Timber iQ August- September 2018 // Issue: 39 | Page 44

FEATURES With rising energy costs, timber structures are becoming more favourable. Continued from page 40 footprint. One sterling innovation is the use of recycled plastic bottles for insulation. Every year, millions of plastic PET bottles are thrown away into rubbish dumps and landfill sites. In addressing this major environmental problem, plastic bottles are converted into thermal insulation to be used to insulate buildings. This type of material complements the architectural and construction practice of green building by increasing the energy efficiency of buildings and reducing the impact buildings have on human health and the environment. According to ISOTHERM, thermal insulation manufacturer, such thermal insulation in ceilings, on geysers and water pipes can reduce energy consumption and cost, while regulating indoor temperatures. In accordance with the global trend to regulate the design and construction of buildings for maximum energy efficiency, South Africa has recently updated the National Building Regulation, namely SANS 10400. The new regulation stipulates that all new buildings or additions and alterations to existing buildings must comply with energy-efficient standards, including the insulation of floors, walls, windows, ceilings and roofs. DEEMED-TO-SATISFY THERMAL INSULATION REQUIREMENTS: • Non-masonry walls shall achieve a minimum total R-value of 2.2m²K/W in climatic zones 1 and 6, and in climatic zones 2, 3, 4 and 5: 1.9m²K/W. • Roof assemblies in climate zone 1 and 4 shall achieve a minimum total R-value of 3.7m²K/W; 3.5m²K/W in climatic zone 6; 3.2m²K/W in climatic zone 2 and 2.7m²K/W in climatic zones 3 and 5. DO YOU HAVE AN INNOVATIVE AND RELEVANT PRODUCT YOU WOULD LIKE FEATURED? LET US KNOW...IT'S FREE 42 AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2018 // EMAIL: [email protected] CALL: [phone]