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Thermal Bridging
Thermal bridging is the movement of heat across an object that is more conductive than the materials around it. The conductive material creates a path of least resistance for heat. Thermal bridging can be a major source of energy loss in homes and buildings, leading to higher utility bills.
A significant thermal bridge can be created in residential home construction by the studs in the walls, which could account for 10-20%. As the insulation is put in-between the studs and are not continuous as per image below.
Thermal bridging is not accounted for in most energy rating software‘s. Resulting in dwellings achieving a greater star rating by a factor of 10-15% than in reality, a home rated at 6 stars is actually 5.5 stars.
To combat the problem of thermal bridging, the studs must be covered with continuous insulation such as a high quality wall wrap or foam. Either can be installed in the inside or outside side of the stud wall. (refer to diagram on the right in top image)