The first accredited air tightness test to be carried out in Northern Ireland has taken place in Lisburn.

Airtightness Testing Services carried out the test on the private dwelling in the Hillhall Grange development for building contractors Ravara Developments.

This is the first accredited test to be carried out in NI following the introduction of the new Building Regulations in November 2006.

The new Regulations approved measures for the conservation of fuel and power which require a sample of approximately 10 per cent of all new dwellings to have an air tightness test carried out.

The test involves measuring the amount of air leaking through the unvented fabric of the building. Any lack of air-tightness represents a waste of energy and money.

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Once a registered Air Tightness Testing & Measuring Association (ATTMA) member carries out the test, a report is issued to the Site Manager and the results must be forwarded to the relevant Building Control Service within seven days.

Assistant Director of Environmental Services, Ian Wilson, is pleased with how the industry has reacted to the amended legislation: "The Building Regulations were modified in order to reduce the energy consumption of buildings and this new test enables building contractors to accurately test a property for air-tightness, ensuring maximum energy efficiency. The industry is proactive in making a positive contribution to the reduction of carbon emissions in Northern Ireland."

The Mayor of Lisburn, Cllr James Tinsley who also observed the test said: "I am delighted that the first accredited test in Northern Ireland was carried out here in Lisburn. With the introduction of testing the contribution of the building industry to the overall reduction in carbon emissions will increase and this is can only be regarded as a positive scenario."

The government have set a target of reducing carbon emissions by 20 per cent before 2010.

(GK/JM)