BEAMA launches updated Ventilation White Paper

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BEAMA has launched its updated 2022 Ventilation White Paper, ahead of the new Building Regulations on Ventilation coming into effect later this year, and the government’s wider Covid-19 and net-zero strategy

The paper sets out a 4-step policy pathway for the future to deliver effective ventilation and improved indoor air quality inside UK homes in order to help protect health and wellbeing.

The White Paper makes it clear that we must adopt a ‘Ventilate when you Insulate’ approach, to avoid creating a major public health burden by sealing pollutants and viruses in our homes.

This will ensure that energy efficiency and ventilation improvements go hand-in-hand, and poor-quality installations of ventilation systems and poor compliance are rooted out.

The 4-step strategy includes:

1. Set higher ventilation standards for new builds to protect health and wellbeing.
2. Ensure energy efficiency retrofits are accompanied by ventilation measures to protect health and wellbeing.
3. Drive ventilation compliance standards.
4. Treat poor indoor air quality and poor ventilation as a public health emergency and, in addition to public education campaigns on the risks and solutions, make sure it is enshrined in all relevant policy areas.

The update comes amidst a seminal moment for the built environment in the UK, with the country navigating its way out of the pandemic, the introduction of new Building Regulations for energy conservation and ventilation, and the government driving its long-term net-zero strategy.

The push towards energy efficiency has led to increasing airtightness, however, this has not been matched by ventilation improvements, resulting in the increased risk of poor indoor air quality compromising the health and wellbeing of occupants.

The paper states that whilst the UK government has shown good intentions, such as its commitment in the Heat and Buildings Strategy to take decisive, ‘no-regrets’ action now on improving ventilation and mitigating the risks of poor indoor air quality, a concrete plan must be delivered in practice.

‘Ventilate when you Insulate’ approach must be adopted’

Colin Timmins, director of the BEAMA Ventilation Group commented: “Our message to policymakers is simple: a ‘Ventilate when you Insulate’ approach must be adopted, and poor-quality installations and compliance must be tackled, to ensure indoor air quality and health are safeguarded.

“By adopting and implementing the 4 policy solutions set out in this White Paper, the Government can achieve this and deliver healthy homes that are fit for the future.”

‘Deliver effective ventilation and healthy indoor air quality’

Keith Ritchie, chair of the BEAMA Ventilation Group stated: “While progress on ventilation and indoor air quality has been made over the last 4 years, much more still needs to be done to integrate, regulate and improve ventilation standards.

“This 2022 version of our Ventilation White Paper represents a timely update that urges Government to act without delay and devise a clear plan to deliver effective ventilation and healthy indoor air quality.”

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