What is Decarbonisation?

Decarbonisation refers to the systematic process of reducing or eliminating carbon dioxide (CO₂) and other greenhouse gas emissions from buildings, energy systems, and industrial processes. In the context of UK social housing, it specifically involves transitioning housing stock away from fossil fuel dependency toward low-carbon energy sources and implementing energy efficiency measures to minimise carbon...

What are VOCs?

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are organic (carbon-containing) chemical compounds that readily vaporise (i.e. transition into the gas phase) at normal indoor temperatures and pressures. Because of this volatility, they can emit from materials, products, or processes as gases into indoor air. Key characteristics / properties They tend to have low molecular weights and relatively high...

What is the Window Energy Rating?

The Window Energy Rating (WER) is a standardized performance metric applied to a complete window assembly (frame + glazing + edge seals + ventilation leakage) that summarises its net energy performance, taking into account: Heat loss through conduction/convection (U-value) Solar heat gain through the glazing (g-value) Infiltration / air leakage through the window frame and...

What is Whole Dwelling Ventilation?

The continuous or near-continuous provision of fresh air and removal of stale air throughout all habitable parts of a dwelling (and wet rooms), to dilute and remove moisture, pollutants, CO₂, odours, and other indoor emissions, while maintaining acceptable indoor air quality and controlling condensation risk. In modern, airtight dwellings (especially those built or retrofitted to...

What is Adventitious Ventilation?

Adventitious ventilation refers to the uncontrolled ingress (or egress) of external air into (or from) a dwelling through unintended gaps, cracks, porous materials, and other non-designed openings in the building envelope—driven by wind pressures, the stack (buoyancy) effect, and pressure differentials. It is not manually controlled or deliberately provisioned. Explanation & Key Features Driving forces...

Is a gym a habitable room for Building Regs Part F?

The Air Tightness Problem: Is Your Home Gym a ‘Habitable Room’ Under UK Part F? Your dedicated home gym or garage conversion represents a significant investment in your home and health. But in the drive for an airtight, energy-efficient space, one critical detail is often missed: ventilation compliance. The truth is, your gym will generate...

What is the minimum ventilation rates needed for a utility room?

In the UK, the minimum ventilation rates for utility rooms are governed by the Building Regulations Part F. This document outlines the requirements for adequate ventilation to ensure good indoor air quality and to prevent issues such as condensation and mould growth. For utility rooms, the specific ventilation requirements are as follows: Intermittent Extract Ventilation:...

What is the minimum ventilation rate needed for a toilet?

In the UK, the minimum ventilation rates for toilets are specified in the Building Regulations Approved Document F. Here are the key points: Intermittent Extract Ventilation: For toilets, the minimum extract ventilation rate is 6 litres per second (l/s) when using intermittent extract fans. Continuous Extract Ventilation: If continuous extract ventilation is used, the minimum...

What is a Habitable Room?

Relevant Regulations: Building Regulations Approved Document F (Ventilation), Approved Document B (Fire Safety) A Habitable Room is a room intended and used for dwelling purposes, excluding those solely used as a kitchen, utility room, bathroom, cellar, or sanitary accommodation. Essentially, it is any room within a dwelling designed for activities such as living, sleeping, eating,...

What is the minimum ventilation rates needed for a living room / lounge?