The ABAA Building Enclosure Conference, 6-7th May 2025
ATTMA is pleased to announce that its Group Managing Director, Barry Cope, has been invited to speak at the Annual Air Barrier Association of America’s (ABAA) Building Enclosure Conference, taking place in Denver, Colorado from 6th – 7th May 2025. This event is a key gathering for industry professionals focused on improving building performance through air barrier systems, enclosure testing, and airtightness strategies.
Barry will be speaking on Tuesday 6th May, as part of Track 2, presenting a session titled “Leveraging the UK’s Mandatory Air Tightness Testing: Insights and Data-Driven Strategies for Enhanced Building Performance.” This session will bring a UK perspective to the conference, providing an in-depth look at how mandatory air tightness testing in the UK has shaped building performance, energy efficiency, and compliance.
Why This Matters
The UK has had mandatory air tightness testing for over 18 years, making it one of the most advanced regions in the world when it comes to widespread implementation and enforcement of air permeability standards. Unlike the voluntary or state-dependent approaches seen in parts of North America, the UK has a unified system requiring testing on all new dwellings and a significant portion of commercial buildings.
One of the key strengths of the UK system is data-driven enforcement, with ATTMA managing its lodgement database that records real-world performance of new buildings. This allows regulators, industry professionals, and researchers to track compliance trends, identify recurring issues, and drive improvements in building techniques. The session at ABAA will highlight how this structured approach has led to tangible benefits, including better-performing buildings and fewer compliance loopholes.
Barry’s presentation will also explore the role of consistent testing methodologies, training, and accreditation in ensuring accuracy and fairness across the industry. The UK’s approach, in which air tightness testing is conducted by independently accredited professionals rather than builders or developers themselves, has been instrumental in maintaining high standards and preventing conflicts of interest.
Strengthening International Collaboration with ATTMA & ABAA
While ATTMA’s core mission is to advance air tightness testing in the UK, sharing knowledge internationally is a crucial part of improving global building performance. North America is at an interesting crossroads, with many states and provinces tightening regulations around air tightness and moving towards more consistent testing standards. This session will offer valuable insights from the UK experience, helping US and Canadian stakeholders understand the challenges and benefits of a fully mandated approach.
The Conference itself is a prime platform for this kind of discussion. Attended by architects, building enclosure consultants, energy efficiency experts, and policy makers, it provides an opportunity for cross-industry dialogue on best practices, innovation, and policy development.
For ATTMA, this is not just about showcasing the UK system, but also about learning from North American experts in air barrier technologies, material science, and large-scale building projects. The US and Canada have developed some of the most sophisticated enclosure testing methods for large commercial structures, and there is much to be gained from comparing approaches and exploring future collaboration opportunities.
What This Means for ATTMA Members
Barry’s involvement in the ABAA Conference is part of ATTMA’s ongoing commitment to ensuring our members remain at the forefront of industry developments. By engaging with international best practices and sharing UK expertise, we help reinforce the importance of accredited air tightness testing and promote higher building performance standards worldwide.
For ATTMA members and UK professionals, this also signals an increasing recognition of the UK’s leadership in air tightness regulation. As other countries explore mandatory testing, there may be future opportunities for UK-based expertise, training, and consultancy to play a role in shaping international policies.
We look forward to bringing back insights from the conference and continuing to push for high standards in air tightness testing, both in the UK and beyond.
For more details about the conference, visit ABAA Conference 2025.
