Technology building benefits from Kingspan Technical Insulation

Coventry University is laying the groundwork for future developments in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) with a new, state-of-the-art postgraduate facility, completed with a building service specification featuring premium performance Kingspan Kooltherm Pipe Insulation and Kingspan Therma Duct Insulation.

The Beatrice Shilling Building is the third collaboration between Coventry University and designers. The four-storey facility provides a range of cutting-edge facilities including a specialist rapid prototyping area, laser facility and science and technology labs. Constructed by Speller Metcalfe, the new building is linked to the undergraduate teaching block, ECB1, through a covered bridge on the third floor.

As part of its commitment to reduce its carbon emissions by 20% relative to a baseline period of 2008-9, the University has developed a sustainable building framework which focuses on full lifecycle emissions and costings for new buildings. The Beatrice Shilling Building was the first to be constructed under this framework and this contributed to the specification of over 7000 m Kingspan Kooltherm Pipe Insulation for all domestic, heating and chilled water service pipework across the building whilst 400 m2 Kingspan Therma Duct Insulation was fitted on external ductwork. The complete thermal insulation package was supplied and installed by Cilex Insulations.

With an aged thermal conductivity as low as 0.025 W/mK (at 10 °C), Kingspan Kooltherm Pipe Insulation effectively limits heat loss from system pipework with a reduced thickness than would be possible with other, lower performing materials. This design will help to limit the long-term heating energy demand and carbon footprint of the building whilst supporting a simpler lagging process for installers. Cilex Insulation’s contracts manager, Brett Carroll, explained: “We were working against a tight schedule for this project and, in addition, there was limited space between the pipework for them to be lagged. By using the Kingspan Kooltherm Pipe Insulation instead of mineral wool insulation, we were able to save some much needed space without compromising on the thermal performance. The technical support Kingspan can provide is also helpful, they are always on hand to offer advice if needed and Cilex Insulations have a good working relationship with them.”

The Kingspan Therma Duct insulation used around the external ductwork is specially designed to insulate ductwork and associated outdoor equipment operating in a temperature range of –20°C to +80°C. Its rigid design supports simple lagging processes whilst its high performance rigid insulation core allows it to deliver thermal conductivities as low as 0.022 W/mK.

Kingspan Kooltherm Pipe Insulation is manufactured under an environmental management system which is certified to ISO 14001:2015 whilst Kingspan Therma Duct insulation produced at Kingspan Insulation’s Pembridge and Selby sites is certified ‘Excellent’ under the demanding BES 6001 responsible sourcing standard. All of these factors made them an ideal fit within the full lifecycle considerations of the University’s sustainable building framework.

In addition to reducing the building’s long-term carbon footprint, Kingspan Kooltherm Pipe Insulation also provides a healthier learning environment for students. The product has been certified as Eurofins Air Comfort Gold. This harmonised standard brings together the requirements of many of the most demanding voluntary specifications in the EU, recognising it as has having low emissions of harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) – a common source of indoor air pollution. Specification of low VOC emission products within education facilities is supported as an effective route to reducing indoor air pollution within Building Bulletin 101 — Guidelines on ventilation, thermal comfort and indoor air quality in schools from the Education & Skills Funding Agency.

With Kingspan Industrial Insulation’s free Pipeline Technical Advisory Service, which can be contacted on 0808 168 7363, clear advice and guidance can be accessed at every stage in a project.

For more information visit www.kingspantechnicalinsulation.co.uk email nfo@kingspaninsulation.co.uk or call +44 (0) 1544 388 601.

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