Publications

Effects of combining insulation and draft proofing

ICANZ commissioned Energy Partners to investigate the effects of various strategies aimed at improving dwellings from their original Star rating of between 3.5-4.5 Stars to 5 Stars in a variety of locations and Australian climates zones.

The measures included increasing external bulk wall, ceiling, and underfloor insulation, adding insulation to internal walls between differently conditioned zones, and draught proofing .

These measures were each tested individually in 50 dwellings . The measures were then combined to test the overall imrovement to the energy star rating.

The results speak for themselves and are avaible in the following report: Combine effects of insulation and draft proofing

The Value of Ceiling Insulation

Impacts of Retrofitting Ceiling Insulation To Residential Dwellings In Australia

Summary of Findings

This report, commissioned by ICANZ, demonstrates not only the value and cost effectiveness of the Home Insulation Program (HIP) but also the additional benefits that could be realised by completing the retrofit of the estimated 0.8 – 1.4 million remaining dwellings yet to be fitted with ceiling insulation. By responsibly pacing a retrofit program between now and 2020 to insulate approximately 100,000 additional dwellings per annum (rather than the 1.2 million retrofits per annum attempted under the HIP) the benefits associated with the HIP program could be extended to the remaining stock of uninsulated Australian dwellings.

To view the entire report please click here The Value of Ceiling Insulation.

Achieving 5 Star and beyond

ICANZ has commissioned Tony Isaacs Consulting to investigate a number of insulation and air leak prevention strategies in five geographic locations around Australia with regard to:

An additional R1.0 in walls (over DtS requirements)
An additional R2.0 in floors
R1.0 in internal walls or upper floors between living and bedroom areas and to unheated/cooled spaces,
Using self sealing exhaust fans,
Weather stripping windows and doors, and
Replacing down lights in ceilings to attic spaces with models that do not require high ventilation.

Insulation - The key to five star and beyond report aims to help the building industry:

Understand how the new energy ratings will affect the design and construction of houses,
Identify opportunities to make further cost effective savings that were not available in the previous rating scheme,
Address concerns regarding over-insulation in warm and hot climates,
Develop cost effective solutions for light weight houses in colder climates and heavy weight houses in warmer climates which were identified in the original scheme as being the most difficult to achieve 5 stars

The following publications are available free and provide information concerning glass and rock wool insulation, applications and handling.

Fact Sheets

ICANZ fact sheets provide facts and information concering OH&S issues, Environment and the Australian Building Code product standards and requirements.

Technical Bulletins

ICANZ technical bulletins provides assistance to industry about the installation and handling of glass and rock wool insulation.