Mark Giordmaina

There is a huge regulatory shift coming to the UK property sector, and if you’re a landlord, letting agent, or property owner, it’s time you paid attention. There is a proposal in the parliament which states that starting this year, the minimum Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) requirement for rented homes has been changed from an E to a C rating. While this might sound like a simple change and is still some time away, there are many properties that could be affected by this regulatory change. 

An Energy Performance Certificate, or EPC, is an important document showing the energy efficiency of your domestic or commercial property. Most properties in the UK need an EPC, before they’re rented or sold. But did you know that some properties don’t need one?

Whether you’re conducting it in the workplace or at your house, air tightness testing is an important assessment to check how airtight your premises are. The level of airtightness in your residential or commercial property directly influences energy efficiency and indoor air quality, as well as your day-to-day comfort.

The growing demand for energy-efficient properties is more than just a trend; it’s a necessity. Yet, shockingly, more than 56% of homes in England have below-average energy efficiency, with a score of D on their EPC assessments. Besides being a significant and valuable contribution to the environment, energy-efficient measures help you save money and boost

Energy efficiency in the UK is a priority, given the pressing need to meet the net zero targets. This has brought about the introduction of Part L of the building regulations in new and existing buildings.

Air tightness tests are important because they measure how much air is escaping from your property’s cracks, corners, and gaps. Air leakages typically occur when the walls, ceilings, and window sills aren’t adequately insulated during construction. These checks can help identify any leaks and suggest measures to plug them, helping you save significantly on energy usage. 

The UK government is taking conscientious steps and initiatives to achieve its commitment to the net zero emissions target by 2050. The UK was the first major economy to pass laws to combat climate change, taking up various initiatives, including ending the sale of new fully petrol and diesel cars by 2030 and installing 600,000

This commitment to sustainability put the spotlight on businesses and property owners in the UK and their carbon footprint. Office spaces are increasingly designed to be more environmentally friendly as companies look to meet their internal ESG goals and overall sustainability objectives. Likewise, UK residents and property owners are becoming more conscientious about their property’s EPC checks and air-tightness assessments.

Since 2006, it’s been a mandatory requirement for all types of new builds in England and Wales to be tested for air tightness. Prior to this requirement, it was accepted that the average UK dwelling leaked air at a rate of 11.48 m³/(m² hr) @ 50 Pa. As of 2006, under the current UK building regulations, the standard permissible figures are between 3 and 8m³/(m² hr) @50 Pa.

If you’re building your own home, getting an air tightness test is legally required. Air tightness testing, also known as air permeability testing, air leakage or air pressure testing, helps to measure if air escapes through the cracks and gaps in the building frame. 

Air permeability test results will help determine your property’s energy efficiency, the heating and cooling costs and the comfort of the living areas. 

However, sometimes, a property can fail an air tightness test.