A.C. Whyte supported the #IceBoxChallenge this year, a contest and scientific experiment which demonstrated how a building can be super energy efficient and comfortable. The contest was held in St Enoch Square, Glasgow for a period of two weeks. The challenge was formally launched by Councillor Kenny McLean, City Convenor for Neighbourhoods, Housing and Public Realm at Glasgow City Council.

With over 48 years history, A.C. Whyte specialise in energy efficiency measures working with Local Authorities and Housing Associations across the country, one of our main services is installing external wall insulation, designed to make residents homes warmer and cosier. These types of works help reduce carbon emissions, fuel bills and ultimately supports the eradication of fuel poverty.

The purpose of the challenge was to demonstrate how well each icebox keeps out the heat. One box was built to Scottish Building Standards and another to the Passive House Standard. The boxes were left outside for a two week period, during a heatwave in Scotland, each holding an equal amount of 300kg of ice, which was then measured. The main objective was to show how better building design can help reduce carbon pollution without changing behaviours. With COP26 fast approaching, the global commitment and investment to reach Net Zero is critical.

A.C. Whyte donated 28 sheets of plywood to help support the construction build of the iceboxes for the challenge. Organisers included the International Passive House Association, Glasgow City Council, Passivhaus Trust, CSIC and Edinburgh Napier University. The closing ceremony took place last Friday and results of the challenge showed the Passive House structure prevailed with 121kg of ice still inside, the other built to Scottish Housing Standards had melted by Monday 2^nd August.

Other sponsors included sponsors Stewart and Shields, Ecological Building Systems, ITW Construction Products, Scotia Windows and Doors and Construction and CCG (Scotland) Ltd.