BUILDING PERFORMANCE LABS
WHO ARE WE?
The Building Performance Labs at the University of Salford are dedicated to advancing building performance through cutting-edge research and practical applications. Our state-of-the-art facilities and expert team are committed to developing energy-efficient, environmentally friendly building solutions that address the challenges of modern construction. With our strong links with industry across the entire university, we are always striving to combat common challenges, drive innovation and enhance your workforce in the sector.
OUR FACILITIES
/ Energy House 1.0: A unique research and testing laboratory that includes a full-scale, early 20th-century two-bedroom terraced house within an environmental chamber. This facility allows for accurate and rapid assessment of energy-efficient retrofit technologies under various simulated weather conditions.
/ Energy House 2.0: Opened in January 2023, this £16 million facility consists of two environmental chambers that can replicate weather conditions experienced by housing stock globally. It supports research on low carbon and net zero housing design.
/ Salford Smart Home & Smart Meters: Facilities focused on the domestic energy smart energy infrastructure.
/ Thermal Measurement Labs: providing a test research and development service to the insulation and construction industry for over 40 years.
/ Acoustics Labs: Advanced facilities for sound testing and research, supporting a wide range of acoustics-related projects.
/ Civil Engineering Lab: Comprehensive facilities for civil engineering research, supporting a wide range of structural and materials testing.
/ North of England Robotics Innovation Centre: Pioneering robotics research and applications, focusing on automation and innovative solutions for the construction industry.
/ THINKLab: A hub for digital innovation and collaboration, providing a space for interdisciplinary research and development.
/ Data Science and AI Hub (DSAI Hub): Leveraging data and AI to automate processes and improve operational efficiency, this hub supports projects that integrate advanced analytics and machine learning.
/ Centre for Sustainable Innovation (CSI): The centre supports research and development in green technologies, digitisation and change management.
OUR EXPERTISE
/ Product Development: Collaborate with us to develop new products and services.
/ Testing and Trials: Test and trial your ideas and products in our labs.
/ Funding Access: Assistance in accessing funding for research and development.
/ Business Solutions: Develop solutions to your business problems.
/ Professional Training: Bespoke professional training tailored to your needs.
/ Research: Conduct cutting-edge research with our expert team.
THROUGHOUT THE CHAMBER AND THE HOUSE THERE ARE OVER 200 MONITORING POINTS WITH REAL-TIME DATA COLLECTION
ENERGY HOUSE 1.0
Energy House 1 is a unique research and testing laboratory that includes a full-scale, early 20th-century two-bedroom terraced house within an environmental chamber. It is a traditional construction; solid brick walls, suspended timber floors and single glazed windows with a conventional ‘wet’ heating system fired by a gas boiler.
The environmental chamber can be used to simulate a wide variety of weather conditions with a temperature range from -12°C to +30°C. The chamber is also equipped with rigs to simulate wind, rain, snow and incident solar radiation.
Throughout the chamber and the house, there are over 200 monitoring points with real time data collection of parameters such as temperature, humidity, heat flux, electricity and gas consumption.
The facility underpins a range of research topics including:
/ Building physics/performance
/ Sensors/data collection
/ Data analysis and visualisation
/ Human factors
/ Smart meters and connected homes
CASE STUDIES
HARRIS PARTS
Collaborated with Energy House 1 to test and improve the thermal properties of their roller blinds. The research led to the development of the Chromium Blackout blind, which reduces heat loss and unwanted solar gain.
ANCHOR MAGNETS
Energy House 1 undertook work for Anchor Magnets to provide testing of their Warmroom magnetic radiator foil project. During testing, the lab simulated heating during a typical UK winter day to measure the products, ability to reduce heating costs and improve energy efficiency. Warmroom’s performance in controlled tests proves its potential to benefit a wide range of households.
ENERGY HOUSE 2.0
Opened in January 2023, Energy House 2.0 is a £16 million facility consisting of two environmental chambers that can replicate weather conditions experienced by housing stock globally. Energy House 2.0 is one of the largest purpose-built building performance test laboratories in the world and consists of two large-scale environmental chambers where temperature (-20°C –40°C) and humidity can be controlled.
The team have worked with major companies around the Future Homes Standard, as well as with small start-ups with innovative products. The team have explored building, fabric, heating systems, domestic hot water, overheating and EV performance under controlled conditions.
