Preliminary analysis of French buildings airtightness database

Pushed at first by the labels backed onto the 2005 French energy performance (EP) regulation, and later on by the 2012 energy performance regulation, which imposes envelope airtightness requirements for any new dwellings, and pulled by a growing interest for low-energy labels, an important market transformation is observed in France on envelope airtightness measurement.

A framework has been set to supervise the authorized measurers' activities. Within this framework, the measurers must fill a standard register for each measurement they perform. Every year, since 2006, this file has to be sent to CETE de Lyon to set a database. It represented around 31.000 envelope airtightness data in August 2013 and around 100.000 new data are expected each year with the new EP regulation.

In 2013, a database and specific tools have been developed in order to make the most of this numerous data. Five airtightness indicators (Q_{4Pa_Surf}, n₅₀, NL, w₄, ELA_n) can be analysed through 20 parameters concerning: region and climate zone, building use, certification/label, building age, construction mode and main material, insulation type, ventilation system, heating system, measurement devices, method of the measurement, local measured (envelope or part of building), floor area and volume.

This paper describes the database, and presents some preliminary analysis about residential and non-residential buildings envelope airtightness based on the impact of several parameters: label and connected applicable airtightness requirement, building volume, ventilation system and main material.