In this episode of the Building Sciology Poddie, I speak with Sean Maxwell, the ATTMA Scheme Manager for Australia and New Zealand, about the importance of airtightness testing in building science. We chat about the role of blower door testing, the regulatory landscape surrounding airtightness, and the significance of the NatHERS star rating system. Sean shares insights from recent studies, including the CSIRO report on airtightness in Australian homes, and emphasises the need for better building practices to improve energy efficiency and indoor air quality. The conversation highlights the ongoing efforts to raise awareness and drive positive change in the construction industry.
Useful links from our chat
Red Pen Test - AIVAA
CISRO 2015 - House Energy Efficiency Inspections Report
CSIRO 2024 - Air Infiltration of New Dwellings 2024
International Energy Conservation Code
NatHERS - National House Energy Rating Scheme
Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA)
00:00 Introduction to Airtightness and Building Science
00:24 The Role of Blower Door Testing
03:20 Understanding Airtightness and Its Importance
06:35 Quality Control and Airtightness Testing
09:34 Common Misconceptions About Airtightness
12:34 Ventilation Strategies in Airtight Homes
15:30 Regulatory Landscape for Airtightness Testing
19:47 Building with Purpose: The Atma Philosophy
22:09 The Importance of Objective Assessments in Building Quality
23:27 NatHERS Ratings and the Need for Air Tightness
28:07 Opportunities for Improvement in Energy Efficiency
30:56 Achieving Air Tightness: Practical Strategies
36:28 The Impact of Recent Studies on Building Practices
41:31 Future Directions: Advocacy for Better Building Standards
Follow Building Sciology on the gram or get in touch at jess@buildingsciology.net!
Visit the website for show notes and a full transcript and sign up to the mailing list here!
Sponsor Websites
Climasure - www.climasure.com.au
Enduro Builders - www.endurobuilders.com.au
