The National Construction Code (NCC) 2022, released recently for public discussion, indicates a greater emphasis on a net zero energy building target. This target will be achieved by increasing the energy efficiency of residential buildings.
Improving the energy efficiencies of new homes can result in significant benefits including lower energy bills, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, less reliance on the energy grid and a healthier, more comfortable home for building occupants.
To achieve this target, NCC 2022 has put forward two options, both of which focus on increasing the level of thermal comfort of new homes to a minimum 7 Stars Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS).
Multiple factors can ultimately contribute to an increase in star rating including building orientation, construction materials, design features and insulation. Using a high performing insulation such as Kingspan Kooltherm K17 insulated plasterboard can increase the thermal performance of a home, resulting in a higher energy efficiency star rating.
Kooltherm K17 is a high performance, closed cell phenolic foam insulation with a fibre-free core. While installation is similar, K17 has almost twice the thermal performance of a standard batt and is extremely easy to work with. Kingspan Kooltherm K17 will help achieve a 7 Star NatHERS rating, while maintaining original frame thickness along with reducing the amount of double glazing needed.
Using Kooltherm K17 in new residential buildings will help achieve a 7 Star NatHERS rating without the need to install additional insulation, alter design features or change other building elements such as glazing performance.
To achieve the new 7 Star NatHERS rating outlined by the draft proposal, NCC 2022 will require the application of higher performing advanced insulation systems. To find out how Kingspan Kooltherm K17 will help you meet these provisions, get in touch.
