Buildings should be considered not as standalone discrete entities, but as part of a system in constant and dynamic interaction with people and the environment. This interconnectedness means benefits, problems, solutions and consequences cannot be effectively addressed in isolation.

As we build ever more air tight buildings and refurbish existing ones, often with energy efficiency as the main driver, the case for delivering effective moisture control becomes ever more paramount. This must be alongside good detailing, quality installation and an effective ventilation strategy.

Consideration of product impacts should be an essential component for sustainable and healthy buildings and NOT an afterthought. With staff costs amounting to 90% of most office based business operating costs and because we spend so much time indoors, it is essential that the industry delivers healthy buildings. This is especially important for vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly; so buildings such as schools, housing and medical centres.

The task of retrofitting our entire building stock to enable zero carbon buildings by 2050 is a daunting one, which requires an estimated 781,250 homes to be refurbished every year – or 1.5 homes a minute. There is emerging evidence highlighted by Peter Rickaby at STBA/SPAB conference June 13^th 2017, that some homes that have been retrofitted to such a poor standard, that they have been wrecked.

Most buildings built roughly before the first half of last century are vapour open and inappropriate materials applied in a retro-fit may prevent the passage of moisture through the building. However the concept of breathability and moisture control is poorly understood. This seminar brings together leading practioners, academics and suppliers to share their knowledge and learning.

There will be drinks from 17:00, so please join us.

Programme

13:30 : Registration

14.00 : Chair’s introduction: Gary Newman, ASBP

14.05 : Simon Corbey, ASBP - What is a healthy building?

14.10 : Nigel Griffiths, Sustainable Traditional Buildings Alliance (STBA)

• Update on STBA guidance wheel.

14.25 : Dr Callum Hill, ISOBIO and JCH Industrial Ecology Ltd; Breathability – Back to basics

• Breathability ; what is it, why is it important and how do we enable it?
• Vapour open is not the same as breathable.
• Air tightness and breathability are complimentary strategies (not mutually exclusive).

14.45 : Mark Lynn, Thermafleece

• The benefits of natural fibre insulation
• Moisture and natural fibre insulation
• Hygroscopicity is not the same as breathable

15.05 : Caroline Rye - The SPAB Building Performance Survey

• An overview of the SPAB Building Performance Survey, commenced in 2011, measuring moisture movement through solid walls.
• What we measured and the tools
• Results and next steps

15:25 : Refreshment Break 

15.40 : Chris Brookman, Back to Earth

• The range of natural fibre products available
• Woodfibre and moisture
• Other health and wellbeing benefits – VOCs and overheating

16.00 : Andy McGrath, BSRIA

• Part F and ventilation
• Compliance testing
• Common system problems

16.20 : Leigh George, Allergy UK

• An overview of allergic disorders In the UK
• A summary of the 800 calls a month to the Allergy UK helpline
• Allergy UK Approved Products

16.40 : Discussion and next steps

17:00 : Close and networking drinks

This event is held in partnership, and with support from

What have our delegates said about Green Register seminars?

"All was useful, in depth and interesting – stimulating the mind!"
"Excellent coverage for both established Green Register members and novices"
“A great combination of information from basics to detailed application!  A very useful overview and introduction”

SPECIAL OFFER - BOOK 3 PLACES FOR THE PRICE OF 2!

Book your places online as normal and we will deduct the cost of the 3rd place once your booking is received. This offer may not be used in conjunction with other offers.