In this episode of the Building Sciology Poddie, I speak with Sean Maxwell, the ATTMA Scheme Manager for Australia and New Zealand, about the importance of airtightness testing in building science. We chat about the role of blower door testing, the regulatory landscape surrounding airtightness, and the significance of the NatHERS star rating system. Sean shares insights from recent studies, including the CSIRO report on airtightness in Australian homes, and emphasises the need for better building practices to improve energy efficiency and indoor air quality. The conversation highlights the ongoing efforts to raise awareness and drive positive change in the construction industry.

Useful links from our chat

www.attma.co.uk

www.attma.com.au

www.nathers.gov.au

Red Pen Test - AIVAA

CISRO 2015 - House Energy Efficiency Inspections Report

CSIRO 2024 - Air Infiltration of New Dwellings 2024

Chriss Nunn’s Passivhaus

Barry Cope - ATTMA UK

International Energy Conservation Code

NatHERS - National House Energy Rating Scheme

Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA)

00:00 Introduction to Airtightness and Building Science

00:24 The Role of Blower Door Testing

03:20 Understanding Airtightness and Its Importance

06:35 Quality Control and Airtightness Testing

09:34 Common Misconceptions About Airtightness

12:34 Ventilation Strategies in Airtight Homes

15:30 Regulatory Landscape for Airtightness Testing

19:47 Building with Purpose: The Atma Philosophy

22:09 The Importance of Objective Assessments in Building Quality

23:27 NatHERS Ratings and the Need for Air Tightness

28:07 Opportunities for Improvement in Energy Efficiency

30:56 Achieving Air Tightness: Practical Strategies

36:28 The Impact of Recent Studies on Building Practices

41:31 Future Directions: Advocacy for Better Building Standards

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Sponsor Websites

Climasure - www.climasure.com.au

Enduro Builders - www.endurobuilders.com.au

In this episode of the Building Sciology Poddie, I was incredibly privileged to have a private conversation with Dr. Joe Lstiburek, a leading figure in building science, to discuss critical issues surrounding building design, energy efficiency, and moisture management. We explored common myths in the industry, the importance of proper insulation and cladding, and the challenges posed by climate change, particularly in relation to bushfire resilience. Dr. Lstiburek emphasises the need for source control in indoor air quality and the importance of using appropriate materials in construction. Our conversation highlights the lessons learned from past mistakes in building practices and the need for innovative solutions in the future.Useful Links from our chatwww.buildingscience.com - Dr Joe Lstibureks' website

https://research.csiro.au/bushfire/new-builds/roofs/ - Bushfire Best Practice GuideChapters

00:00 Introduction to Building Science and Dr. Joe Lstiburek

01:41 Debunking Myths in Building Science

05:32 Render and Insulation: A Complex Relationship

11:56 Moisture Management in Building Design

18:11 Learning from Past Mistakes in Building Practices

26:39 Understanding Roof Design and Challenges

29:38 The Debate: Plywood vs OSB

32:10 Building Materials and Fire Safety

39:00Venting Issues and Building Resilience

42:10 Industry Practices and Recommendations

46:15 Legacy and Indoor Air Quality Awareness

Follow Building Sciology on the gram or get in touch at jess@buildingsciology.net!

Visit the website for show notes and a full transcript and sig up to the mailing list here!

Settle in during your drive or with a coffee at home for this episode because it’s a bit of a longer one.

In this conversation, I interview Dr Nicole Bijslma about her extensive 30+year journey in building biology and her personal experiences with environmental health issues. Nicole shares how her struggles with miscarriages led her to explore the impact of homes on health, sparking a deep dive into environmental exposures, geopathic stress, and the connection between feng shui and building biology. A key focus of our chat is the critical role of mould in chronic illnesses, its remediation, and the importance of education in preventing mould-related problems in our homes. We discuss advice for homeowners and builders, emphasising timely drying after water events, carefully considered construction practices, and the urgent need for greater awareness of mould’s health impacts. With mould being alarmingly prevalent in Australian homes, it’s so important to understand proactive measures to ensure healthier living environments so I hope you enjoy our conversation!

Thanks for listening! Please leave a comment to let me know what you thought or if you have any questions!

Useful links from our chat

ACES - Australian College of Natural Sciences website

Healthy Home Healthy Family - Nicole’s best selling book

CIRS & Mould Medical Testing Information

S520 - IICRC S520 Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Mould Remediation

S500 - NSI/IICRC S500 Standard for Professional Water Damage Restoration

Mould in the Home 101 - excellent website / resource

Mould - scroll through for information on the HEPA sandwich cleaning method and more

Von Pohl - The man who has been described as the modern 'father' of geopathic stress.

Timestamps

00:00 The Journey Begins: Building Biology and Personal Experience

03:26 Environmental Impact on Health: The Role of Chemicals and EMFs

09:51 Understanding Geopathic Stress and Its Effects

16:34 Feng Shui and Building Biology: The Connection to Well-Being

20:30 Mold: The Silent Health Threat

24:16 Navigating Environmental Challenges in Modern Living

26:58 Introduction to Mould in Building Biology

29:22 Mold Remediation Techniques

32.37 Understanding Mold Conditions and Standards

35.14 Health Impacts of Mold Exposure

37.54 The Role of Construction Practices

41.16 The Importance of Education and Awareness

43.54 Practical Tips for a Healthy Home

Follow Building Sciology on the⁠ ⁠gram⁠⁠ or get in touch as jess@buildingsciology.net!

Visit the⁠ ⁠website⁠⁠ for show notes and a full transcript and sign up to the mailing list⁠ ⁠here⁠⁠!