BS EN 673:2024 - Glass in Building: Determination of Thermal Transmittance (U Value)

Introducing the BS EN 673:2024, a comprehensive standard that provides a detailed calculation method for determining the thermal transmittance, or U value, of glass used in building applications. This essential document is a must-have for professionals in the construction and architectural industries who are committed to enhancing energy efficiency and sustainability in building design.

Overview

The BS EN 673:2024 standard is a pivotal resource for understanding the thermal performance of glass in buildings. It outlines a precise calculation method to determine the U value, which is a critical factor in assessing the energy efficiency of glazing systems. By adhering to this standard, professionals can ensure that their projects meet the necessary thermal performance criteria, contributing to reduced energy consumption and improved indoor comfort.

Key Features

• Standard Number: BS EN 673:2024
• Pages: 24
• Release Date: November 27, 2024
• ISBN: 978 0 539 23718 4
• Status: Standard

Why Thermal Transmittance Matters

Thermal transmittance, or U value, is a measure of how well a building element conducts heat. In the context of glass, a lower U value indicates better insulating properties, which is crucial for maintaining energy efficiency in buildings. By accurately determining the U value, architects and builders can make informed decisions about the types of glazing to use, ultimately leading to buildings that are not only more energy-efficient but also more comfortable for occupants.

Applications

The BS EN 673:2024 standard is applicable to a wide range of building projects, including:

• Residential buildings
• Commercial buildings
• Industrial facilities
• Public buildings

Whether you are designing a new structure or retrofitting an existing one, this standard provides the necessary guidelines to ensure that your glazing solutions meet the highest standards of thermal performance.

Benefits of Using BS EN 673:2024

By incorporating the BS EN 673:2024 standard into your projects, you can enjoy a multitude of benefits, including:

• Enhanced Energy Efficiency: Reduce energy consumption and lower utility bills by selecting glazing with optimal thermal performance.
• Improved Indoor Comfort: Maintain a consistent indoor temperature, reducing the need for excessive heating or cooling.
• Environmental Impact: Contribute to sustainability efforts by minimizing the carbon footprint of your building projects.
• Compliance: Ensure that your projects meet local and international building codes and standards.

Who Should Use This Standard?

The BS EN 673:2024 standard is an invaluable tool for a variety of professionals, including:

• Architects
• Building designers
• Construction engineers
• Energy consultants
• Glazing manufacturers

These professionals can leverage the insights provided by this standard to enhance the thermal performance of their projects, ensuring that they meet the growing demand for energy-efficient and sustainable building solutions.

Conclusion

In an era where energy efficiency and sustainability are paramount, the BS EN 673:2024 standard serves as a critical resource for professionals in the building industry. By providing a clear and precise method for calculating the thermal transmittance of glass, this standard empowers architects, builders, and engineers to make informed decisions that enhance the performance and sustainability of their projects.

Invest in the BS EN 673:2024 standard today and take a significant step towards creating buildings that are not only energy-efficient but also environmentally responsible and comfortable for their occupants.

BS EN 673:2024

This standard BS EN 673:2024 Glass in building. Determination of thermal transmittance (U value). Calculation method is classified in these ICS categories:

• 81.040.20 Glass in building
• 91.040.20 Buildings for commerce and industry

This document specifies a calculation method to determine the thermal transmittance of glass with flat and parallel surfaces. This document applies to uncoated glass (including glass with structured surfaces, e.g. patterned glass), coated glass and materials not transparent in the far infrared which is the case for soda lime glass products, borosilicate glass, glass ceramic, alkaline earth silicate glass and alumino silicate glass. It applies also to multiple glazing comprising such glasses and/or materials. It does not apply to multiple glazing which include in the gas space sheets or foils that are far infrared transparent. The procedure specified in this document determines the U value (thermal transmittance) in the central area of glazing. The edge effects due to the thermal bridge through the spacer of an insulating glass unit or through the window frame are not included. Furthermore, energy transfer due to solar radiation is not taken into account. The effects of Georgian and other bars are excluded from the scope of this document. NOTE EN ISO 10077 1:2017 provides a methodology for calculating the overall U value of windows, doors and shutters [1], taking account of the U value calculated for the glass components according to this document. Also excluded from the calculation methodology are any effects due to gases that absorb infrared radiation in the 5 to 50 µm range. The primary purpose of this document is product comparison, for which a vertical position of the glazing is specified. In addition, U values are calculated using the same procedure for other purposes, in particular for predicting: - heat loss through glass; - conduction heat gains in summer; - condensation on glass surfaces; - the effect of the absorbed solar radiation in determining the solar factor [2]. Reference can be made to [3], [4] and [5] or other European Standards dealing with heat loss calculations for the application of glazing U values determined by this standard. Reference can be made to [6] for detailed calculations of U values of glazing, including shading devices. Vacuum Insulating Glass (VIG) is excluded from the scope of this document. For determination of the U value of VIG, please refer to EN 674 or ISO 19916-1. A procedure for the determination of emissivity is given in EN 12898. The rules have been made as simple as possible consistent with accuracy.