Leading ventilation manufacturer Vent-Axia has hosted a webinar aimed at the social housing sector on the recently launched Building Regulations. ‘Domestic Retrofit Legislation and Guidance for Ventilation’, which updated delegates on the recent changes to the legislation and explained how these changes will affect ventilation in domestic retrofit, especially when adding energy efficiency measures to existing housing stock. A recording of this informative webinar ‘Domestic Retrofit Legislation and Guidance for Ventilation’ is now available to view online by visiting: www.vent-axia.com/building-regulations-webinars
With the UK Government’s target of reaching Net Zero by 2050, the new amended Part L (Conservation of Fuel and Power) Building Regulations is set to help meet this target with a reduction of almost a third less carbon for new build homes. However, as buildings become more airtight to improve efficiency, in both new build and domestic retrofit, it is crucial to consider indoor air quality (IAQ) too to protect the wellbeing of residents. The new Part F (Means of Ventilation) therefore sets out key changes, which will drive uptake of low carbon ventilation as an industry standard and improve the quality of the air residents breathe.
Vent-Axia’s Product Manager, Natasha King and the company’s Technical Product Manager, David Cook presented the webinar. The webinar explained the important changes to the legislation covering both Part L and F of the Building Regulations, with a particular detailed focus on Part F and the addition of a new sub section ‘Installing Energy Efficiency Measures’. Other topics it included are: why we need to ventilate; an explanation of the ventilation solutions available for existing housing stock; design considerations such as noise and ingress of pollutants; as well as installation and commissioning; and PAS 2035.
“We welcome the new Building Regulations as they are set to improve indoor air quality in social housing stock. Social housing providers have been working hard to make their homes more energy efficient and comfortable for residents. However, previously, when the airtightness of buildings was increased to improve energy efficiency many homes suffered from condensation, mould and poor IAQ because ventilation was not considered. Therefore, one of the most significant changes to the Regulations for social housing providers is the requirement to consider ventilation when adding energy efficiency measures to existing properties, said Natasha King, Product Manager at Vent-Axia. “At Vent-Axia we are keen to help social housing providers with the Regulations by explaining the changes and how to meet them with our webinar offering the ideal opportunity to find out about the new legislation and to ask questions on how this might affect ventilation in retrofit projects.”
A key addition to Part F for the social housing sector, which shows the significance of ventilation in meeting Net Zero, is a new sub section ‘Installing Energy Efficiency Measures’, which relates to existing properties. “When carrying out energy efficiency measures to an existing dwelling, an assessment should determine what, if any, additional ventilation provision is needed, based on the estimated impact of the work.” This is a welcome addition to the Regulations since previously many homes have suffered from condensation, mould and poor indoor air quality following energy efficiency measures, which have increased the airtightness of the building envelope to reduce carbon emissions. This positive move will help protect the health and wellbeing of residents from indoor air pollution and protect buildings from damp, condensation and mould caused by moisture not being able to escape.
For social housing refurbishments, there are number of ventilation options available to comply with the Building Regulations including: continuous extract ventilation such as the Lo-Carbon Revive and Lo-Carbon Response 7, intelligent filter-less fans; and Positive Input Ventilation, such as Vent-Axia’s Lo-Carbon PoziDry Pro PIV and Lo-Carbon PoziDry Compact Pro.
To find our more and to view a recording of the webinar visit: www.vent-axia.com/building-regulations-webinars. For further information on all products and services offered by Vent-Axia telephone +44 (0)344 856 0590 or visit www.vent-axia.com.