Air Tightness Testing and Measurement Association (ATTMA)
The air tightness testing of a building is a means to quantify the rate at which air can flow through its 'envelope' (ie its exposed floor, walls and roof). The more 'leaky' a building's envelope is, the more the resulting uncontrolled ingress or egress of air will add to the loads on the building's HVAC systems and thus cause excess energy waste and carbon emissions. Recognising the importance of airtight building envelopes, the Government has included air tightness standards (and the need to have tests carried out) within the Building Regulations (Part L 'Conservation of Fuel & Power') for new buildings.
The Air Tightness Testing & Measurement Association (ATTMA) was formed in 2002 by several leading air tightness testing organisations in response to the Government's request for an industry body to provide representation and technical guidance. Ever since it has been responsible for the maintenance of the testing methodology (ATTMA Technical Standard 1) by which all tests for building regulations purposes must be performed.
ATTMA was affiliated to BINDT in 2006, within which it continues to perform the roles for which it was formed, as well as acting as a steering group to BINDT.
Membership of ATTMA is attained at organisational level. Members have to attain and maintain UKAS accreditation (as air tightness testing laboratories to ISO 17025). They are also required to attend quarterly meetings and to carry their share of the workload that is generated at each one. Currently there are 11 member organisations, though new applications are welcomed.
ATTMA has many initiatives underway, which in various ways are intended to benefit both members and stakeholders. Currently we are working on proposals to improve the 'visibility' of air tightness tests, such that credible and verifiable test results can be made more readily available to those who need them.
