Amman, Jordan -- Commending Abu Dhabi's newly launched energy code, Kingspan Insulated Panels (Middle East) says companies can save even more energy and money -- and comply with green building codes -- by increasing the use of quality insulation and solar paneling to tackle greenhouse issues in the harsh Middle East climate.
Kingspan Insulated Panels Middle East general manager Ali El-Zein said in a recent statement that the Abu Dhabi Government's heightened regulations were welcomed by energy conservationists and the construction industry, suggesting the new 'Estidama Pearl Ratings ystem' and associated energy savings could be achieved through the use of quality insulation to compliment other building formats (such as building positioning) for both commercial and residential properties.
Under Abu Dhabi's new mandatory green building code, energy bills could be cut by 40 percent in new homes to be built across the Emirate. From 1 Sept, all new buildings must meet sustainability and urban design requirements to receive approval. The Urban Planning Council (UPC) uses the Estidama Pearl Rating System and says that all buildings achieve at least a one-pearl rating.
"The Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council's new code is fantastic news and something which the whole industry is keen to embrace. Both solar paneling and insulation is increasingly being more valued in this region for the significant impact to energy savings which can be achieved," said El-Zein. Kingspan is working with various Abu Dhabi institutions on a number of projects including government buildings and schools.
Kingspan's insulated panels and solar solutions have been used worldwide in retail, distribution, commercial, industrial, leisure, hospital and education projects for their valuable 'eco-performance'. Roof and wall insulation keeps buildings substantially cooler and channel airflow to decrease the dependency on air conditioning.
Kingspan said it believes strongly in a three-step process in greenhouse reduction: first make buildings energy efficient with insulation; secondly use renewable energy including photovoltaic solutions; and thirdly use resources efficiently.
Kingspan notes that its insulated panel systems offer high thermal performance and low air leakage. They offer a "particularly thermal efficient and economic method of constructing the roofs and walls of buildings," Kingspan said, commenting that they have been extensively used in refurbishment as they are ideal for re-cladding walls and roofs.
Insulated panels offer the best long-term insulation performance for lowest thickness and weight and can transform the energy efficiency of a building to current standards with immediate payback on investment.
The reason they are so effective is that high-performance insulation is an integral part of the panel system, Kingspan explains, adding that "excellent U-values (a measure of heat flow in a materials) are guaranteed."
For example, many older buildings have U-values of 0.6 W/m2.K or worse. Over-cladding with an insulated panel system that provides a U-value of 0.25 W/m2.K, will, the company notes, "offer a huge energy saving, and rapid payback on investment, as well as improving the aesthetics of the building."
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