THE construction industry is set to undergo significant changes following the introduction of new rules mandating specific thermal properties for building insulators.
The new regulations, issued by Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Minister Wael Al Mubarak and published in the recent edition of the Official Gazette, require that thermal insulation materials used in buildings and facilities meet a minimum solar reflectance of 0.65 and a thermal emittance of 0.75.
The minister pointed out that this policy aimed to improve energy efficiency, reduce cooling loads and contribute to sustainable building practices.
However, excluded from the decision are spaces allocated for photovoltaic panels, spaces for special purposes on rooftops such as aggregates, or spaces intended for gardens or restaurant seating.
To understand the requirements, Parliament’s public utilities and environment affairs committee vice-chairman Bader Al Tamimi further elaborated on the move.
“Reflectance measures the ability of a surface to reflect solar energy,” he said.
“A reflectance value of 0.65 means that 65pc of the solar energy striking the surface is reflected away, while 35pc is absorbed.
“Higher reflectance reduces heat gain in buildings, helping to keep indoor temperatures lower and decreasing the need for air conditioning.”
Mr Al Tamimi added that emittance refers to a material’s ability to release absorbed heat.
“A thermal emittance of 0.75 indicates that 75pc of the absorbed heat is radiated away from the surface, helping to cool the building,” he added.
“High emittance is crucial for reducing the heat retained by buildings, further contributing to energy efficiency.”
Mr Al Tamimi said new rules are primarily aimed at enhancing energy efficiency and supporting sustainable building initiatives.
“By requiring insulation materials with higher reflectance and emittance, the regulations are expected to lower cooling energy demands in buildings,” he said.
“This is particularly important in regions with hot climates, where air conditioning accounts for a significant portion of energy consumption.
“The urban heat island effect, where areas become significantly warmer than surrounding rural areas due to human activities and heat-absorbing surfaces, can be mitigated by using reflective and high-emittance materials.
“The new standards could help cool urban environments and reduce related health risks.”
Mr Al Tamimi said new regulations align with broader efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable construction practices.
“By lowering the energy demand for cooling, the rules indirectly reduce the carbon footprint associated with building operations.”
To effectively implement the new rules and maximise their benefits, industry stakeholders can consider several strategies, said Mr Al Tamimi.
“Roofing and exterior walls are the most exposed to solar radiation,” he explained.
“Using materials with high reflectance and emittance in these areas can significantly reduce heat gain and cooling requirements.
“Combining the use of compliant thermal insulators with other energy-efficient measures, such as shading devices, natural ventilation and smart building controls, can optimise overall building performance.”
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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