Thermal performance of buildings and the management process

From the limited information that exists on the thermal performance of dwellings there is growing evidence of a significant gap between that which is predicted and the built product. Such differences between the intended and actual measured performance are not accepted nor tolerated in other industries. The differences in the performance can be considerable, with some buildings experiencing deviation from designed thermal transmittance resulting in twice the heat loss expected. This does not bode well for the industry when new dwellings are expected to achieve zero carbon standards by 2016. Although some of the problems are related to inadequate design, many are attributable to construction processes. Using the technical reports and feedback from researchers engaged in forensic investigations of building performance, this paper presents some general observations and some re-occurring problems associated with the management of the construction process. Specific areas of concern include the interface between design and construction, sequencing and planning of works, quality of workmanship and build, and lack of quality control systems. Due to current environmental and energy concerns, emphasis has been placed on improving the efficiency of the building system to ensure the gains expected are delivered. Much of this relies on the production of quality building fabrics that provide passive solutions, which maintain thermal comfort and reduce the level of service intervention.