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Building Energy Efficiency and Sustainability
News Release from: Energy Saving Trust (EST) | Subject: Air tightness standards
Edited by the Buildingtalk Editorial
Team on 23 June 2005
Heating wasted by new homes every year
Energy Saving Trust reveals that new homes are emitting 6,000 tonnes more carbon dioxide each year than they should be as a result of non-compliance with minimum air tightness standards .
A new report commissioned by the Energy Saving Trust reveals that new homes are emitting 6,000 tonnes more carbon dioxide each year than they should be as a result of non-compliance with minimum air tightness standards With around 1 million new homes set to be built over the next 5 years, over 30,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions released into the atmosphere could be saved each year
This article was originally published on Buildingtalk on 18 Jul 2003 at 8.00am (UK)
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Philip Sellwood, Chief Executive, Energy Saving Trust said: "The report shows that non-complying homes emit 14 per cent more carbon dioxide emissions than complying homes".
"However, this figure is likely to be even higher, as poor air tightness is an indication of overall poor quality construction and is likely to have consequences in other areas of energy efficiency".
"The scheduled inclusion of mandatory pressure testing in the building regulations in January 2006 will put an end to this non-compliance at a minimal cost".
"Non compliance has repercussions not only for the environment but also the quality of new build homes which is why it is imperative that pressure testing is included as mandatory at the earliest possible time," added Mr Sellwood".
"There are a number of arguments as to how industry should monitor build quality over the course of the build process but only through as-built testing can we ensure that the completed homes meet minimum standards." The Government is falling behind on its climate change targets for 2010 and is currently reviewing its Climate Change Programme to look at where further policies could make up this shortfall.
In this context it is imperative to ensure the effectiveness of existing policies and to build to high standards now if the Government is going to reach even tougher targets set for 2050.
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