New homes emittions

This is the finding of a report undertaken by BRE on behalf of the Energy Saving Trust, which calls for the inclusion of mandatory pressure testing when the new Part L is introduced.

“Non-complying homes emit 14% more carbon dioxide than complying homes,” said Philip Sellwood, chief executive of the Energy Saving Trust.

With about 1 million new homes set to be built over the next five years, more than 30,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions could be saved by carrying out as-built testing.

The report also states that the figure is likely to be even higher as poor air tightness is an indication of overall poor quality construction and is likely to have consequences in other areas of energy efficiency.

“Non-compliance has repercussions not only for the environment but also the quality of new build homes which is why it is imperative that pressure testing is included as mandatory at the earliest possible time.”