Thermal Mapping Helps Redbridge Target Energy Inefficient Properties

Leicestershire, 26 February 2015 – A night time aerial survey of the Redbridge area of London is being used to map heat loss from buildings. Thermal map data is helping the London Borough of Redbridge assess how different types of buildings are performing in terms of heat loss. The ongoing study is exploring possible connections between property, land use types and heat loss in order to identify specific types of buildings that are most in need of energy efficiency improvements.
 
The data, provided by Bluesky, was captured using state of the art aerial mapping sensors specifically designed to capture heat loss measurements from buildings at night. It is hoped the study will provide an important boost to a programme of educational awareness and energy efficiency support initiatives.
 
In order to undertake the study, Officers at Redbridge Council categorised the Bluesky heat loss readings into four categories: High, Above Average, Average and Below Average. Initial results show that Barkingside, Newbury and Hainault have the highest percentages of properties with ‘high’ heat loss in the Borough, while Fulwell, Bridge and Cranbrook have the highest percentages of ‘high’ heat loss commercial properties.
 
Specific types of property were also studied, including at the top level Residential and Commercial. More detailed studies compared the performance by district of Houses of Multiple Occupancy (HMOs), residential institutions, retail sites and educational properties, for example. Initial results from these studies identify the districts of Borough, Fulwell, Bridge and Cranbrook as having the highest percentages of ‘high’ heat loss commercial properties.

Thermal surveys are flown during the winter months, in the early evening and after sunset, in order to capture the widest variations in temperature that can occur as a result of poor insulation or excessive energy consumption. Bluesky thermal surveys are undertaken using a ‘microbolometer’ thermal camera specifically designed for airborne surveying and ideal for use in aircraft flying at night. It allows measurements of heat loss from property roofs to be recorded with higher precision and more consistent results than other systems currently in use in the UK.

About Bluesky
Bluesky is a UK-based specialist in aerial survey including aerial photography, LiDAR and thermal data using the very latest survey technology, including an UltraCam Eagle and an Orion M300 LiDAR system. An internationally recognised leader with projects extending around the globe, Bluesky is proud to work with prestigious organisations such as Google, the BBC and Government Agencies. Bluesky has unrivalled expertise in the creation of seamless, digital aerial photography and maintains national “off the shelf” coverage of aerial photography, DTM and DSM through an on-going 3 year update programme. By purchasing a World first sensor for the simultaneous capture of LiDAR, Thermal and Aerial Photography data Bluesky is in the enviable position of being able to provide customers with unique and cost effective solutions. Bluesky is also leading the way in developing innovative solutions for environmental applications including the UK’s first National Tree Map (NTM), solar mapping and citywide ‘heat loss’ maps and is currently developing noise and air quality mapping products. www.bluesky-world.com