M03: External Walls

Intention

To select an external wall specification with a lower embodied energy than the typical specification. The external walls specification matching the actual building design must be entered in the software.

Approach/Methodologies

The design team must select the specification that most closely resembles the external walls specified, and enter the thickness, which is a requirement of EDGE. Where there are multiple specifications the predominant specification must be selected. The external walls of the building are those directly exposed to the outdoor environment.

Potential Technologies/Strategies

The following is a list of the specifications included in EDGE. Only the broad wall types are described here; EDGE does not include options on plaster or finishing. The user should always try to select the specification that most resembles that of the building design.

Relationship to Other Measures

The selected external wall specification will impact the thermal insulation of the external wall element, so the energy efficiency could be adversely affected or improved by selecting different specifications.

Assumptions

The base case assumption is that the external wall is constructed of 200mm common bricks.

Compliance Guidance

Design Stage	Post-Construction Stage
At the design stage, the following must be used to demonstrate compliance:  Façade drawings clearly marking the external wall specification selected; and Drawings of the external wall sections; or  Manufacturer’s data sheet for specified building material; or  Bill of quantities with the materials used for the external wall clearly highlighted.	At the post-construction stage, the following must be used to demonstrate compliance: Date stamped photograph of the wall taken during or after construction; and  Purchase receipt for the building materials used for wall construction; or  Delivery note for materials used for wall construction.

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