Describes a simple manual method for providing a rough calculation of the likely energy requirements of a building at an early stage in the project, before the detailed information required by established computer programs can be provided.

Examines the possibilities of achieving energy-efficient ventilation systems in naturally ventilated homes (which include the use of intermittent extract fans in individual rooms). Discusses factors affecting energy efficiency. Treats general design requirements for mechanical and natural ventilation systems. Discusses the characteristics of natural ventilation systems, including leakage, weather and window opening. Compares natural and mechanical systems. Provides suggestions for natural ventilation design.

Describes investigations into the air change rate in dwellings with very air-tight windows carried out by the West German Institute for Water Earth and Air Hygiene under a contract from the Federal Building Ministry. Treats the 80rooms investigated in 20 different buildings and in some office type rooms in Berlin. Notes the measurement method and the procedure of evaluating the results. Gives some results in graphs. Summarises the findings of the analysis of the results.

Gives an account of the results of research into ventilation and radiation in buildings, including one-family dwellings and blocks of flats. Investigation includes recording the air change rate, the radon levels, the radium emanation rate and gamma radiation. The object of the investigation is to obtain background material for continued research into limit values for radon and radium emanation levels in dwellings.

Illustrates some practical aspects of the use of one IR camera and associated equipment discusses some of the problems in interpretation of some pictures representing temperatures of the inside and outside surfaces of buildings particularly problems due to residual effects of the sun on external surfaces, reflection of sunlight into the IR camera, storage of heat from the sun in walls, and cold spots inside a building caused by heat loss by thermal bridges or cold-air infiltration.

Examines the fundamental building heat loss calculations. Points out some anomalies in the traditional view of room thermal behaviour. Treats equations governing room heat loss taking account of the temperature of the walls and the environmental temperature. Justifies the use of the environmental temperature rather then the air temperature. Examines the heat loss due to ventilation. Discusses the use of the temperature ratio.

Notes the high heat loss in Canadian houses due to air leakage and condensation problems caused by uncontrolled moisture movement into the exterior wall structure. Recommends the installation of an air-vapour barrier to form a completely sealed envelope around the house structure except at doors, windows, vents and other obstacles. The recommended thickness for the polyethylene sheet of the air vapour barrier is 6mm, which is continually sealed at all joints. Details the recommended installation procedures for realising an air-vapour barrier.

Treats the research programme initiated by the Ministry of Research and Technology with the aim of achieving a more rational use of energy in dwellings by air conditioning and ventilation measures. Points out that domestic heating is responsible for around 40% of energy consumption in West Germany, of which about one third is dissipated as ventilation heat loss.

Discusses some problems of interpretation of the French regulations concerning domestic ventilation promulgated 24th March 1982. Notes in particular problems connected with natural ventilation.

Lists and explains the 10 rules to ensure correct domestic ventilation< 1. Ensuring the correct air supply< 2. Maintaining correct flow directions< 3. Maintaining stable ventilation conditions< 4. Avoiding discomfort zones< 5. Maximum use of window ventilation< 6. Matching the flow of air to the ventilation requirement< 7. Observing energy saving ventilation principles< 8. Considering smoke carryover in case of fire<9. Quiet operation<10. Ensuring low maintenance requirements for the system< Illustrates examples of ventilation practice in diagrams.