Thermal insulation in off-site construction: a strategic performance lever
The integration ofthermal insulation into components in the workshop is a major advantage of off-site construction. By improving the continuity of the envelope, reducing thermal bridges, and choosing high-performance, suitable materials (such as cellulose insulation ), professionals can optimize energy performance, reduce costs, and effectively meet RE2020 requirements.
Why is insulation essential in off-site construction?
Thermal insulation is one of the most effective ways to reduce energy loss in a building and improve its comfort. According to the CSTB, insulating the building envelope is key to reducing carbon footprint and improving the overall thermal performance of new buildings.
Energy efficiency & comfort
Effective insulation not only reduces energy consumption in winter but also improves comfort in summer thanks to the thermal phase shift of bio-based materials.
Importance of thermal bridges
Thermal bridges can account for up to 26% of a building's energy losses if not properly addressed. Integrating precise factory insulation reduces these critical areas and ensures long-lasting performance in line with RE2020 thermal calculations.
The benefits of factory-integrated insulation
In off-site construction, insulation is installed under controlled conditions, which improves:
- The airtightness of the envelope, limiting infiltration;
- Consistent performance thanks to reproducible methods;
- Management of interfaces between components (walls, floors, roofs).
Thermal studies also show that a well-insulated building envelope can reduce energy costs by up to 30% in certain building configurations.
Focus: cellulose insulation
Bulk insulation suitable for off-site use
cellulose insulation is a bio-based insulation made from recycled paper, which offers excellent thermal performance.
For building professionals, loose-fill insulation offers significant operational advantages:
- Simplified storage: a single material for walls, floors, or attics, easy to store in inventory;
- Reduced transportation: bulk materials take up less space, reducing logistics costs;
- No cutting or waste: reduction of waste on site or in the workshop;
- Adaptability: adjusts to all wall thicknesses and center distances;
- Improved thermal comfort: inertia and phase shift adapted to limit the effects of summer overheating.
Performance and interior comfort
The fibrous cells in cellulose insulation as a hygrometric buffer, helping to stabilize indoor humidity and improve comfort in both summer and winter, characteristics typical of bio-based materials with high thermal phase shift capacity.
Integration into prefabricated elements
In off-site construction, cellulose insulation often installed by blowing or injecting it into prefabricated walls, ensuring optimal insulation continuity and enhanced airtightness, which are essential for meeting RE2020 requirements.
Impact on RE2020 compliance
RE2020 places greater emphasis on the insulation of new buildings, tightening requirements compared to the previous regulation (RT2012). The aim is to reduce energy consumption while limiting carbon impact from the construction phase onwards.
Factory-integrated insulation using high-performance materials such as cellulose insulation achieve the required levels of thermal resistance and regulate heat flow, while promoting long-term energy efficiency.
Conclusion
Integrated thermal insulation is a key success factor in off-site construction projects. It enables professionals to effectively meet the challenges of energy performance, comfort, and regulatory compliance, while optimizing logistics and site processes.
To understand all the advantages of off-site construction and how to optimize your entire project, visit our dedicated page.
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