Insulation specialist Actis is calling on the construction industry to develop homes for year-round comfort while choosing building products designed to minimise their environmental impact.
The call follows a summer set to be the UK’s hottest on record, with temperatures of 35°C and above recorded in May, June, July and August – the first time this has happened across four separate calendar months.
Actis says insulation has an important role to play in helping properties remain comfortable during increasingly hot summers without relying heavily on air conditioning, which can add to energy use and the climate change burden.
Its product range includes honeycomb-structured Hybris and Eolis HC, a two-in-one reflective insulation with an integrated vapour barrier. Both products reflect at least 94% of infrared radiation, helping to keep homes passively cool during hot weather.
Actis Technical Manager and architectural designer Harsha Mistry said: “During the summer, the reflective properties of Actis insulation deflect solar heat rather than transferring it indoors. This keeps the interior naturally cooler and significantly reduces the energy required for active cooling, that is air conditioning.”
The manufacturer is also urging other construction businesses to consider the environmental impact of product manufacture. Actis operates a zero-waste policy, with its products 100% recyclable and off-cuts recovered, crushed and reintroduced into the manufacturing process.
Hybris has also achieved bronze-level Cradle to Cradle Certified certification, which assesses areas including product circularity, material health and clean air and climate protection.
Actis UK and Ireland Sales Director Mark Cooper added: “These figures show that hot weather has become the norm now.
“It is now certain that we need to be building homes for comfort at all times of year, not just for the winter.”