If not you then who?
The recent residential retrofit standard issued by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors RICS underscores a pivotal aspect of home retrofitting that often goes unnoticed but is crucial for both the building's performance and the occupants' health: ventilation.
The RICS standard is not just another document in the vast sea of professional guidelines; it is a comprehensive framework aimed at ensuring that RICS members provide their clients with high-quality advice and support. It covers a broad spectrum of activities, including project management, surveys, assessments, design, and evaluation of retrofit projects.
The Importance of Ventilation in Retrofitting
Ventilation is at the heart of retrofitting for a reason. Over the years, as buildings have become more energy-efficient through measures such as double glazing and loft insulation, their air permeability has decreased. This reduction in natural air infiltration can lead to poor indoor air quality if not properly managed with adequate ventilation systems. The RICS standard recognises this, highlighting the need for a detailed, risk-based assessment of existing buildings, including their current ventilation systems.
The document rightly points out that the mere existence of ventilation systems does not guarantee adequate air quality. Buildings that have undergone energy efficiency improvements without a corresponding upgrade in their ventilation systems often suffer from issues like condensation, mould growth, and an accumulation of pollutants. This can pose serious health risks to occupants and damage the building fabric over time.
Challenges and Conversations Around Ventilation Assessment
One of the intriguing aspects raised in the discussion of the RICS standard is whether retrofit assessors are expected to carry out ventilation performance assessments and, therefore, equipment to do so. This brings to light a broader issue within the retrofitting and building assessment industry: the gap between the necessity for thorough ventilation assessments and the practicality of conducting them.
The conversation around the assessment of ventilation systems is not new. However, the RICS document pushes this conversation forward by explicitly mentioning the need for assessing ventilation performance. This inclusion is a call to action for those in the retrofitting field to take ventilation seriously—not just as a checkbox in an assessment but as a critical factor in the health, efficiency, and sustainability of buildings.
Navigating the Path Forward
The retrofitting industry stands at a crossroads, where the traditional methods of assessing buildings are being challenged by the need for more comprehensive evaluations that include performance. This shift is not merely about adopting new tools or techniques; it's about changing the mindset toward recognising the central role of ventilation in building health and occupant well-being.
To move forward, we must consider developing protocols that enable assessors to gauge ventilation performance accurately, even if they are not experts in the field. This could involve simpler, more accessible equipment or methods that can provide a reliable snapshot of a building's ventilation system's effectiveness. Moreover, as the conversation around building performance becomes more nuanced, there is a growing need for qualified assessors equipped with the right tools to conduct in-depth evaluations.
A Vision for the Future
As we look to the future, the focus on ventilation within the context of retrofitting offers a glimpse into a broader shift toward performance-based assessments. This approach not only promises to improve the quality of our living and working spaces but also challenges manufacturers and professionals in the building industry to meet higher standards of efficiency and efficacy.
The increasing emphasis on ventilation is a clear signal that the industry is moving toward a more informed, performance-driven approach to retrofitting. This transition, while challenging, holds the promise of creating healthier, more sustainable buildings that can stand the test of time and adapt to the changing needs of their occupants.
In conclusion, the conversation sparked by the RICS residential retrofit standard serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of ventilation in retrofit projects. As we navigate the complexities of building assessments and retrofitting, it is clear that a deeper understanding and consideration of ventilation performance are essential for achieving the dual goals of energy efficiency and healthy indoor environments. This paradigm shift toward prioritising ventilation is not just a technical challenge but a significant step forward in our ongoing journey to create better, more sustainable buildings for the future.