Energy management business support service Drumbeat Energy Management has published a white paper on infrared thermography.
Entitled Understanding infrared thermography: The role of thermography in detecting energy inefficiency, the white paper explores the pros and cons of thermography in detecting energy inefficiency in buildings and looks at how the technology is revolutionising energy efficiency assessments in three key areas: speed, accuracy and cost.

Thermography works by measuring a building's surface temperature using non-contact infrared cameras. The thermal images produced display regions of varying temperatures in different colours, allowing property owners to see exactly where they are losing heat and, as a result, money. Heat sensed by an infrared camera can be quantified allowing for the severity of the problems to be evaluated. It is most commonly used to identify missing or damaged insulation, thermal bridges and areas at risk from mould and condensation. The information provided by the images is enough to accurately identify the key areas a property owner must address to improve energy efficiency, from draft proofing to insulation.

Drumbeat Energy's managing director, Graham Mills, said: 'The increased nationwide focus on energy efficiency has prompted an inevitable boom in technology for the 'green market'. While many of the services in this crowded arena promise much but offer little, infrared thermography is one area that's seen a significant increase in popularity in recent years, with projects ranging from large-scale commercial developments to single domestic dwellings.'