NEW Thermal bypass risks paper

Known as thermal bypass, air movement across, within and behind insulation increases heat loss, causes discomfort and enables mould growth. With the correct knowledge and skills, both in practice and onsite, failures in design and construction can be avoided and deliver buildings that perform as predicted.

Whether it’s a newbuild, a conversion or a renovation, this guide draws upon a sound evidence base which reveals simple practical steps policymakers, developers, certifiers, designers and constructors can take to create successful high-quality, high-performance and robust buildings at speed and scale to meet climate targets.

Read this paper to gain new insights, build confidence and discover how you can make informed, intelligent decisions that will:

• improve the health, well-being and energy security of building occupants and owners
• reduce carbon emissions and fuel poverty
• close performance gaps, and
• avoid costly mistakes, and?
• protect the building fabric from moisture damage

By contextualising an understanding of thermal bypass, this paper provides a comprehensive and technical demonstration of how Passivhaus reliably closes the performance gap. If thermal performance gaps are to remain within an acceptable tolerance, then continuous insulation should be encapsulated on all sides by uninterrupted, unbroken air and wind barriers.

https://bit.ly/PHTthermalbypass

This paper, published by the Passivhaus Trust, clearly explains the relevance of thermal bypass for a building's energy performance and highlights the importance of good design and on site implementation to successfully achieve wind-tight construction. The clear recommendations and easy-to-understand guidelines on how to successfully prevent thermal bypass are particularly valuable. Passive House Institute | Passivhaus Institut

As national climate strategies continue to emphasise reducing emissions from buildings, this is a useful guide for practitioners in the construction sector who are dealing with the issue of thermal bypass. The guide blends analysis of peer-reviewed research with practical guidance for those involved in building and retrofitting buildings. As a single point of reference on a complex topic, this guide will be a valuable resource for the sector as it delivers the sustainable buildings that our low emissions future demands.

The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB)

This is a thorough publication which provides technical readers with useful guidance on both the building physics background and practical implications. CIBSE welcome its contribution to the delivery of energy efficient new builds and retrofits, and to reducing risks associated with poor performance. CIBSE