Ian Mawditt
Welcome back and happy new year.
With the consultation for the Future Homes Standard and some revisions to guidance on Part F (ventilation) in the UK, what better time to talk to the person behind many of the changes we have seen in guidance over the last few years?
Out on Monday on the - Air Quality Matters Podcast -
https://airqualitymatters.buzzsprout.com/
Ian is an independent Building Performance Researcher, specialising in the testing and monitoring of buildings to evaluate energy performance, indoor environmental quality, and comfort.
Ian has been a long-standing partner of the AECOM-led technical team appointed to support the UK Government (now the Building Safety Regulator, part of HSE) and, separately, the Welsh Government, in developing revisions to Parts F and L of the Building Regulations for England and Wales, respectively.
We chat about the intriguing world of air quality and building performance, exploring the pivotal role of regulations, technology, and implementation in shaping healthier, more efficient living spaces.
Reflecting on the present state of building performance, Ian highlighted the persistent disconnect between the intention of regulations and their actual implementation. Despite technological advancements and evolving regulations over the past 10 to 15 years, translating these developments into practice needs to be more robust. Ian stressed that while the regulations' effectiveness is crucial, the real challenge lies in the industry's commitment to enforcing and adhering to these standards.
One recurring theme in our discussion was the industry's approach to regulations, often treating them as the ultimate goal rather than the baseline. This perspective leads to a 'race to the bottom,' where achieving the minimum standard becomes the target instead of the starting point for quality and performance. Ian advocates for a paradigm shift, urging the industry to aim for excellence and push beyond merely meeting regulatory requirements.
Technology
Our conversation looked at the technological advancements that have reshaped the ventilation and building equipment landscape. Ian reflected on the early days when ventilation was primarily focused on moisture control. However, as our understanding of indoor air quality has expanded to include various pollutants, regulations and technology have evolved to address these broader concerns. The challenge remains in ensuring these advancements are effectively implemented and lead to real-world improvements.
Ian's insights into data collection and the future of building performance monitoring were particularly enlightening. He emphasised that understanding the context is critical when collecting and analysing data. Without a clear research objective, data collection can become an overwhelming exercise with little actionable outcome. Ian envisions a future where smart devices in homes provide a wealth of data that, if used correctly, can significantly enhance our understanding and improvement of living environments.
Fieldwork
Through anecdotes from his extensive fieldwork, Ian illuminated the often surprising reality of building performance. He shared stories of airtight and efficient buildings falling short due to simple oversights or lack of proper maintenance, highlighting the importance of designing, understanding and maintaining buildings throughout their lifecycle.
Ian also tackled the philosophical aspects of regulations, noting that terms like 'adequate ventilation' are moving targets as our understanding of air quality evolves. This dynamic nature of standards challenges the industry, which must continually adapt to meet evolving criteria. This discussion underscored the importance of viewing regulations as living documents that adapt to new research and technological advancements.
Building performance and air quality is multifaceted and ever-evolving. His dedication and influence in the field are clear, and his work continues to shape the standards and practices that define our built environment. This vital sector's potential for continued improvement and innovation was unmistakably clear.
Ian's perspective is a powerful reminder of the ongoing journey toward better, healthier, and more efficient buildings. While we have made significant strides, much work remains to be done. The conversation doesn't end here; it's an ongoing dialogue among researchers, industry professionals, regulators, and occupants. All strive for a future where buildings support and enhance our quality of life.