faced more pressure than ever before to adopt sustainable practices. As the world grapples with the effects of climate change, it has become clear that every sector must do its part to reduce its environmental impact. The housebuilding sector, in particular, has a significant role to play in this effort.
The construction industry is one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for nearly 40% of global carbon emissions. This is due to the energy-intensive nature of construction processes, the common use of non-renewable materials, and the long-term energy consumption of buildings. To address these challenges, we must embrace innovative sustainability practices that reduce our carbon footprint and promote environmental stewardship.
At energystore, we place huge value on sustainable innovation and are constantly looking at where improvements and developments can be made. This year we officially launched the UK’s first aerogel-based injected insulation called energystore spacebead®, which is estimated to make homes up to 20% more efficient for heating.
As we continue to urbanise and expand our towns and cities, the demand for new housing will only increase. It is crucial that we build homes that are not only affordable and comfortable but also environmentally friendly. By incorporating sustainable materials and technologies into our construction practices, we can create homes that are energy-efficient, resilient, and capable of withstanding the impacts of climate change.
Designed for widescale adoption in domestic homebuilding, spacebead® combines EPS beads, aerogel and adhesive technologies used by NASA to meet new regulations and in turn, offset the incoming price hikes being felt by the industry with new legislation coming into place.
The use of aerogels in construction has historically been limited to niche applications due to cost. However, spacebead® revolutionises the process with an industry-leading innovative approach. The patent pending injected cavity wall insulation system, spacebead® has 15% improved thermal conductivity compared to existing injected options, with a declared thermal conductivity of 0.029 W/mK.
It’s important to note that the adoption of sustainable practices in the construction industry can also drive economic growth. The development and implementation of new greener technologies requires skilled labour, which can lead to the creation of new jobs in the renewable energy and construction sectors, stimulating local economies.
However, the transition to sustainable construction practices is not without its challenges. The industry must overcome barriers such as high upfront costs, lack of awareness, and resistance to change. To address these issues, it is essential to promote education and awareness about the benefits of sustainable construction. Policymakers, industry leaders, and stakeholders must work together to create incentives and support mechanisms that encourage the adoption of green technologies and practices.
The innovation of spacebead® provides significant design benefits to housebuilders in the UK and Ireland. The system is expected to enable English housebuilders to maintain a 100mm cavity wall when the Future Homes Standard is implemented, delivering large construction cost savings and allowing for a significant number of new homes to be built. Housebuilders in the Republic of Ireland will also benefit as energystore spacebead® is the only injected insulation that meets the 0.18 U-Value backstop in a 150mm cavity wall.
spacebead® also maximises insulation performance when retrofitting existing properties. Due to the enhanced thermal conductivity of spacebead®, retrofitting homes with this system can see U-Value performance improvements of 20%+ in cavities of the same width. Maximising performance with limited cavity space will help homeowners, social and private landlords boost their EPC scores more easily.
The construction industry has a critical role to play in the fight against climate change. By embracing innovative sustainability practices, we can reduce our environmental impact, create energy-efficient homes, and drive economic growth. The introduction of products like spacebead® is a testament to the potential of sustainable innovation in the housebuilding sector. As we move forward, it is imperative that we continue to prioritise sustainability and work together to build a greener, more resilient industry.
Connor McCandless, MD at energystore