Achieving sustainable futures with thermal imaging
In 2021, the UK Government was the first major economy to pass a net zero emissions law, with a commitment to reduce all greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050. A major part of this is to be achieved through improvements in energy consumption within the built environment.
The energy used to heat the spaces we live and work in is one of the highest contributors to our individual carbon footprints. Globally, heat accounts for nearly half of all energy consumption and 40% of energy-related carbon dioxide emissions.
The carbon footprint of heating, however, is only one half of the story. In order to create a sustainable future, our homes and buildings need to be heated efficiently. This means trapping in the heat we generate instead of allowing it to leak out.
Whilst considerable efforts have been made towards constructing thermally efficient buildings (along with retrofitting older building stock), there is still no mechanism to provide verifiable evidence as to the actual performance of a building. Far too often there are discrepancies between what’s been designed and what’s been built, in turn creating large performance gaps through all stages of the building life cycle.
Thermal imaging is a technique that uses heat-sensitive cameras to detect subtle differences in temperature and is a non-destructive method for assessing heat loss in residential and commercial buildings. As an inspection tool, thermal imaging is able to accurately pinpoint areas for improvement as well as being able to monitor the effectiveness of any remedial works.
Despite numerous initiatives attempting to reduce energy consumption, energy use in buildings has grown continuously over the past 20 years. In order to achieve a net zero economy, it’s now paramount that innovative technologies such as thermal imaging are employed on a global scale to ensure decarbonisation by 2050.
Achieving a sustainable future means developing and retrofitting buildings to meet the needs of today, without compromising the needs of the future. With the global thermal imaging market expected to reach £11.3 billion by 2026 (Global Market Insights, 2019), iRed® is proud to be at the forefront of industry, pioneering new techniques for innovative technologies in an effort to revolutionise the inspection industry and move the global economy to net zero emissions.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
ECA Industry Awards 2024 shortlist revealed
22 leading businesses from across the electrotechnical and engineering services sector.
Government unveils Skills England strategy
Skills England to transform opportunities and drive growth.
New Government Hub for York Given Planning Green Light
For up to 2,600 civil servants, due for completion by 2028.
Construction Skills Certification Scheme cards
July update on Professionally Qualified and Academically Qualified Person Cards.
BSRIA Briefing 2024, November 22
Sustainable Futures: Redefining Retrofit for Net Zero Living.
The CLC on driving competency in the retrofit sector
Previously published roadmap on skills for net zero.
The first labour government King's speech in fifteen years
Construction industry reactions, support and some concern.
CIOB Retrofit of Buildings Technical Information Sheet
What retrofit is, the approach to be taken and processes to be followed.
Adapting Historic Buildings for Energy and Carbon Efficiency
Historic England advice note 18, free download published.
10 retrofit projects revisited 10 years after completion.
Information orders, building liability orders and SPVs
Key BSA terms and how they impact special purpose vehicles.
Listed despite problems with its design.
Zen and the art of cycling exploration.
Design Council Homes Taskforce launched
To support government 1.5 million homes target within UK climate commitments.