Importance of Building Regulations:

Builders need to perform the air tightness testing on a sample of the new building after reaching a point of construction process according to Building Regulations. The Building Regulations allows the air permeability measure to set maximum level. However the specific performance needed for every given unit will rely upon SAP or SBEM calculations. These calculations will determine if the building's Design Emission Rate (DER) is as expected and below the Target Emission Rate (TER).

Presently, Air Tightness Testing requirements of buildings are in three of the four Part L Approved Documents:

• Part L1A: (For New Dwellings)
• Part L2A: (For New Non-dwellings)
• Part L2B: (applicable to large extensions to non-dwellings)

The UK Government has set the buildings regulations with a commitment to reduce CO2 emissions from energy consumption by 60% by the year 2050. The major factors that affect energy consumption are air leakage and continuity of insulation in the design and performance of the building. Air Testing should be performed by competent persons as per the rules stated in the building regulations. Upon reaching to the set standards only a completion certificate is issued by Building Control.