In the temperate climate, the consistency of bioclimatic designs for heating and cooling is essential. However, the traditional Japanese houses which have excellent cooling techniques often disclose their poor thermal performance in the winter time. Since Jong it has been said that they sacrificed the heating performance in return for the cooling performance, as a result of their choice in the time when the consistency was technically impossible.
The air leakages can have a large impact on heating needs and thermal comfort in industrial buildings. This is sometimes poorly taken into account, both due to the lack of theoretical approach and knowledge of air tightness.
Clients, designers and institutions are all calling for more airtight buildings. Do we need mandatory pressure tests backed up by compliance procedures in Part L, or simply the publication of good practice guidelines? A recent CIBSE workshop delivered some answers.
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