NorDan has over many years, carried out extensive academic research to evaluate the effects on the environment. Research carried out by Cyril Sweett for example involved a Whole Life Analysis of NorDan products in comparison to other window types (hardwood, aluminium and PVC-U). The analysis combined the Embodied Energy of the product, maintenance predictions and the energy performance in a womb to tomb analysis. A total life time energy graph was produced for each of the options, which dramatically illustrates the environmental benefits of NorDan NTech products.
NTech range
In response to changes to Norwegian building standards, NorDan’s challenge was to enhance thermal performance of its products to produce a U-value under 1.2 W/m2K with a product incorporating a sealed double glazed unit. This was achieved with the development of the NTech range.
How did NorDan do it?
For the NTech 0.7 range, NorDan developed a robust, highly efficient and environmentally friendly insulation material then laminated this into pine sections prior to being machined for product assembly. The components were rigorously researched and tested to ensure that the new sections could perform to NorDan's high performance standards of weather resistance and security. In order to ensure quality, the finished products were furthermore evaluated and certified by independent third party institutes. To ensure NorDan's claims that the NTech range would be an environmentally sound choice, they applied to be audited and investigated independently for the coveted Ecolabel "Swan Mark". The NorDan NTech Passiv window passed all criteria, and was the first window in Norway to achieve this award. The NTech 1.2 followed on from the development of the NTech 0.7 and was designed with the single goal of achieving a whole window U-value of 1.2 without introducing thermal insulation in the construction whilst utilising double rather than triple glazing. This was achieved by a combination of clever design, climate gaskets and high performance glazing.
Warm edge technology
Secondly, NorDan combined high performance glazing units with warm edge technology. Unlike typical aluminium spacers, warm-edge technology has a much lower thermal conductivity. Consequently the temperature at the edges of the glass is several degrees warmer.
Trickle ventilation
A further development of the NTech range, was the removal of the trickle vent from the fully finished product. Trickle vents are optionally available for the NTech 1.2 range but not available for the NTech 0.7 range. Eco-friendly constructions rely more on mechanical ventilation systems than background trickle ventilation. |
To obtain a copy of NorDan's Academic Research brochure, please register or log into the customer area. |
