building ventilation requirements

French regulation regarding residential ventilation dates from 1982. Almost every new residential buildings constructed since then are equipped with a mechanical ventilation system. 
For non-residential buildings, the regulation dates from 1979 and does not impose the installation of a ventilation system as a prescriptive requirement. Nevertheless, if air renewal relies only on windows opening, a significant windows area is necessary (according to the floor area) for the building to be considered compliant with the regulation. 
 

In Belgium, the requirements for ventilation in buildings can be found in national ventilation standards, national health regulation and in regional environmental regulations and EPB regulations (Energy Performance and Indoor Climate). In 2006 the latter regulations were introduced for the first time including mandatory requirements for ventilation.

This paper provides a background regarding building ventilation regulations and inspection requirements in Ireland. Ventilation requirements for new buildings are provided in the National Building Regulations, which apply to the whole of the Republic of Ireland. 

In Spain, the construction sector has undergone significant changes over the last twenty years due to new ventilation standards driven by increased awareness of indoor air quality (IAQ) and energy efficiency, as well as environmental policies.