The HVCA industry may be facing its biggest opportunity or responsibility and liability as the building industry follows a trend in tighter building construction with paper and chalk products (plasterboard) held together with tape and silicon sealer. The designed low air leakage (part L) means that moisture generated by occupation or dew point and condensation has nowhere to go and will condense or be adsorbed into hydrophilic materials such as plasterboard.

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The ITV program Homes from Hell, shown on ITV at 8pm on 3rd of March featured a block of flats which now holds the dubious title of being the highest insurance claim for building defect. The following account shows how a mixture of poor legislation and building management systems and poor surveying techniques are likely to cause a dramatic increases in insurance claims.

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While many focus on “Greenhouse” gas emissions and the effect of global warming on our environment, few have recognised the implications and emerging threats to the “Built” environment. Changes in regulations, standards, living style, construction techniques coupled to novel materials are now seen to be having significant effect on building occupants!

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The client had health concerns over a small patch of black mould in the hall ceiling and asked for an sampling and assessments. A sampling hypothesis following internationally recognised protocols was developed to identify cause and effect of potential moisture problems and types of mould and relevant health concerns.

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The recent meteorological office alert that Britain may face the coldest winter in 40 years should alert business planners to the possible ramifications. The first concern should be the tandem warning from the electricity supply industry who, following the met office warning recognised the potential additional loading on the National Grid.

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