Scope of Air Testing

Air tightness is a mandatory requirement of Approved Document L, Parts 1 and 2 of the Building Regulations for England and Wales. Building Control will not issue a Completion Certificate to any development project without demonstrated compliance with the relevant air tightness standard. Air testing services must be carried out by competent, accredited persons in accordance with the requirements of the Building Regulations.

Which Buildings Require Air Testing?

• Part L1A — New dwellings (all new homes must be tested)
• Part L2A — New non-domestic buildings (new commercial, industrial, and public buildings)
• Part L2B — Large extensions to non-domestic buildings (subject to feasibility assessment)

Level 5 Energy Assessment

Level 5 Energy Assessment and Dynamic Simulation Modelling (DSM) is performed to confirm that buildings comply with the energy performance standards set out in the Building Regulations. Assessments are carried out by fully accredited CIBSE Low Carbon Energy Assessors (LCEA) and are used in the production of Level 3, 4 and 5 Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs). The primary objective is to improve and verify the building’s energy performance rating.