Case Study: Thermal Performance in Historic Buildings

Revolutionising Energy Efficiency Testing in a 15-Month Renovation Project

In St Austell, Cornwall, two previously derelict stone buildings underwent extensive renovation. To assess their thermal performance both before and after renovation, a combination of traditional onsite testing and the innovative Elemental Cube™ was used to gather precise data over a 15-month period. This case study demonstrates the power of the Elemental Cube™ in providing consistent and reliable results, irrespective of weather or seasonal fluctuations.

Testing Methodology:
The project involved using gSKIN®-XO 67 7C heat flux sensors and thermocouple sensors to capture thermal data in line with the BS ISO 9869-1:2014 standards. The data was collected using gSKIN® DLOG-4231 data loggers, and the sensors were placed on-site for 2 to 3-week periods across all seasons to ensure the data was representative.

Elemental Cube™ Integration:
With the Elemental Cube™ deployed for continuous monitoring, testing continued regardless of external weather conditions, ensuring that results were accurate and consistent throughout the entire study period. The Cube provided a stable microclimate to ensure ISO 9869 standards were met, offering precise thermal data that traditional methods couldn’t match.

Key Findings:

  • Material Testing: Sheep wool, hemp wool, wood fiber, and polyisocyanurate insulation were tested, with results showing that sheep wool insulation performed similarly to polyisocyanurate insulation in a range of applications.
  • Energy Efficiency Improvement: Post-renovation, the buildings showed a remarkable 65% reduction in energy consumption, translating into significant financial savings for the occupants.

This case study highlights how the Elemental Cube™ can play a crucial role in not only verifying the performance of insulation materials but also enhancing overall energy efficiency in buildings. The continuous data collection enabled by the Cube ensured that the renovation efforts were optimized and met sustainability goals.