Conducting a BREEAM thermographic survey can be one of the easiest and cost effective ways to generate BREEAM credits. Thermographic surveys are now a feature of BREEAM the environmental assessment method and rating system for commercial and domestic buildings. We have undertaken a large amount of thermographic surveys in compliance with the latest BREEAM schemes in London. We also work proactively with clients to ensure a successful outcome.
BREEAM New Construction and BREEAM 2012 Domestic Refurbishment award credits for thermography surveys carried out by a Level 2 certified thermography engineer – our BREEM Thermal Engineers certified to Level 3. The way each scheme works with respect to awarding points for thermography is slightly different. The very latest BREEAM 2014 UK New Construction scheme provides BREEAM credits for thermographic surveys but is in a slightly different way. A quick summary is shown below:
BREEAM 2011 Scheme for New Construction
This new BREEAM technical guide describes an environmental performance standard against which new, non-domestic buildings in the UK can be assessed, rated and certified. It grants 1 BREEAM credit for a BREEAM thermal survey as part of Man 01 Sustainable Procurement and states the following:
1. The main contractor accounts for a thermographic survey within the project budget and programme of works.
2. Once construction is complete a thermographic survey of the building fabric is undertaken in accordance with the appropriate standard and by a professional holding a valid Level 2 certificate in thermography.
3. The survey confirms:
a) Continuity of insulation in accordance with the construction drawings
b) Avoidance of excessive thermal bridging
c) Avoidance of air leakage paths through the fabric (except through intentional openings)
d) Any defects identified via the post construction inspections are rectified
The BREEAM UK New Construction 2014 Scheme describes an environmental performance standard against which new, non-domestic buildings in the UK can be assessed and achieve a BREEAM New Construction rating. Of the 4 credits available in Man 04 Commissioning and Handover, 1 BREEAM credit is available for Testing and Inspecting Building Fabric through post construction testing and inspection. The integrity of the building fabric is accessed and assured through the undertaking of a thermographic survey as well as an airtightness test, air pressure testing has engineers that hold Level 3 certification and we are UKAS accredited for Air Tightness Testing.
We have extensive experience of assessing thermal performance of many types of building. We conduct London BREEAM Thermal Surveys on large commercial buildings such as schools and residential buildings such as blocks of flats. Our main clients are architects, main contractors, developers, building control to verify new building performance and improve building comfort.
Why BREEAM Thermal Surveys are good for fault diagnosis
Infrared Thermography Surveys on Building Envelopes are incredibly useful as it provides the most rapid means to identify unintentional air leakage pathways in a building envelope.
The benefits of infrared thermography in this context are:
a. Air leakage pathways within a completed construction can be identified and rectified prior to air permeability tests, reducing the risk of repeat testing being required.
b. Depending upon the nature of the construction, even a building that meets or exceeds air tightness requirements may still be at risk of deterioration due to air leakage and subsequent condensation. Identifying where air leakage is occurring can be critical.
c. Air leakage pathways can often indicate rainwater ingress pathways adding to the potential benefits of an infrared survey.
If you would like more information in regards to BREEAM Thermography Surveys in London, please contact us now at: info@aptsoundtesting.co.uk or call Darren direct on: 07775 623464.
Alternatively if you would like more information on how to prepare you building for a BREEAM Thermal Survey please click on our Thermal Survey checklist.