Today, Tom blames the end-user, and Beamfloat knocks new-build housing

Eco-ventilation health scare prompts regulation change

Always the problem; making sure the client knows how to use the system properly to actually return the energy and cost benefits!
Tom

Guide to future bulding regulations: In-tray

I just hope that the BRE realises that buildings have to breathe to be lived in. It is one thing to put full air conditioning into major buildings, which is an art in itself, but buildings in general need to breathe and by this I mean that they cannot be sealed up as hermetically sealed boxes (which part L effectively requires) so that moisture cannot escape through the fabric. The natural moisture given off by human habitation, if not removed by ventilation or other methods, is what causes so many of our modern ailments as it propagates or retains moulds, dust mites and many other agents causing allergies, asthma and the like.
I know part F is to deal with ventilation, but when there is a howling storm outside people batten down and under the current regulations the building will cease to breathe unless there is some permeability in the external fabric. Draughts, or call it passive ventilation, have a use.
David Overment

Olympic bosses name 2012 legacy body chief

Another "British" job for British workers?
Tony Spender

Energy regs crackdown on homeowners

We have set a target, and kicking the poor taxpayer is the easiest way to meet it. Luckily, this could be the start of the next cycle of an overheated property market - it will make moving more attreactive than improving. And the whole merry circus begins again. New build housing is already massively expensive due to onerous regulation. This will put builders out of business, and consign those sensible enough not to over-extend their mortages to overcrowded housing but hey - who cares, it's a dog eat dog world. Right?
Beamfloat

No biomass, no turbines, no solar panels. Is Passivhaus the way to zero carbon?

Just to clarify a few points here. The Code gives credit for installing a range of low zero carbon technologies (not specifically PV, but whatever is most suitable). It requires a feasibility study to be carried out by an independent energy specialist (this is what determines what is sensible or cost effective).
The 'fabric first' approach to low energy buildings should be adopted whether or not Passivhaus accreditation is being sought.
Adam Graveley

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