Chiltern Dynamics has expanded its dedicated Energy Services Department to meet the increasing demand for air permeability testing of buildings for Part L compliance.

The department specialises in air tightness testing, thermographic inspections, thermal simulation and air permeability testing of building components. Chiltern Dynamics is part of Chiltern International Fire, which has more than 30 years’ experience in laboratory and on site testing.

The department is now headed up by Tom Gregory, working with a team of experienced test engineers and drawing on the expertise of sister company TRADA Technology.

The department has also appointed Graham Tomic as Technical Advisor. Graham provides a dedicated client liaison role, meeting clients to discuss their service requirements, offering a point of contact and providing invaluable feedback to the test team, enabling them to give an even better, more rounded service.

Tom Gregory said, ‘The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) became law for members of the European Union in January this year, but in England and Wales it was the publication of Approved Document L in April which put even more pressure on the construction industry to conserve fuel and power in buildings, to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.’

Under Part L, airtightness testing is now compulsory for new buildings, Mr Gregory added. ‘Chiltern Dynamics is UKAS-accredited to carry out testing. However, in our experience, clients need more than just a testing service. Our Energy Services Department is able to offer a design detail review, to establish potential problems at the design stage and suggest solutions to avoid potentially costly delays and remedial works. We can also carry out both pre-test inspection, to identify potential problems, as well as post-test failure analysis and consultancy.’

The regulatory requirement for air permeability is not in itself onerous, said Mr Gregory. ‘However, for the building to achieve the overall improvement in carbon emissions, lower air permeability may be required. We want our clients to achieve the desired result and the message we aim to put across is that attention to design, good detailing throughout the project and sound workmanship on site should ensure a pass for the vast majority of properties. And for those clients who want to satisfy more than the minimum requirements, we have a team of engineers at their disposal.’

Chiltern Dynamics also offers extensive training courses, either as in-house seminars or on site demonstrations on current projects. ‘These also provide a valuable benchmark for how buildings are likely to perform when they need to be tested.’

For further information contact Graham Tomic on 01494 569830 or email