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It is expected that many countries will between 2015 and 2020 have regulations imposing requirements for new buildings which are near-zero energy targets. This has major consequences:
- Such strategies will for most climates automatically lead to specific attention to building airtightness, including large scale measurements, challenges in terms of design and execution, quality issues, long term performances, ... This is a tremendous challenge.
- As a result of the increased attention for building airtightness, the need for appropriate, energy efficient, ventilation systems will grow. Issues as correct air flow rates, air quality, acoustics, draught, energy optimisation, economics, ... will have to be handled at large scale. At present, we know that many countries are faced with poor performances of most systems.
- So, indirectly, the move towards near-zero energy buildings will lead to a greater need for ventilation systems.
- As a result, the expression already used in the eighties, i.e. ‘Build Tight – Ventilate Right’ is becoming a big reality.
- In addition, there are the tremendous challenges for the existing building stock. Although there will be in most countries more time for implementation and, in absolute terms, probably less severe targets, more or less similar challenges are found for the existing building stock.
This international workshop aimed to give a good overview of all the issues involved in building airtightness, with specific attention to planning aspects (session 2), execution (session 3) and evaluation (session 4).In session 5, attention was given to the point of view of key stakeholders.
During the workshop, the European Platform on Building Airtightness was launched and it was planned to have follow-up sessions on specific topics.