Key Features
/ Dual Environmental Chambers: Each chamber can simulate different weather conditions simultaneously.
/ Global Weather Simulation: Capable of replicating weather conditions from around the world.
/ State-of-the-Art Instrumentation: Equipped with advanced sensors and data collection systems.
Research Applications
/ Low Carbon Housing: Testing and developing low carbon building materials and technologies.
/ Net Zero Design: Evaluating the performance of net zero energy homes.
/ Climate Resilience: Studying the impact of extreme weather events on building performance.
CASE STUDIES
VECTOR HOMES
Vector Homes is working with Energy House 2.0 to develop its new rapidbuild housing system. The prototype is a low-carbon, one-bedroom bungalow measuring 40sq metres which has been constructed using recycled materials, including steel and plastics, as well as advanced materials such as graphene.
THERMOCILL
KSR approached the Energy House 2.0 team with a prototype of his ‘Thermocill’ product. This is a simple device that is fitted under the board of a window, that sits directly above a central heating radiator re-directing rising warm air from the radiator. KSR have applied for a patent with the intention of large-scale manufacture and a product launch.
SALFORD SMART HOME & SMART METERS
The Smart Meters Smart Homes Lab and the Salford Smart Home are facilities focused on the domestic smart energy infrastructure. Using data from IoT devices and smart meters, the team explores data analysis, control, and optimisation of energy systems, such as Air Source Heat Pump, renewables and storage.
The Smart Meters Smart Homes Lab explores the use of a number of innovative products and services, as well as, providing research on how to get the best out of smart meters to help UK consumers use energy more efficiently and cost-effectively.
Key Features
/ Smart Technologies: Evaluating a wide range of products involved in smart home energy systems.
/ Living Lab: Provides a realworld environment for testing and demonstrating smart home technologies.
/ Systems Performance: Exploring how smart meter technology can assist with building performance.
Research Applications
/ Smart Home Systems: Evaluating the performance and user experience of smart home technologies.
/ Energy Efficiency: Studying the impact of in-home technology has on consumption.
/ Sustainability: Assessing the environmental benefits of innovative building materials and technologies.
CASE STUDY HOMELY ENERGY LTD
The Homely system was tested in the Smart Meters > Smart Homes Laboratory which has a choice of heating systems available, including an Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP). A test compared two 24-hour periods with and without the Homely control system. With electricity priced according to the Octopus Energy dynamic tariff, the external temperature, room temperature, electricity demand, and cost were recorded.
THERMAL MEASUREMENT LABORATORY
The Thermal Measurement Laboratory at the University of Salford has been providing an impartial testing service to the insulation and construction industry for over 40 years. As well as its contributions to research, the laboratory provides accurate and verifiable measurements around the insulation performance of component building materials, which are essential for the realistic evaluation of carbon savings in the enormous areas of exposed elements in the built environment.
Measurement credibility of the Laboratory is underpinned by the rigour of accreditation (UKAS Testing laboratory No. 1660, UK Approved Laboratory No. 1145 for UK approved body for UKCA and CE + UKNI marking) for measuring the thermal conductivity and resistance of insulation and low-density masonry materials used in buildings together with bespoke testing.
THE LABORATORY PROVIDES ACCURATE AND VERIFIABLE MEASUREMENTS OF INSULATION PERFORMANCE OF COMPONENT BUILDING MATERIALS
Our range of services includes:
/ Accredited and accurate thermal conductivity/resistance measurements
/ Thermo-physical expertise in the built environment (temperature range 0 – 80 °C)
/ Expertise in the field of heat transfer mechanisms in thermal insulation
/ Initial type testing under the Construction Products Regulation (for UKCA and CE + UKNI marking of thermal insulation products)
/ Traceable Thermal Measurements
/ Emissivity measurements
/ Thermal calculations and impartial technical reports
UKAS Accredited Thermal Conductivity
/ Resistance Measurements:
/ Heat Flow Meter Method (UKAS Accredited)
/ Uncertainty 2.5 to 5%, depending on sample specifications
/ Testing of insulation materials
/ Modified method to test masonry and hard materials
/ Built Environment ISO 8302, BS EN 12667, and BS EN 12664
/ ASTM standards, based on ISO BS EN methods
ACOUSTICS LABS
The Acoustics Laboratories at the University of Salford are the designated National Institute for Airborne Acoustic Metrology (NIAAM) forming the pinnacle of acoustic calibration in the UK. Alongside this, the Acoustic Test Laboratory houses the transmission suite, a dedicated facility for measuring the acoustic performance of building elements.
