BREEAM (BRE Environmental Assessment Method) is the world’s longest established and most widely used method of assessing, rating and certifying the sustainability of buildings.
Under the latest edition of the BREEAM Technical Manual (SD5076) it is possible to be awarded a BREEAM credit by conducting a thermal imaging survey of the building fabric. The thermographic survey is required to be completed in accordance with MAN 04 Commissioning and handover compliance notes CN3.3 and CN3.4 by a UKTA Approved Level 2 thermographic surveyor.
The thermographic survey is required to confirm:
- Continuity of insulation in accordance with the construction drawings
- Avoidance of excessive thermal bridging
- Avoidance of air leakage paths through the fabric (except through intentional openings)
Any defects identified via the post construction inspection are required to be rectified.
To achieve compliance with the scheme the principal contractor needs to account for a thermographic survey within the project budget and programme of works. Once construction is complete, a thermographic survey of the building fabric is to be undertaken in accordance with the appropriate standard and by a professional holding a valid Category/Level 2 certificate in thermography (as defined by the UKTA (United Kingdom Thermography Authority) and ISO 18436-7:2008).
The UKTA provide a list of Level 2 thermographers that are approved to carry out thermographic surveys in support of BREEAM Assessments which can be found at bindt.org
At Red Current Ltd all building thermography survey reports are completed in accordance with BS EN 13187 (Thermal Performance of Buildings – Qualitative detection of thermal irregularities in building envelopes – Infrared Method) by BINDT Certified, UKTA Approved Level 2 PCN Thermographers.
If you are looking to commission a thermal imaging survey to secure a BREEAM credit and require an estimation on the cost, please click here or contact us for any questions.
