In this episode of the Building Sciology Poddie, I speak with Sean Maxwell, the ATTMA Scheme Manager for Australia and New Zealand, about the importance of airtightness testing in building science. We chat about the role of blower door testing, the regulatory landscape surrounding airtightness, and the significance of the NatHERS star rating system. Sean shares insights from recent studies, including the CSIRO report on airtightness in Australian homes, and emphasises the need for better building practices to improve energy efficiency and indoor air quality. The conversation highlights the ongoing efforts to raise awareness and drive positive change in the construction industry.

Useful links from our chat

• ATTMA UK​

• ATTMA Australia​

• NatHERS – National House Energy Rating Scheme​

• Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA)​Green Building Council of Australia+1Green

• Red Pen Test – AIVAA​Green Building Council of Australia

• CSIRO 2015 – House Energy Efficiency Inspections Report​

• CSIRO 2024 – Air Infiltration of New Dwellings​

• International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)

• Chris Nunn’s Passivhaus – Asquith Project​Australian Passivhaus Association

• Chris Nunn – LinkedIn Profile​LinkedIn+2LinkedIn+2LinkedIn+2

• Barry Cope – ATTMA UK Presentation​

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Airtightness and Building Science

00:24 The Role of Blower Door Testing

03:20 Understanding Airtightness and Its Importance

06:35 Quality Control and Airtightness Testing

09:34 Common Misconceptions About Airtightness

12:34 Ventilation Strategies in Airtight Homes

15:30 Regulatory Landscape for Airtightness Testing

19:47 Building with Purpose: The Atma Philosophy

22:09 The Importance of Objective Assessments in Building Quality

23:27 NatHERS Ratings and the Need for Air Tightness

28:07 Opportunities for Improvement in Energy Efficiency

30:56 Achieving Air Tightness: Practical Strategies

36:28 The Impact of Recent Studies on Building Practices

41:31 Future Directions: Advocacy for Better Building Standards

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