Armaflex flexible elastomeric foams (FEFs) from Armacell have received The BRE (Building Research Establishment) Green Guide A rating.
An A rating provides verification of a material’s low environmental impact, helping specifiers to design and install sustainable and energy efficient building services.
The Green Guide (4th edition) ratings compare the environmental impact of construction products on a scale of A+ to E, with A+ referring to products with the lowest environmental impact and E rated products having a more detrimental effect.
The A rating assigned to nitrile rubber insulation materials is relevant for Armacell’s Armaflex product ranges, including AF/Armaflex Class O flexible insulation for condensation control and energy saving, Armaflex Ultima for reduced smoke density in the event of fire, HT/Armaflex for elevated operating temperatures and NH/Armaflex halogen-free insulation suitable for marine and data centre applications.
Green Guide ratings are determined by a number of factors, taking into account the whole lifecycle of the product, from manufacture to disposal. The assessment takes into account 13 impact categories when assessing a material.
Mat04 under the Materials section of the Green Guide refers to insulation products and aims: “To recognize and encourage the use of thermal insulation which has a low embodied environmental impact relative to its thermal properties.” The points available for each Green Guide rating range from 0 for an E, through to 3 for an A+.
Provision is also made within the Mat 04 section for products that have an independently verified EPD (Environmental Product Declaration) to receive a points uplift of 0.75 (for a tier 2, cradle to gate declaration such as those carried out for Armaflex products).
An EPD assesses the environmental impacts of a product through its Life Cycle, taking into account the manufacturing, transportation, assembly, use, removal and recycling or disposal of the product.
Nitrile rubber pipe insulation materials achieve an A rating for domestic heating & hot water (Element 1635800004), Buildings other than Domestic (BOTD) hot water (Element 1636810004), BOTD heating (Element 1637820004), BOTD Chilled Water 10°C (Element 1638830004), BOTD Chilled Water 5°C (Element 1639840004), BOTD Chilled Water 0°C (Element 1640850004).
View Pipework thermal insulation: Armafix Product Entry