NPL's Hotbox is key to meeting UK emissions targets

NPL's thermal performance measurement facility (known as the 'Hotbox') is helping construction companies meet government mandates to reduce carbon emissions. The recent Code for Sustainable Homes published by the government in 2006 set a target of producing zero carbon emission by 2016. It paves the way for a constant stream of legislation and regulations aimed at minimising energy from new buildings.

Approximately 45% of the UK's energy consumption goes on heating and cooling our buildings. The pressure to reduce our carbon footprint will force a change in the current approach to building design. An accurate knowledge of how efficiently building materials retain or lose heat is vital if the growing expectations of clients, consumers and government are to be met. As reported in The Engineer, soaring energy costs and the introduction of Energy Performance Certificates that allow prospective homebuyers, and soon, renters, to see a home's energy use, have once again brought insulation to the fore.

NPL has one of the UK's few state-of-the-art Hotbox facilities. It is used to measure the U-value (or thermal transmittance) o building structures, ranging from masonry walls to windows, doors, roofs and floors. Ray Williams, NPL's principal research scientist in this field believes accurate measurement of thermal performance is critical for the future success of construction companies: "The rule changes mean that anyone involved in construction needs to prove that their products and designs meet guidelines for thermal performance. If they can't, they won't be able to sell their products."

For more information, contact Ray Williams