A series of Ventilation Information Papers (VIPs) is being developed and published by the AIVC to present national trends and regulations on building and ductwork airtightness. This webinar will explore the building and ductwork airtightness practices in three countries: China, New Zealand, and Japan. Each nation represents a unique regulatory and construction environment, shaped by distinct climate conditions, national policies, and building practices.

In China, building airtightness standards have gradually been developed, but ductwork airtightness is only marginally addressed, with few incentives for testing or regulation enforcement​. However, as the country increases its focus on energy efficiency, there is growing recognition of the need to control duct leakage due to its impact on IAQ and energy use.

New Zealand has no national airtightness requirement but encourages airtight construction through voluntary programs and research-backed recommendations. Although building airtightness has improved, reaching an average of 4.6 ach@50Pa, ductwork airtightness remains unregulated. The country’s focus is on improving building durability and energy efficiency while managing risks related to its humid climate​.

Japan has advanced airtightness standards, particularly for residential buildings, with local governments offering subsidies for airtight construction. However, ductwork airtightness remains largely overlooked, reflecting limited national interest in regulating duct leakage​.

This webinar will provide a comparative overview of these countries’ approaches to airtightness, exploring the drivers and challenges in each setting. Join us to gain insights into airtightness practices worldwide and the evolving impact on building energy performance and IAQ.

This webinar is organized with the support of the Air Infiltration and Ventilation Centre and TightVent Europe. Both initiatives are facilitated by INIVE.

AGENDA (CET)

• 09:00 | Introduction: Presentation of the series of AIVC VIPs on building and ductwork airtightness regulations, Valérie Leprince (Cerema, France)
• 09:05 | Building and ductwork airtightness in China: National trends and requirements, Yan Hu (Hunan University, China)
• 09:20 | Questions and answers
• 09:30 | Building and ductwork airtightness in Japan: National trends and requirements, Yoshihiro Toriumi (Tokyo Denki University, Japan)
• 09:45 | Questions and answers
• 09:55 | Building and ductwork airtightness in New Zealand: National trends and requirements, Steve McNeil (BRANZ, New Zealand)
• 10:10 | Questions and answers
• 10:30 | End of the webinar

Participation to the webinar is FREE but prior registration is required.

For further information please download the flyer.