Recent statistics1 show that the annual primary energy consumption per person in Japan is 31.0 Gcals (129.8 GJ). Almost 25% of this energy demand is divided equally among the commercial and residential sectors, with secondary energy usage per dwelling amounting to 8.3 Gcals (34.8 GJ). This value is aquarter of that of the United States and one half of that of European developed countries.

The Air Infiltration Centre is but one of many projects inaugurated by the International Energy Agency. This article presents some general information on the IEA and its energy conservation programme and gives details of three projects relating to air infiltration and ventilation in buildings.