Actis training module earns CPD certification

A training module devised by insulation specialist Actis has received official certification from the CPD Certification Service. The training module demonstrates how to comply with changes to Part L and prepare for Future Homes Standards.

Tomorrow’s Insulation Solutions for Future Homes Standards is the fourth in Actis’ series of professional CPD certified training programmes. Other sessions are the RIBA-approved CPD on addressing the performance gap with reflective insulation, a CPD module on building regulation compliance and a mini training course specially designed for use at LABC roadshows on the new SAP 10.

The new CPD, aimed at architects, specifiers, builders and building control officers, looks at how the changes will impact the industry and how to ensure professionals meet the targets laid down in the revised building regulations. The free one-hour module gives guidance on how to meet revised energy efficiency targets which see new build homes having to reduce carbon emissions by 31% over previous levels. It looks at different tactics to help achieve the greater goal of building Net Zero by 2050, such as the increased importance of having a ‘fabric first’ approach.

Amaret Chahal, Actis regional specification manager and co-author of the CPD, said: “Making sure everyone is confident in understanding the Part L changes and what it means for us to futureproof our buildings, is the main focus of this new CPD. We’ve simplified and summarised all the changes that are happening now, while making it clear that this is ultimately another stepping stone towards Future Homes Standards.

“Combining more use of efficient building technologies with a thermally sound building structure is the key to achieving lowering requirements. Reducing the need for energy in the first place is essential, which means minimising overall heat loss through thermal bridging and improving air tightness.”

The CPD will look in detail at ways to improve U-values, reduce thermal bridging, address the performance gap and improve air tightness. To ensure these changes don’t create a problem in the other direction, it will look at how to ensure there are no issues with overheating.

Chahal added: “The key way to minimise thermal bridging is to make sure insulation is continuous and has no gaps.”

“Using flexible reflective insulation, such as those in the Actis Hybrid range, including an insulated breather membrane and vapour control layer, is an excellent way of achieving this. Because Hybris doesn’t need to be cut with 100 per cent accuracy like solid insulation, it can be moulded into corners, gaps and awkward junctions, making for a snug, leak-free fit.”

The CPD will also look at SAP 10, the latest update to the Standard Assessment Procedure, which is incorporated within the revised Part L regulations and designed to ensure correct thermal modelling junctions are used. The Standard Assessment Procedure is used to work out the predicted energy use and emission rate of a dwelling. It assesses how much energy will be used, how much of it will be lost or gained, how efficient the home is at retaining heat, and ensures minimum fabric energy efficiency requirements are met.

The CPD looks at how a building’s energy efficiency is quantified by offsetting heat losses against heat gains and examines the eight areas which have been updated under the new, revised SAP 10. It highlights changes to default y-values, the removal of Accredited Construction Details (ACD’s) and reminds developers of penalties for those who don’t consider heat loss through building junctions by simply overlooking the value of having thermal modelled junctions.

This summer’s Part L changes is another step in the direction towards far more stringent energy efficiency requirements for new homes, which will be laid down under the forthcoming Future Homes Standard, expected to be in place by 2025. That in turn will play a key role in enabling the UK Construction industry to meet its 2050 net zero target.