This paper starts with a short explanation of how sick buildings and mould were, brought to the focus of the general public in 1993. The media have played a major role in publicizing problems with damp and run-down buildings. Due to this massive media bombardment the general public in Denmark is, compared to the rest of Europe...

Thermography is often used to locate leaks in connection with an airtightness check. In this context it is important to know under what conditions the inspection system can recognise defects to a degree of certainty and reproducibility. Applications of leak location in checking airtightness use the excitation of the building envelope...

This paper will present current procedures on the main amendments in the forthcoming Energieeinsparverordnung (German energy-saving ordinance) for 2009, as they stood at the publication deadline of 30 April 2008, along with the main changes to certification procedures in residential and non-residential construction. The new series...

In all areas, concern is growing on the rising numbers of mould occurrences in residential buildings. A new survey has provided statistically reliable quantitative German data for the first time, according to which almost every tenth apartment is affected by mould. For 5.8% (around 2.2 million apartments) there was a connection between...

At the start of the measurements, the airtightness of the box was determined, achieving an n50 value of 0.79. Then the airtightness was progressively worsened by drilling (small holes, diameter of 12 / 25 mm and larger openings, diameter 100 mm) and the soundproofing quality of the roof measured. Airtightness was steadily reduced...

Conventional techniques for the measurement of adventitious leakage of building envelopes are based on steady pressurisation at high pressures (e.g. 50 Pa) that are not normally encountered with natural or mechanical ventilation. It is the leakage at low pressures (e.g. 4 Pa) that is of interest and it is shown that...

High standards of airtightness for building envelopes protect occupants against common outdoor air pollutants - especially pollen and mildew spores that occur seasonally in high concentrations and can penetrate indoor spaces. For nitrogen dioxide and ozone, too, for which there are spatial and temporal concentration peaks...

This technical monograph is one of a set produced as part of the ‘REVIVAL’ project – an EU Energie Programme supported demonstration project of energy efficient and sustainable refurbishment of non-domestic buildings in Europe. The monographs explore some of the main energy and comfort issues which arose during the Design Forums held with each of the six sites. The four monographs are entitled: 

This technical monograph is one of a set produced as part of the ‘REVIVAL’ project – an EU Energie Programme supported demonstration project of energy efficient and sustainable refurbishment of non-domestic buildings in Europe. The monographs explore some of the main energy and comfort issues which arose during the Design Forums held with each of the six sites. The four monographs are entitled: