News
passivehouse+ | Issue 16
Ecological launches thermal bridging solution New sales manager appointed
In further news, the company has increased its team with the appointment of Neil Turner as technical sales manager. A BBA-competent U-value assessor who has been involved in developing CEN (Comité Européen de Normalisation) European standards, Neil brings more than 14 years’ experience in the building products sector to Ecological. He joins the company from a manufacturer where he worked with architects, contractors and timber frame specialists on the specification of sustainable insulation products, and has been involved in projects using Ecological’s products for many years, giving him an excellent knowledge of the company’s portfolio. Neil will now use his experience, understanding of the sustainable construction market and industry contacts to drive uptake of Ecological Building Products’ wide ranging portfolio, which includes Pro Clima airtightness and wind-tightness solutions, Gutex insulation, Calsitherm climate board and Diasen thermal plasters. He will also work with stockists and distributors to continue to expand Ecological Building Systems’ supply network across the UK.
Ecological Building Systems has extended its innovative range of thermal solutions to include Bosig Phonotherm 200, a compressive resistant thermal insulation. Bosig, the manufacturer of Phonotherm 200 was founded in Germany over 35 years ago. Phonotherm 200 is a formaldehyde-free 100% upcycled polyurethane thermal insulation whose raw material is sourced as a by-product from white goods, in the motor and thermal insulation industries. From an ecological perspective, Phonotherm 200 utilises raw materials which would otherwise end up in landfill and the manufacturing process is carried out in accordance with the environmental standard ISO 14001. In this way the product compliments the range of ecological solutions Ecological Building Systems supply. With increased requirements to address thermal bridging at critical junctions such as windows, doors & foundation, Phonotherm 200 offers homeowners, builders and specifiers a robust, practical and effective thermal solution. Niall Crosson, senior engineer with Ecological, said: “It is well known that thermal bridging has a negative impact
on the thermal resistance of building elements, along with the additional risk of condensation and mould growth, and the resultant deterioration in indoor air quality. Ecological are delighted to supply a solution to address thermal bridging at key junctions which is not only effective, but also more ecological compared to alternative materials as it is sourced from a raw material which would otherwise go to landfill.” Ecological will also supply complete thermal bridging analysis and support to designers and specifiers from their technical department, to complement their existing hygrothermal, U-value and dew point assessment service. Phonotherm 200 is primarily utilised for applications where structural support and the possibility of obtaining secure fixings into the material are required. Phonotherm 200 is 100% water resistant, diffusion open, easy to machine with conventional carbide tools, and effectively reduces thermal bridging at critical junctions. (Above) A section view of a cavity wall insulated with Phonotherm 200 thermal breaks to cut thermal bridging at the window sill
Penny Randell, UK director of Ecological Buildings Systems commented: “Attracting Neil to join us is a major coup for the company because he is so passionate about sustainable and passive house construction, is very familiar with ‘diffusion open’ buildings and has significant experience across our product range. “His wealth of technical expertise and experience of a diverse range of construction methodologies will make him a valuable resource for our customers and will help us to continue to grow the business and extend the reach of our products.” Neil adds: “This is an exciting time for Ecological Building Systems as the industry’s appetite for a fabric-first approach to lower carbon buildings is really gathering pace. “Being involved with a company that has such a diverse combination of complementary products is a great opportunity and I’m looking forward to engaging with customers.”
(Left) Ecological’s new technical sales manager, Neil Turner