UKAS accredited 1262 for Test Laboratory and 0801 for Calibration:
/ Airborne sound insulation: ISO 10140-2
/ Impact Insulation: ISO 10140-3
/ Sound Absorption: ISO 354
/ Road and Rail noise barriers: EN 1793-1 and -2
/ Sound Power: ISO 3744
Key Features
/ Anechoic Chambers: Designed to completely absorb reflections of sound.
/ Reverberation Rooms: Used to measure sound absorption and transmission.
/ Advanced Instrumentation: Equipped with state-ofthe-art sound measurement and analysis tools.
Key Research Areas:
/ Sustainable Sound Futures CDT: Improving how the future will sound
/ LAURA CDT: Interdisciplinary study of aural diversity
/ Advanced materials for noise control and sound manipulation
/ Measurement and modelling
CASE STUDIES
With practical expertise and with support from one of the largest acoustic research groups in the world, the standardised testing is augmented with cutting-edge measurement equipment and techniques.
Beyond building acoustics, the Acoustics Laboratories also participate in a wide range of research projects, from industrially sponsored PhDs and Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs), through to bespoke pieces of research for SMEs. The labs have expertise covering vibro-acoustics, sound quality and perception, and product noise control. A new Acoustics Building, currently in planning, will extend all three aspects of the University: teaching, knowledge exchange and research.
TRAVIS PERKINS
Travis Perkins Group, the UK’s largest distributor of building materials, partnered with our specialist acoustics testing team to conduct an evidence-based study into the development of electric forklift truck sound alerts.
This project went on to win the Quiet Mark Logistics Award 2024. The award recognises advances in low-noise technology in the logistics industry to facilitate quieter delivery and services, especially in urban areas.
The development of this innovative SoundInformed Vehicle Alert Sound system for electric material handling equipment improves workplace safety by creating detectable but less intrusive sounds, as well as enhancing worker health and customer experience. This solution promotes sustainability, reduces carbon emissions, and sets a new standard for industry-wide acoustic safety design.
NORTH OF ENGLAND ROBOTICS INNOVATION CENTRE
The North of England Robotics Innovation Centre (NERIC) is pioneering robotics research and applications, focusing on automation and innovative solutions for the construction industry.
NERIC works across a range of sectors including robotics and automation, the requirements of net zero, healthcare technologies, vehicle automation and the development of smart cities. Within those sectors they focus on the key ares which include: robotics for intelligent infrastructure, digital automation, and supply chain improvement.
Key Features
/ Robotics Labs: Equipped with advanced robotic systems and testing facilities.
/ Automation Research: Focused on developing automated solutions for construction and manufacturing.
/ Collaborative Projects: Working with industry partners to develop and implement robotic technologies.
Research Applications
/ Construction Automation: Developing robots for tasks such as bricklaying, painting, and inspection.
/ Manufacturing: Improving efficiency and precision in manufacturing processes.
/ Safety: Enhancing safety through the use of robotics in hazardous environments.
CASE STUDY DATATECNICS
Datatecnics, an engineering company in Manchester, approached NERIC to support them with the design of senor installation robot. This would increase efficiency, traceability and consistency whilst also stopping their staff from working in dangerous areas.
NERIC identified several systems in the market that performed similar tasks and incorporated them into an original, novel design. When the roll-out is complete, the company will have access to a variety of new markets and customers. The additional revenue stream will grow the company allowing them to employ additional staff. With their new knowledge in robotics and automation future projects can be delivered without delay.
THINKLAB
THINKLab is a hub for digital innovation and collaboration, providing a space for interdisciplinary research and development. Their unique service and creative facilities are specifically designed to bring university teams and external partners together in an atmosphere of collaboration and cocreation.
Through commercial and grant-funded research, their experts in technical innovation apply gaming technology, big data tools and advanced visualisation techniques to create digital platforms and interactive experiences that help our partners understand future scenarios and plan their solutions accordingly.
The THINKlab research and project teams specialise in Resilient Cities, Smart Cities, Collaborative Engineering and Virtual Training Environments.
