With the onset of escalating energy costs, the importance of buildings with low running costs is self-evident. Wasteful buildings are not only much harder to sell or let, but are far more expensive to run. Fossil fuel prices are set to increase as the supply of imported oil and gas becomes more difficult to source.

Property builders and developers now have a responsibility to ensure that the building fabric is sealed with energy efficient products and that windows and doors are adequately draught proofed. The installation of insulation and draught proofing reduces heat loss during the winter and helps keep the internal atmosphere cooler in summer. The energy bills are thus lowered with a reduced requirement for heating and air conditioning. Buildings become more comfortable and healthy places in which to live and work.

Doors and windows are one of the simplest, and most cost-effective areas to prevent heat loss. Even very small gaps can leak massive amounts of heat from the building. By alleviating heat loss, building owners can enjoy lower running bills, and reduce their carbon emissions and environmental impact. An energy efficient building may well command a higher market value.  

During the March 2011 Budget, George Osborne, Chancellor of the Exchequer, stated his intentions for being the ‘greenest government ever’ by greening the economy to reduce the UK’s reliance on fossil fuel importation, and by decreasing carbon emissions. 

Since the Climate Change Act in 2008 the UK Government has increasingly set carbon emission reduction targets. To achieve these reductions a range of legislative measures assist with the legally binding targets of a 34% reduction in Greenhouse gas emissions by 2020 and 80% by 2050. Regulatory requirements for building zero carbon homes will also be in place from 2016. 

There are incentives now in place to establish energy production in the UK via the Feed-in Tariff Scheme and Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme. As microgeneration systems become more apparent in the UK the need to ensure an energy efficient building fabric is paramount. It is of little use having the ability to produce more energy if this is subsequently wasted. Good insulation and draught proofing can make all the difference to ensure that the best use is made of the heat produced.   

Gaps around doors and windows, which are a major source of heat loss, drastically reduce thermal performance and counteract any energy efficiency measures in place elsewhere. Draught proofing of these areas should take priority over other measures such as wall insulation, loft insulation, or renewables. It is one of the simplest and most cost-effective energy saving measures with a quicker return on the investment than most other measures. Yet it is often over-looked in insulation programmes. Furthermore it may be possible to have a lower capacity boiler in well-insulated buildings. 

Energy loss through ill-fitting windows in older buildings is very commonplace. If draught proofing is incorporated in renovation works, this can have a very beneficial effect on air leakage and comfort.

In draughty, leaking buildings, the effect of installing draught proofing can be immediate, especially on cold, windy days. Following installation a much more healthy and comfortable internal atmosphere in which to work or live can mean a more productive working or living environment – and possibly less time off work due to ill health. It must be remembered that during the colder winter months there is an excessive winter death rate in the UK with vulnerable people more receptive to illness. Many of these deaths could be alleviated if all homes were sufficiently heated – the provision of insulation and draught proofing can play a big part in this as heat retention will be apparent for longer, and therefore would be far more affordable for those in fuel poverty. The cost to the NHS of looking after people with cold-related illness could also be reduced. 

There are draught proofing products for many differing applications, but they are commonly used for industrial, commercial and domestic situations to seal the gaps around doors and windows and other areas where air leakage occurs. Professionally applied draught proofing products will produce optimum results as the installer will check for the areas of heat loss and remedy this with the correct product for the job. Good quality BS approved products should be used for longevity and for the effective application of draught proofing. Flexible draught strips adapt to changing gap size dependent on winter or summer months. Lower quality products may compress over time becoming less effective.

Industrial draught proofing products include seals for sliding, hinged and radius tracked doors. Commercial products include seals for glass entrance doors and revolving doors. Domestic products include compression seals for windows and doors, letterbox and keyhole draught strips. Products are available for most applications, or they can be custom-made. 

The fitting of draught proofing can act as a barrier to sound transmission via gaps around doors and windows. When a window is opened you can normally hear the difference in sound levels in comparison with a closed window, but if there is a gap around these opening elements then the ingress of sound can be lowered further still by clever use of draught proofing. 

The CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme (CRC), is another Government scheme to directly incentivise building owners to meet their carbon trading commitments. The scheme started in April 2010 to obligate larger organisations to declare their CO2 emissions and subsequently purchase allowances, where necessary. The purchase of draught proofing and insulation measures lowers the amount of  CO2 emission. 

The Green Deal is a further incentive scheme being introduced towards the end of 2012 to finance energy efficiency measures, including draught proofing, for homeowners and businesses, with the loan being re-paid via energy bills which should be lower than the resultant energy savings. Green Deal Assessors will advise on potential energy savings for a number of measures, with finance being approved by the Green Deal Providers. The resultant loan is fixed to the property, and therefore should be declared to subsequent owners. 

Many buildings are legally required to have Display Energy Certificates (DECs) clearly showing it’s energy rating, and potentially it’s environmental responsibility. Draught proofing has a key part to play in this and Energy Performance Certificate ratings, where these are required. The process can help bring buildings up to current, October 2010, and future 2013 and 2016 Building Regulations. The last update to these Regulations required a 25% CO2 saving on the 2006 figures, which is a very challenging target for building owners. Draught proofing is compulsory in new buildings (Part L Building Regulations) and should therefore be a basic requirement for all retrofit energy efficiency works.

The Draught Proofing Advisory Association (DPAA), is the national trade body representing the industry and has a useful product register to assist with product choice, whilst DPAA manufacturers can be used for further specific or in-depth information. 

The Association concentrates on providing an information service to specifiers and owners of industrial, commercial and public buildings covering products suitable for these buildings, and members with the skills to undertake their professional fitment. When draught proofing is undertaken it is important not to totally seal a building and leave kitchens, bathrooms and fuel burning appliances with adequate ventilation. It is recommended that professional draught proofing installers are used who understand the correct usage for draught proofing products. 

Manufacturer members of the DPAA provide a 20-year guarantee for their British Standard 7386 approved products as an assurance of quality, when their products are installed in the commercial field, given correct usage, installation and maintenance.

Company literature is available free from member manufacturers, together with stockists. Literature on draught proofing applications, and a list of draught proofing installers is readily available from the Draught Proofing Advisory Association, PO Box 12, Haslemere, Surrey, GU27 3AH; tel 01428 654011; fax 01428 651401; e-mail info@dpaa-association.org.uk; www.dpaa-association.org.uk.