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In Belgium, the measured airtightness of buildings can be used in the regional Energy Performance (EP) regulations in order to improve the theoretical performance of these buildings. With the progressive strengthening of the regulations, the airtightness performance has become more crucial. Possible not-reliable tests are a great threat in this area.
The reference documents are the standard EN 13829[1] (ISO 9972) and additional specifications published by the Regions. Updated rules and technical criteria for pressurization tests have been defined in the Technical Specifications STS-P 71-3 published by the federal ministry of economy[2]. The schematic content and specific items are shown below.
Figure 1. Steps for the report delivery.
STS-P 71-3 contains an informative annex describing in general terms the requirements for a quality framework for the realization of pressurization tests. Certification bodies may organize a system allowing to show the compliance with the STS and this particular annex.
This system is based on two main points described in the informative annex.
The first point is a qualification examination showing the competency of the testers. Examination includes a theoretical part (50 multiple choice questions) and a practical part. The practical examination consists of testing a dedicated building with a controller. Minimum experience in the field is also required (supply of at least 5 test reports).
In order to be recognized, companies must fulfil the following requirements:
· to have civil liability insurance;
· to have all necessary measuring instruments and software;
· to employ at least one qualified tester.
It is worth noting that accredited companies can be automatically recognised without further requirements.
The second point of the quality system is a continuous control. Two types of controls are scheduled: control of the reports and on-site controls.
Respecting all requirements and the whole procedure permits the certified testers to deliver a declaration of conformity for each airtightness test.
Regional ministries in charge of the EPB-regulation in the building sector may refer to STS-P 71-3. Since January 2015, the Flemish region imposes the respect of the STS including the annex related to the quality framework for every new pressurization test in the context of the EP regulation. In other words, the introduction of the airtightness test result in the EP calculation is allowed only if a declaration of conformity is available.
At the time of writing this paper (June 2015), about 170 Belgian companies are already recognized.
The advantages for the clients and the final users are the availability of a list of recognised competent professional and mainly the assurance of good quality results. It allows the authorities to hold reliable input data. In addition, less control is needed at the moment of EP declarations. Finally, the airtightness testers are also satisfied because they have better opportunities to value higher quality.
1. Qualicheck Project – Factsheet: Ventilation and airtightness -Reliable fan pressurization tests
2. X. Loncour, C. Delmotte, C. Mees, M. De Strycker. 2014. Belgian framework for reliable fan pressurization tests for buildings. Proceedings of the 35th AIVC Conference, Poznan, Poland.
3. STS-P 71-3, Etanchéité à l’air des bâtiments Essai de pressurisation, SPF Economie, P.M.E., Classes moyennes et Energie
4. Delmotte C., 2015. New framework for reliable pressurization tests of buildings in Belgium. Proceedings of the 9th International BUILDAIR-Symposium, May 8-9, 2015, Kassel, Germany.
QUALICHeCK
responds to the challenges related to compliance of Energy Performance
Certificate (EPC) declarations and the quality of the building works. Find out
more at http://qualicheck-platform.eu.
The
QUALICHeCK project is co-funded by the Intelligent Energy Europe Programme of
the European Union. The sole responsibility for the content of this article
lies with the author(s). It does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the
European Union. Neither the EASME nor the European Commission are responsible
for any use that may be made of the information contained therein.
[1] Thermal performance of buildings - Determination of air permeability of buildings - Fan pressurization method (ISO 9972:1996, modified)
[2] The legislator wants to make measurement possible for nearly all buildings. So, criteria related to the zero-flow pressure difference have been loosened for large buildings. Highest pressure difference has also been adapted.
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