Press
Mind the Gap: Lambeth appoints Akome Energy Build for first Air Leakage Test
July 2007
Akome Energy Build Ltd carried out the first accredited air tightness test on the new dwelling in West Norwood.
The Part L building regulations for conservation of fuel and power were revised in April 2006 and include the requirement of all new dwellings to be tested for air leakage. Air leakage is the uncontrolled flow of air through gaps and cracks in the building fabric, causing unnecessary heat loss and building energy costs.
Thomas Akomeah of Akome Energy Build said, “It was a pleasure to work with Lambeth Building Control on this project. We felt it was important for building control to familiarise themselves with the air tightness testing procedure, especially for when advising their customers and selecting dwellings to be tested. We are nationally certified to carry out the air tightness test in dwellings, so we feel that it’s part of our job to educate others”
Officers from Lambeth building control attended a seminar on air tightness earlier in the year, which was run by Akome Energy Build. They were also given the opportunity to participate in the air tightness test, taking readings and helping to prepare the building.
Mr Joe Baptiste MBE who is responsible for training at Lambeth Building Control said, “We are delighted that our officers have been given the opportunity to witness an actual test and familiarise themselves with the procedures involved. It is important that our officers are kept up-to-date with their training and the new Part L building regulations, so this has turned out to be a really useful exercise. Ultimately, we want Lambeth Building control to be well equipped towards playing their part in the government’s targets of reducing carbon emission by 20% by the year 2010”