Key Features
/ Collaborative Workspace: Designed to facilitate teamwork and innovation.
/ Digital Tools: Equipped with advanced digital technologies for research and development.
/ Interdisciplinary Projects: Supporting projects that bring together experts from various fields.
Research Applications
/ Digital Innovation: Developing new digital tools and technologies.
/ Collaboration: Facilitating interdisciplinary research and development.
/ Prototyping: Creating and testing prototypes of new products and services.
CASE STUDIES
RENOZEB
The RenoZEB project aims to create a sizeable near Zero Energy Buildings renovation market in Europe by developing a new systemic approach to deep renovation. This will allow construction companies to offer their clients the maximum gain on property value, while meeting the net-zero energy standards. THINKlab led the work to develop the RenoZEB value-based concept, including a set of new approaches and procedures for deep retrofitting.
CITY WEST HOUSING TRUST
City West Housing Trust is a not-for-profit organisation owning over 14,600 homes in the North West. The company was looking into ways of working more efficiently and asked us to explore the possibility of linking up its separate, legacy databases into a single property management platform.
THINKLab created a single web-based platform that linked all their databases and integrated these with an interactive visual interface, allowing users to explore assets in a much more intelligent manner.
CENTRE FOR SUSTAINABLE INNOVATION (CSI)
The Centre for Sustainable Innovation (CSI) is focused on sustainability, change management and digitisation. The CSI is a catalyst for collaboration between academia, industry, and policymakers aiming to bolster their innovation journey. Their focus and collaborative approach empower businesses to overcome new and existing challenges facing them in today’s everchanging business landscape.
Key Features
/ Sustainability Research: Conducting cutting-edge research on sustainable building materials and practices.
/ Green Technologies: Developing and testing new technologies for energy efficiency and sustainability.
/ Industry Collaboration: Working with industry partners to promote sustainable building practices.
Research Applications
/ Sustainable Materials: Developing and testing new materials for sustainable construction.
/ Energy Efficiency: Researching ways to improve the energy efficiency of buildings.
/ Environmental Impact: Studying the environmental impact of building practices and materials.
CASE STUDY SMARTSCAN
Ensuring the availability of accurate, up-to-date product information is critical to enhancing safety and efficiency within the construction industry. Recent legislative measures, such as the Building Safety Act and Construction Products Regulation, highlight the urgent need for digitalisation and more effective data exchange across the sector.
In response to these issues, the SmartScan platform was designed, developed and tested at the University of Salford. This pioneering digital solution streamlines the process of accessing validated and verified construction product information.
Whether a tradesperson needs installation instructions, a homeowner seeks operating manuals, a procurement team reviews product certifications, or a site manager verifies product origin, SmartScan simplifies access to essential information. By simply scanning product barcodes with a smartphone, users can make wellinformed decisions quickly and accurately.
DATA SCIENCE AND AI HUB
At the heart of innovation and discovery, the Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (DSAI) Hub at the University of Salford is a dynamic and collaborative community of experts, researchers, and enthusiasts dedicated to pushing the boundaries of data science and AI. The team leverages data and AI for building performance, supporting projects that includes integrating advanced analytics and machine learning.
Key Features
/ Data Analytics: Advanced tools for data analysis and visualisation.
/ Machine Learning: Developing and applying machine learning algorithms to building performance data.
/ Interdisciplinary Research: Bringing together experts in data science, AI, and building performance.
Research Applications
/ Predictive Maintenance: Using AI to predict and prevent building system failures.
/ Energy Optimisation: Applying data analytics to optimise energy use in buildings.
/ Smart Buildings: Developing AI-driven solutions for smart building management.
THE TEAM LEVERAGES DATA AND AI FOR BUILDING PERFORMANCE, SUPPORTING PROJECTS
CASE STUDY POCHIN CONSTRUCTION
Pochins (Contractor) Ltd, part of the Pochin Group, is principally engaged in construction. Diversity continues to be the hallmark of Pochin (Contractor) Ltd underlying the company’s ability to meet the exacting demands of the industrial/ commercial, education/healthcare and retail/leisure markets.
