In this article, we’ll look in more detail at this requirement including:
- What AVCP is
- The different levels of AVCP
- How Kingspan Insulation products are assessed
What is Assessment and Verification of Constancy of Performance (AVCP)?
Where relevant, construction products manufactured under a harmonised/designated product standard or European Assessment Document (EAD) are also covered by a Declaration of Performance (DoP). The DoP is a legal document which provides key information about the product and can be used to declare that it meets the applicable requirements for a CE or UKCA conformity mark (to be applied as relevant for the market).
To ensure the information in a DoP is reliable, accurate and consistent, the product must be assessed under the Assessment and Verification of Constancy of Performance (AVCP) system.
The AVCP system is described in the Construction Products Regulation (CPR) and in the adopted and retained UK regulation. It is a system that classifies the products based on how the construction works fit for the intended use.
AVCP is separated into 5 different levels, each with its own requirements. The AVCP level (or levels) for a particular product is defined within the relevant technical specification (such as a EAD or product standard). In some cases, different levels of AVCP may be set for specific performance characteristics (such as reaction to fire).
What are the AVCP levels?
Depending on the AVCP level applicable to a product, some aspects of the assessment may be completed by a certified independent testing or inspection body (notified body). Alternatively, for the lower AVCP levels, the manufacturer may take responsibility for the declared performance characteristics.
System 1+: The manufacturer draws up a Factory Production Control (FPC) and agrees a continuous testing plan for samples.
A notified certification body issues a Certificate of Constancy of Performance (CCP) on the basis of having:
- carried out initial type testing (ITT) — also known as product type determination (PTD) —including sampling at the factory
- conducted an initial audit of the factory
- set-up continuous surveillance and assessment of the FPC
- completed audit testing of samples before the product is placed on market.
Note that System 1+ does not feature in any current standards for insulation.
System 1: The manufacturer again draws out the FPC and agrees a continuous testing plan for samples.
The notified certification body issues the CCP having carried out ITT with sampling at the factory, conducted an initial audit of the factory and set-up continuous surveillance and assessment of the FPC.
System 2+: The manufacturer is responsible for carrying out the ITT, drawing out an FPC and agreeing to a continuous testing plan of samples.
A notified certification body carries out an initial factory audit, sets-up continuous surveillance and assessment of the FPC and issues a certificate of conformity of the FPC.
Note - If a construction product is classified under AVCP2+ or AVCP3 the manufacturer may choose to declare critical performance characteristics to a higher AVCP level as a means of demonstrating the commitment to a high standard of performance.
System 3: The manufacturer undertakes the FPC while a notified laboratory carries out the ITT based on samples provided by the manufacturer.
System 4: The manufacturer draws up a FPC and conducts the ITT to enable the preparation of the DoP.
Information about the AVCP level used for specific Kingspan Insulation products can be viewed by downloading their DoP documents. You can access these from the relevant product pages or search for them on our downloads section.
How are Kingspan Insulation products assessed?
At Kingspan Insulation, we carry out our obligations as set out by the Construction Products Regulation. This includes certifying to AVCP System 1 for Reaction to Fire when defined in the Harmonised Product / Designated Standard or EAD (European Assessment Document).
The following Kooltherm products are manufactured to product standard EN 13166: 2012 and are assessed against AVCP System 1 for Reaction to Fire. This requires continuous testing of samples of the product on a monthly basis. This testing could be carried out in house, but in order to provide additional assurance, we send these samples to an external independent testing body. An audit is carried out by the testing body every 6 months to review the in-house results and controls.
Kooltherm K5 External Wall Board
Kooltherm K15 Rainscreen Board
Both AlphaCore Pad and AlphaCore Pure are manufactured in accordance with an EAD. For Reaction to Fire, the method of indirect tests is to EN 13820. An audit is also carried out by the independent notified body every 12 months to review the FPC data and controls. Additional product samples are selected during the audit for testing.
The following K-Roc products are assessed to AVCP1 - this is managed by the origin manufacturer.
