Implementation of measurement and quality frameworks in the French regulation for achieving airtight envelopes

It is foreseen that the 2012 version of the French regulation will include a minimum requirement for the envelope airtightness of residential buildings, with two options to justify its treatment: a) measurement at commissioning or b) adoption of an approved quality management approach. This paper describes the qualification process for authorizing technicians to conduct airtightness measurement when the result is to be used in the EP-calculation method. It also discusses the requirements set for approved quality management approaches. These processes have started in 2008 which allows us to analyze the impacts of the measures taken on the supporting staff and on the market. Our analyses underline the importance of the qualification process to ensure homogenous measurement practice between technicians. They also show the limits of the controls that can be implemented if the process is not appropriately sized to absorb a large number of applications. Regarding the approved quality management approaches, their impact is increasing rapidly with builders engaged in that process who produce hundreds to several thousands of homes a year. Other market players also explore this option, namely industries and contractors.