ESW achieves “massive’ improvement in heat retention, comfort & aesthetic at BCL pilot with a Mapei Mapetherm EWI System

The Mapetherm Mineral Wool External Wall Insulation (EWI) system from Mapei, has been installed as part of a Bristol City Leap (BCL) pilot retrofits scheme. The scheme, in the City’s Brentry district, comprised the upgrade of 16 Easiform homes to achieve energy efficiency and carbon reduction. The EWI system was installed by Bristol-based ESW Construction Services Ltd. Following installation of a cavity fill system combined with the Mapetherm EWI, a u-value of 0.22 W/m²K was achieved, compared with a pre-retrofit rating of 2.06 W/m²K, demonstrating greatly improved heat retention and comfort.

An innovative partnership between Bristol City Council and Ameresco Ltd, Bristol City Leap aims to accelerate green energy investment in Bristol and help towards decarbonising the whole city. Over the next five years, it will invest at least £424 million into low carbon energy infrastructure including solar, wind, heat networks, heat pumps and energy efficiency measures in order to help the city meet its carbon reduction target of becoming carbon neutral by 2030.

Each of the 16 Easiform homes in Brentry features a non-standard concrete cast-in-situ construction. The scope of renovation works included replacement of roofing elements, renovation of chimney stacks, insulation of cold roof space, internal ventilation works, cavity wall extraction, fenestration installation, cavity wall fill and a wide range of enabling works. As part of the energy efficiency improvements, Mapetherm Mineral Wool - BBA 13/4977 certified high-density rock wool insulating panels for thermal insulations systems – were installed throughout the properties external walls, totalling over 1400 m2.

“The Mapetherm system has been tried and tested on many of our projects. Mapei’s products are high quality, easy to use and the final results speak for themselves. The service we get from Mapei’s sales and technical team has always been first class and the support they offer on site is second to none,” commented

Carlo Bonomini, ESW’s Commercial Manager.

“ESW has been instrumental in the success of the pilot project; having accumulated experience and knowledge of the Mapetherm Mineral Wool EWI system over several years proved essential in overcoming the initial teething problems of the pilot. Diligence and thoroughness prior, during and after works paved the way for high standards, outstanding results and a happy client, as well as improving the lives of those residing in the properties,” commented Jay Shuttleworth, Construction Manager at Bristol City Leap.

“Tenant comments have been positive following the completion of their properties, with a remarkable difference and satisfaction of the results experienced, an improved exterior with a massive improvement to internal heat retention and comfort. Many tenants also appreciate the reduced CO2 footprint resulting from the works,” Jay Shuttleworth added.