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In this episode of The Flow Lab Podcast, hosts Ben Walker and Sam Myers sit down with Sean Maxwell, Scheme Manager at ATTMA Australia & New Zealand, to discuss airtightness in buildings and the challenges of improving energy efficiency. From working with builders on airtightness practices to improve building codes, Sean shares his insights into the evolution of building science and the potential for large-scale improvements in comfort and energy use.

Sean walks us through his journey in building science, including his time with the Energy Star Homes program and his efforts in advancing airtightness testing in Australia. He highlights the importance of both individual apartment and whole-building tests, discusses the role of ventilation systems in airtight buildings, and shares his thoughts on the future of energy efficiency standards.

What You’ll Learn:

• How testing individual apartments can improve indoor air quality and reduce stack effect.
• The importance of airtightness testing in reducing energy waste and improving comfort.
• Strategies for improving building performance in various climates.
• Why continuous ventilation is crucial for modern buildings, and how to implement it effectively.
• Challenges with building codes in different regions and how they impact testing and energy savings.

[00:00] - Introduction to Sean Maxwell and the importance of blower door testing

[01:42] - Sean's background in building science and his journey from New York to Australia

[03:33] - Discussing the challenges of airtightness in buildings and why it’s often overlooked

[05:48] - Common issues causing air leaks: windows, doors, and poor construction practices

[10:20] - How airtightness impacts building comfort and energy efficiency

[13:07] - The importance of ventilation in airtight buildings and strategies for effective implementation

[18:43] - Ventilation strategies: Exhaust fans, ERVs, and occupant-controlled systems

[19:59] - Building code issues and differences in airtightness regulations across regions

[27:19] - The need for collaboration in building science: Sharing knowledge and best practices

[36:37] - The future of building science: Tightening building standards and embracing new technologies

[45:21] - Closing thoughts: How to drive change in building performance and codes for the future

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-maxwell-b332769/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/seanamaxwell

Website: https://www.bcta.group/attma/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/attma-australia-new-zealand/

Ben Walker (Co-CEO, Retrotec) LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-walker-4a05901/

Sam Myers (Building Science Specialist & Trainer) LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-myers-ms-a9a4a546/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/retrotec/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/retrotec/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RetrotecEnergy/

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3xMDAhIttUTHWK41DH7KhB