While it is generally accepted that a ventilation system in a building—whether natural, mechanical or hybrid—is needed to provide acceptable indoor air quality and prevent building damage, there are debates about the actual performance of these systems and how the deviations observed affect the overall buildings performance and the well-being or safety and health of the occupants

The current development in building energy efficiency towards nearly zero energy buildings represents a number of new challenges to design and construction of buildings.

Workshop Objectives:

• Bring to light newest developments on sealing techniques, durability, test methods and analyses, challenges and solutions in high‐rise buildings
• Foster programmes and networking activities regarding airtightness issues.

Major topics:

While building airtightness is a key concern in Nearly Zero-Energy Buildings in most European climates, there exists already a wide range of commercially-available products specifically designed to minimize leakage in building envelopes.

While building airtightness is a key concern in Nearly Zero-Energy Buildings in most European climates, there exists already a wide range of commercially-available products specifically designed to minimize leakage in building envelopes.

The implementation of the EPBD recast puts increasing pressure on the market to achieve better building and ductwork airtightness: for most European climates and countries, good airtightness levels are necessary to achieve nearly zero-energy buildings. You will learn about legislative drivers that have brought to light new concerns and stimulated new initiatives.

The 34^th AIVC Conference: "Energy conservation technologies for mitigation and adaptation in the built environment: the role of ventilation strategies and smart materials" was held on 25 & 26 September 2013 in Athens together with the 3^rd TightVent conference, 1^st venticool conference and 2^nd Cool Roofs’ Conference.