Describes the results of the experimental evaluaton of two precast concrete sandwich panels. States that for best results for precast concrete walls, the air barrier must be sufficiently airtight to achieve static pressure equalization and there must be sufficient venting to achieve dynamic pressure-equalization. Similar results were obtained from research conducted on other wall systems. For precast concrete walls, these results are best obtained by minimizing the cavity volume and decreasing air barrier leakage before increasing vent area.

Describes the experimental evaluation of a brick veneer steel stud (BVSS) test specimen. The system was evaluated for air leakage characteristics, pressure equalization response, deflection and water penetration. Concludes that for best results for BVSS walls, the air barrier must be sufficiently airtight to achieve static pressure equalization and there must be sufficient venting to achieve dynamic pressure equalization. Similar results were obtained from research conducted on other wall systems.

Describes a research and development project that has been started in order to generate design guidelines for PER walls. The three tasks covered are computer modelling, experimental evaluation and development of design guidelines. Describes the results of the experimental evaluation of an exterior insulation finish system. The systems were evaluated for air leakage characteristics, pressure equalization response and water penetration. Concludes that a wall designed to PER principles is more able to resist rain penetration.

The International Space Station (ISS) is the biggest multinational space program ever with 16 countries involved. Since November 2000 the station is permanently occupied with a crew of 3 astronauts. Till 2006 the station will be further assembled and the crew will be increased to 7 astronauts. To maintain a comfortable and safe environment under micro gravity conditions in a completely sealed space habitat advanced ventilation technology had to be developed to maintain air temperature, air humidity and air velocity as well as contaminant concentrations well below required levels.

This study investigates the application of night ventilation techniques in ten urban canyons, situated in the extended region of Athens, Greece. In order to determine the impact of the urban environment on the night ventilation performance, the outdoor air temperature and wind profile have been measured inside and outside the experimental canyons.

In urban areas, people stand the most of their time in indoor environment. In this context, indoor air quality is more and more a subject of concern. Outdoor air quality can have a large impact on indoor air quality. An experimental study has been conducted into a dwelling, in collaboration between the LHVP and the CSTB, in order to study the indoor concentration of pollutants depending on the outdoor pollution and the air renewal due to ventilation system. Different experiments have been conducted in an empty dwelling situated in a polluted area in Paris during winter and summer periods.

In the framework of SOLVENT project, work was carried out to develop strategies and dissemination material to assist the efficient application of solar and passive ventilation in urban buildings. The information gathered during the project is synthesized in a website designed for the 'informed' architect and also useful to HVAC engineers in their discussions with their clients.

The Building Regulations with regard to the energy performance of buildings in the Netherlands is an attempt to a performance oriented requirement in conjunction with a test standard. The test standard in fact means a calculation procedure. The requirements are given in the Dutch Building Decree. This Decree is coupled to the building act. Within the scope of an application for a building permit is has to be proven that the energy use of the building does not reach the maximum allowed energy amount set for that building.

It is expected that there will be in 2003 an energy performance regulation for the Flemish Region. In the framework of the VLIET-EPIGOON project, a proposal for such legislation is under preparation. This paper describes the global context for the envisaged regulation. Moreover, a number of specific issues are briefly presented.