Read time: 29 minutes
All buildings should provide a durable enclosure, thermally comfortable interior, good indoor air quality and energy-efficient operation. These measures can largely be met through an airtight building envelope with adequate controlled ventilation and continuous insulation to address thermal bridging. This fundamental approach represents a step-change in how most Australian buildings – of all types – are currently designed and constructed.
This note provides strategies to reduce thermal bridging within a building’s structure and achieve a high-quality airtight envelope. The note also considers the critical synergies between airtightness and effective ventilation for optimal indoor environment quality.
This note updates and replaces Environment Issue 03 October 2021 Airtightness and thermal bridging in buildings, to reflect the minor commercial energy efficiency changes introduced into NCC 2022. Transition arrangements apply in some states and territories where NCC 2019 Section J clauses can still be used beyond the NCC 2022 adoption date of 1 May 2023. Refer to your jurisdiction’s building authority for the relevant state and territory adoption dates.
Key words: Airtightness, condensation, controlled ventilation, insulation, thermal bridging.
Disclaimer
This content is provided by the Australian Institute of Architects for reference purposes and as general guidance. It does not take into account specific circumstances and should not be relied on in that way. It is not legal, financial, insurance, or other advice and you should seek independent verification or advice before relying on this content in circumstances where loss or damage may result. The Institute endeavours to publish content that is accurate at the time it is published, but does not accept responsibility for content that may or has become inaccurate over time. Using this website and content is subject to the Acumen User Licence.