The Heat is on!
Proud to be the first company in the tent industry to actively demonstrate the sustainability of its event structures. Independent thermal and sound insulation experts conducted various thermal value experiments on Losberger event structures around the globe, simulating 16 different event scenarios.
Progressive climate change poses increasing challenges to the event’s industry. Sustainable events have been a hot topic for many years, event oraganisers already know the environmental benefits of a meat free menu, online check-ins, and recycling; but what about temporary venues themselves? And how can “sustainability” in temporary event structures be officially calculated and demonstrated?
As Power can represent up to 70% of an event’s ‘core’ carbon footprint (core excludes audience travel and transport) Losberger wanted to know; how big is the influence of different structures on the heating and cooling energy requirements at different types of events at different locations around the world.
The Losberger Kubo was chosen as the temporary event structure to be examined. To put it through its paces engineers from an impartial company Aachen; professionals for sound and thermal insulation, were approached to carry out the extensive testing.
The Structure
Losberger Kubo, 10.5 / 400 x 10m using an insulated design variant with insulated glass, roofs and walls – Compared to a non-insulated design variant with standard glass and cassette walls.
The simulation
The first study involved two Kubos featuring 6 different assembly variations and was carried out by taking into account the external heat loads, internal elements and the planned building services. Various locations were chosen around the world to account for various climate conditions. At the same time, different types of event scenarios were re-created; from festivals and parties to conferences and exhibitions. A total of 16 variants were considered in detail by the experts.
Thermal and energy measurements were carried out for 7 days in detail to determine how the various materials used impacted on energy demand. Data-loggers recorded temperatures and humidity in 1-minute increments. The loggers were hung at ankle, neck height seated and neck height standing. Thermal imaging was used to clearly show heat loss, retention and cold bridges.
The following parameters were measured and evaluated:
- Temperature in the structure at four different heights (0.1 m, 1.1 m, 1.7 m and 3 m)
- External Temperatures
- Simultaneous thermo graphic images, to verify the outer shell.
The result
The heating and cooling energy requirements in the insulated Kubo showed a significant difference from the non-insulated model featuring standard walls and glass. A guaranteed saving of at least 20 percent was demonstrated in the practical test. As predicted results were influenced significantly by the external temperature and event type.
An uncovered floor proved acted as a „constructional cold bridge“. However, with carpet and/or floor heating, there are increased savings to be made.
Losberger is always conscious of the conflict between what is technically feasible, sustainability and cost effectiveness. The calculation and recordings produced serve to modernise future materials used in tent construction.
In the field test insulated and non-insulated Kubo variants were compared.
Data loggers recorded temperature and humidity every minute.
Losberger Sustainability
