VIP

Vacuum insulation is an appropriate alternative for more energy-efficient buildings. This method is based on exterior insulation which has plenty of advantages over inside insulation: cold bridges and interstitial condensation are avoided and internal walls are retained as heat-sinks.

VIP (Vacuum Insulation Panel) is an efficient example compared with other available options (EPS-Expanded Polystyren, XPS-Extruded Polysyren, stonewool, fiberglass, Phnolic foam, PUR-Polyurethane,...). The isolation consists of light metal formable heat-sealed panels which are filled with nanoporous material. This inner filler comprises of fumed silica or a combination of superfined fibreglass and phenomic foam.

VIP has a very high insulation capacity. The vacuum inside highly lessens the overall conductivity; a 2-3 cm VIP panel is equivalent to 10-15 cm of mineral wool insulation and thus saves much space. Previously, the technique was only used in fridges and refrigerators.

There are nevertheless also some disadvantages with VIP: costs are still relatively high. More ubiquity in the future will certainly decrease prices and make the choice of material more economic in both short- and long-term. Another problem is that utmost care is required during transportation and construction. The quality decreases over time in a way that the lifetime is 30 - 50 years. Panels should thus be easy to access and replaceable.

Sources:
http://www.byggahus.se/artiklar/nya-effektiva-material-for-miljon
http://www.starch.dk/private/energy/insulation.asp

Sick building syndrome

Built environment affects our lives in a myriad of ways including impacts on health issues. Sick building syndrome (SBS) is caused by indoor environmental conditions of workplaces and houses and causes long term health problems. Symptoms are sensory irritation of the eyes, lips, nose, throat, mucosa and skin and odor and taste sensations

The problem is pinned down to flaws in the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. Other causes have been attributed to contaminants produced by outgassing of some types of building materials, molds, lack of adequate fresh-air intake/air filtration, and also sometimes inappropriate ventilation of the ozone produced by some machines in offices.

Ninety percent of 189 cases studied at University of Umeå between 1986 and 1998 of were women. The reason can be the fact that women are more willing to report such things, but can also be due to a more responsive immune system in women.

It is always important to seek care early to avoid persistent problems. Symptoms are normally relieved after changing the work place or improvements in the building.

Sources:
http://sverigesradio.se/sida/artikel.aspx?programid=83&artikel=2510558#articleToolbar
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