Measures Database
| ENERGY: AIRTIGHT CONSTRUCTION |
Fit as standard Applicable to all sites Medium cost Easy implementation BREEAM credits not available |
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Description |
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 Ventilation is needed in buildings to provide fresh air for occupants, to dilute pollutants, and to exhaust heat gains. In the design and construction of modern buildings the aim is to provide an airtight envelope and introduce ventilation in a controlled manner, either naturally or mechanically.Measures include: ensuring sufficient laps on vapour barriers, sealing around services and other penetrations, sealing at the junctions between components and careful detailing to avoid unwanted air paths. The air permeability of a building can be tested by pressure testing it with fans. CIBSE TM23 sets out good and best practice air permeability rates for different building types. |
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Cost |
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| The cost for carrying out a fan pressurisation test has been estimated as £10000 for a typical factory unit (5000m2 production 1000m2 of office) and £25000 for the warehouse unit (13,000m2 production and 3340m2 office). | |
Benefits |
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Local Authorities |
Where local authorities have climate change strategies, including CO2 reduction targets, measures to seal buildings will contribute towards energy savings and help in reaching those targets. |
Global Environment |
Reducing energy use potentially can reduce the amount of fossil fuels required and volume of CO2 emitted.Insulation decreases the amount of fossil fuel, either gas or grid electricity that is required to heat a building. It therefore saves emissions of CO2 into the atmosphere. |
Occupier |
Measures that reduce air leakage help to reduce heat loss in winter and should lower fuel bills. These measures can bring energy cost savings and improved internal comfort for occupiers. |
Developer |
There is little benefit to developers at present, however, under proposed changes to Part L2 of Building Regulations it will become compulsory to test air leakage in buildings over 50m2 and achieving reduced air permeability will assist in complying with future regulations. |
Implementation notes |
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| When increasing the air tightness of a building envelope, designers must ensure that adequate ventilation is provided by the ventilation systems. Ventilation for health is covered under Part F of the Building Regulations. | |
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