Learn more about creating energy efficient spaces

Polymer specialist REHAU has launched a brand new CIBSE accredited CPD for its Thermally Activated Building Structures (TABS) product delving into the creation of energy efficient spaces.

TABS form an integral part of a green building and work by circulating cold or warm water through PE-Xa pipe circuits embedded in the concrete slab of a building. This ultimately increases the efficiency of energy usage as the concrete becomes a giant thermal accumulator, extracting heat from the space during the day and cooling the building at night.

This process is far more energy efficient than traditional air-conditioning due to the elevated water temperatures involved, and therefore contributes to energy and cost savings in buildings using TABS.

Other benefits for users of the building as a result of installing TABS include, comfort cooling without draft effects, no sick building syndrome and reduced air exchange in combination with ventilation systems.

There are also clear benefits for developers and building owners, for example there is a 30% lower investment cost and 50% lower capacity operating cost, quick and easy installation and efficient performance of alternative energy sources due to low-flow temperatures.

Drew Clough, Product Manager at REHAU said: “We’re extremely pleased to be able to offer a CIBSE accredited CPD for our TABS product. It is a system that provides so many benefits, both to the end user of the building and also to the developers and the environment in terms of its energy efficiency.

“The product is also easy to install thanks to the REHAU EVERLOC jointing system, which plays a central role to the system, providing a clear benefit to installers as well.

“So far REHAU TABS has been installed and is now being utilised at universities around the country and at the new Tate building in London.

“We look forward to meeting with people also interested in making use of this system within future energy efficient spaces.”

During the CPD attendees will receive an introduction to TABS, an overview of the principles of installation, a run through of important design considerations and details on possible cost and energy savings that TABS can support in buildings. There will also be information provided on case studies where TABS has been successfully installed.

Anyone interested in undertaking the CPD can do so at their own premises or at REHAU offices – and the session takes around one hour to complete.