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The importance of airtightness in low energy buildings
March 2023 – Information Sheet 12
Building thermal efficiency, air leakage, thermal bridging and condensation control are inter-connected and optimising thermal performance of a building requires a holistic approach and cannot be addressed on a piecemeal basis. If you don’t reduce air infiltration you cannot optimise thermal performance nor control condensation because air leakage is 100 times more important for carrying moisture into a building element than moisture permeability of building components! -
Energy efficiency provisions in the NCC 2022 and recommendations for NCC 2025
March 2023 – Information Sheet 11
In 2021 AMBA recommended a series of energy efficiency performance recommendations for consideration by the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) in the development of the National Construction Code (NCC) 2022. This information sheet provides a summary of the actual changes to the energy efficiency provisions in the NCC 2022 and AMBA recommendations for the NCC 2025. -
Polyurethane insulation and fire safety
May 2021 - Information Sheet 10
This information sheet introduces the compliant uses of polyurethane (PUR) – including the closely related polyisocyanurate (PIR) insulation – in commercial and residential buildings under the National Construction Code (NCC) 2019.
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Spray polyurethane Foam (SPF)
August 2023 – Information Sheet 9
This information sheet examines spray polyurethane foam (SPF) and its credentials as an ideal insulation for both low-energy houses and commercial mass wall systems.
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Condensation control in energy efficient Australian residential buildings
August 2021 - Information Sheet 8
This information sheet examines the permeance control strategy and alternative temperature control strategy for Australian residential buildings, and their impacts on energy efficiency, durability and occupant health.
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Continuous insulation for low-energy houses
August 2021 - Information Sheet 7
This information sheet explores the continuous insulation concept for low-energy houses and its role in maximising the thermal resistance and energy efficiency of our buildings across their life cycle.
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Comparison of polyurethane insulation with other insulants
February 2021 - Information Sheet 6
This information sheet compares polyurethane insulation with other common polymer-based and traditional fibrous insulants, and details their fire safety merits as part of a safe, sustainable built environment.
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Sustainability of buildings incorporating polyurethane (PUR) insulation
February 2021 - Information Sheet 5
This information sheet explores the role of polyurethane insulation products in Australia’s low-energy sustainable buildings and their implications for building design as we transition to a low-carbon economy.
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Energy efficiency in the NCC 2022 and beyond
October 2019 - Information Sheet 4
This information sheet provides a summary of energy efficiency performance recommendations made by AMBA for consideration by the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) in the development of the National Construction Code (NCC) 2022 and beyond.
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Grenfell Tower, Neo 200, Lacrosse and the fire safety of facades
May 2021 - Information Sheet 3.2
This information sheet explores insulated rainscreen facade systems in the context of the Grenfell Tower (2017), Lacrosse (2014) and Neo 200 (2019) building fires, and managing fire risk in buildings.
Reference Papers
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Physical properties of polyurethane insulation
Polyurethane (PUR) insulation is one of the most efficient thermal insulation materials, enabling effective energy savings with minimal thickness.
This document describes the physical properties of PUR insulation, including the closely related polyisocyanurate (PIR) insulation.
Presentations
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Fire safety in high-rise buildings
Quentin de Hults, Modern Building Alliance (MBA) Executive Chair, outlines a holistic approach to the fire safety of buildings at the Fire Australia 2021 Conference.
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Energy Efficient Light Weight Framed Housing
Australian Modern Building Alliance presentation on Energy Efficient Light Weight Framed Housing by Dave Evans, 2019 Energy Efficiency Conference