building regulations

The NEN 5128 "Energy performance of dwellings and residential buildings- Determination method" [1] describes a procedure to calculate the energy performance coefficient EPC. The requirements are given in the Dutch Building Decree [2]. The energy performance is expressed as an Energy Performance Characteristic (EPC). In this EPC procedure ventilation and air tightness play an important role. This paper describes the role of ventilation and air tightness in the Energy Performance Standard. Moreover it gives the alternative way of the so called equivalence principle.

The government is set to crack down on leaky buildings in 2001. So what's likely to happen and what should the construction industry be doing?

The developing trend that Building Regulations in the future will be applied to buildings in use rather than to their design intent on paper has many important implications. It will lead to pressure testing of new buildings to ensure air tightness, low energy bills and the associated absence of draughts. Importantly, it means that for the first time, the ventilation air will enter the building through the air inlet ductwork. This offers the designers the opportunity to control the indoor environment to create refreshing comfortable climate while retaining low energy use.

This paper outlines work in progress to develop dissemination material to assist the appropriate application of solar and passive ventilation in urban buildings.