Draught Proofing Advisory Association director Gillian Allder discusses some of the legislation driving energy efficiency in construction and some methods that contractors can adopt to meet these rules.

THE commercial and industrial sector needs to change its ways if the Government’s ambitious targets to tackle climate change are to be met. Speaking earlier this year, the then Environment Minister, David Milliband, said: “Climate change doesn’t discriminate. Whether you’re a business, a government or an individual, it is a threat to us all and therefore a challenge for us all.”

In its draft Climate Change Bill published earlier this year, Britain became the first country in the world to set out a long-term legal framework for the transition to a low carbon economy. The new measures will encourage business, individuals and Government to reduce carbon emissions from homes, transport, energy use and waste. The Bill includes a series of clear targets for reducing carbon dioxide emissions, which include making the UK’s targets for a 60% reduction by 2050 and a 26% to 32% reduction by 2020 legally binding.

Another key point is the introduction of a new system of legally binding five year “carbon budgets” set at least 15 years ahead to provide clarity on the UK’s pathway towards its key targets. This increases the pressure on businesses and individuals to invest in low carbon technologies.

It is estimated that over 50% of carbon emissions come from buildings and heating fuel is the most important component of this energy use. Across all industrialised countries economic growth and rising energy demand has gone hand in hand. This model is increasingly unsustainable, economically and environmentally. The challenge is whether we can sustain economic growth whilst reducing energy demand in absolute terms.

Businesses are undoubtedly in a strong position to lead the way. Energy demand can be radically reduced through high quality insulation, while at the same time cutting carbon emissions.

While the current legislation will have an impact on climate change targets, the Government has set out a timetable for the progressive tightening of Part L of the Building Regulations in 2010 and 2013.

In the meantime, however, businesses can benefit immediately from installing energy measures such as top quality draught proofing, which can help to bring buildings in line with current Building Regulations and the European Directive for the Energy Performance of Buildings.

The demand for draught proofing will increase further following new air-tightness legislation introduced earlier this year.

The latest Part L revision introduces much tighter controls on air leakage into and out of buildings. For the first time air pressure leakage testing of buildings becomes mandatory, improving compliance with the regulations by showing where there is unacceptable leakage, which can reduce their energy efficiency.

All new buildings must meet a minimum envelope integrity specification for airtightness. The maximum permitted air leakage of 10m3/h/m2 is an essential part of the Government’s overall strategy to achieve a 25% improvement in energy efficiency of buildings. Increasing airtightness of a building is the single most effective way of further improving its energy efficiency.

The European Union (EU) Energy Performance of Buildings Directive requires every government to apply a methodology, which calculates energy performance of buildings. Included in this are thermal characteristics of the building, such as its shell and internal partitions. These characteristics may include air-tightness, ventilation, natural ventilation and indoor climate conditions, including designed indoor
climate.

Improving air-tightness reduces air leakage, or the uncontrolled flow of air through gaps and cracks in the building fabric. This is not to be confused with ventilation, or the controlled flow of air into and out of the building through purpose-built ventilators for the comfort and safety of the occupants. Too much air leakage leads to unnecessary heat loss and discomfort from cold draughts. With more stringent building regulations requiring better energy efficiency, air-tightness is an increasingly important issue. The aim should be: “build tight, ventilate right”. Buildings cannot be too airtight, although it is essential to ensure appropriate ventilation.

While draught proofing may not be regarded as the leader in the fight against climate change, it is an initiative that can have an impact on the environment, however small. Businesses are saddled with constantly increasing energy bills and with the onset of new legislation there will have to be a change in its attitude towards tackling climate change.

There is a possibility that the EU may toughen rules on energy efficiency for European businesses. The European energy commissioner has said that “market forces” and a poor perception of the value of energy efficiency had inhibited companies from implementing insulation measures. He warned that if market forces do not provide the most efficient outcome, the EU should make policy decisions including financial incentives, regulations and training.

Meanwhile the EU’s greenhouse gas emissions trading scheme covers energy intensive sectors, encouraging companies to improve energy efficiency by limiting the amount of carbon dioxide they are allowed to produce. Companies producing less than their limit can sell their excess emissions
allowance on an open market.

Whilst it suggests that Government must put an appropriate price on carbon through taxes, trading or regulation to give business financial incentives to reduce emissions, we are concerned that simple, cost effective energy efficiency measures are not neglected.

Energy managers often have the misconception that installing carbon saving measures means higher costs. In the overall energy efficiency strategy, the draught proofing of windows and external doors is seen as a key element in achieving low energy consumption and CO2 emissions, together with an improvement in comfort. This in turn may well result in the need for smaller boilers and fewer radiators to maintain the required temperature under new legislation