The aim of this two-year Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) was to identify, map and re-engineer the group’s business and operational processes. As well as, to plan and to plan and implement a revised company IT infrastructure. In addition to achieving this, the Associate also delivered additional activities:
/ Reviews of Improved financial controls
/ Develop and implement supply chain applications
/ Implemented Asset management and helpdesk solution for their IT department
/ The Knowledge Transfer Partnership has also enabled the Pochin Group to understand the company’s current position within the market place.
As a result of this KTP, a continuous improvement framework has been created enabling the company to sustain the process improvement activities.
CIVIL ENGINEERING LAB
Civil engineers create the infrastructure of our world. To do so safely, they need to know that the materials they specify will be up to the task.
Over the past 50 years, the academic research and commercial testing carried out by our team at Salford has enabled Network Rail to understand whether structural interventions are required on the Victorian railway arches in its estate. It’s helped in the development of an innovative blast screen to protect offshore gas platform workers. The team have improved working at height safety by contributing to a change in the design rules and testing of scaffolding clips.
Key Features
/ Structural Testing: Facilities for testing the strength and durability of building materials and structures.
/ Materials Research: Advanced tools for analysing the properties of construction materials.
/ Simulation and Modelling: Software and hardware for simulating and modelling civil engineering projects.
Research Applications
/ Structural Integrity: Testing the structural integrity of buildings and infrastructure.
/ Materials Development: Developing new materials for construction.
/ Infrastructure Resilience: Studying the resilience of infrastructure to natural disasters and other challenges.
CASE STUDY UNITED UTILITIES
United Utilities wished to develop a new procurement and delivery system for water sector infrastructure projects. United Utilities are the second largest water and sewerage company in the UK. Based in Warrington, they provide water and sewerage services to around seven million people in the North West of England. They wanted the project to use action research as a driver for organisational change.
The PhD student appointed to the project worked extensively around the procurement of the new Assessment Management Programme 6 (AMP6) strategy for the business. They also carried out work on issues such out on issues such as incentives, KPIs, governance, behaviours and skills. The unique platform is intended to inspire new thinking by merging and/or combining different approaches from diverse fields.
DEVELOP YOUR PEOPLE
From apprenticeships to developing specialised training regimens, conducting targeted research projects or providing expert consultations, we are committed to delivering innovative solutions that drive performance and success.
WHY CHOOSE US?
Our curriculum is crafted in collaboration with experts to meet the current and future needs of the sector. You’ll learn from professionals with extensive experience in the field and benefit from flexible learning options, including online, in-person, and hybrid formats. Our state-of-the-art facilities provide handson experience with the latest tools and technologies.
We offer a range of programmes to suit your needs:
/ Degree Apprenticeships: An apprenticeship combines academic study at the university with onthe-job training in the workplace. Apprenticeships are a great way to attract and retain talent for your business, boost productivity and upskill your workforce. We offer a wide range of Degree Apprenticeships including; Quantity Surveying, Civil Engineering and Construction Project Management.
/ Undergraduate and Postgraduate courses: We offer a suite of undergraduate and postgraduate courses ranging from Construction Law and Practice to Structural Engineering. Wherever you are in your career, our courses are curated to take you to the next level.
/ Building Information Modeling (BIM): Master the use of BIM technology to improve project efficiency and collaboration.
/ Sustainable Construction: Learn about sustainable building practices and how to implement them in your projects to reduce environmental impact.
/ Health and Safety: Ensure your team is well-versed in the latest health and safety regulations to maintain a safe working environment.
/ Bespoke training: Using the expertise at the university to create programmes designed specifically for your companies and employees needs.
FUND YOUR INNOVATION
Our collaborative partnership approach is designed to elevate your business face and help make your innovative ideas a reality.
/ Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs): Engage in KTPs, fostering transformative changes and new products or services with 50-75% funding through Innovate UK.
/ Industrial PHD Programme (iPHDs): The iPHD offers companies a competitive advantage by benefiting from new research insights specifically aligned to their most pressing innovation challenges.
/ Collaborative Grant Applications: The university also works with partners to develop collaborative grant applications. This includes projects led by business to funders, as well as those led by the university to research councils.
/ Consultancy: As a university, we are able to draw upon the specialised expertise of over 1,000 subject experts actively researching and working in their area.
/ Contract Research: Contract research projects are a particularly useful way of engaging with our expertise and infrastructure when you do not have the necessary knowledge or facilities in-house to resolve a challenge.
Learn how to fund your innovation