Big step forward by GBCA on building airtightness

The Green Building Council of Australia has moved forward with initiatives addressing building airtightness—a technical performance measure affecting thermal comfort, energy consumption, and indoor air quality in buildings. Airtightness relates to how well a building envelope resists uncontrolled air leakage through gaps, cracks, and construction joints. The GBCA's action suggests the sector is recognising airtightness as a measurable compliance requirement rather than a secondary consideration in design and construction.

For remedial building professionals and strata managers, building airtightness matters because poor airtightness often correlates with water ingress, thermal bridging, and condensation problems—common defects in existing apartment buildings. Tightening standards or rating systems pushes builders and certifiers to validate airtightness during construction and remediation work. This creates practical implications for defect investigation, building envelope testing, and the remedial strategies needed to bring non-compliant buildings up to standard, particularly in retrofits of ageing Class 2 residential buildings.