HEATING, VENTILATION & SERVICES 61
An air of concern S
ay ‘indoor air quality,’ and we tend to automatically think about domestic properties with damp and
condensation, as recently highlighted in news articles. We cannot forget it is just as relevant – and important – in non-domestic buildings from the offices and factories we work in, the hospitality venues we relax in, and the cinemas, museums and art galleries we enjoy.
The importance of control and balance of the indoor air quality (IAQ) cannot be overlooked, or forgotten. Indoor environmental quality (IEQ) must also be taken into consideration for the occupants – lighting, daylight, and noise for example. But far and above these is the quality of the air that we breathe.
An invisible problem It doesn’t help in that it is an invisible and somewhat indiscriminate problem. We wouldn’t drink a glass of dirty water because we know of the dangers, but we can’t see dirt and pollutants in the air we are breathing indoors. Given that we are spending around 90% of our time indoors, the air we breathe inside should be at least as clean as normal drinking water. Despite sick building syndrome, and the spread of coughs and colds, most people still fail to associate those issues with poor air quality, yet they are all caused by airborne pollutants, which are exacerbated by inadequate ventilation. Up to 25% of infections as a result of surgical interventions come from an airborne route. In factories and other industrial buildings, possible airborne pollutants are obvious. What about offices? Computers generate heat, and even the office laser printer emits ozone and other pollutants; all of which impact the IAQ. Building Regulations Approved Document F (updated in 2021) and the Health & Safety Executive set minimum standards for ventilation taking into account the space’s use (whether occupied
ADF OCTOBER 2023
In the drive towards airtight buildings, to conserve energy and protect the planet, Roy Jones from Gilberts Blackpool warns that the industry is failing to allow users – and the building – their ‘right’ to breathe healthy air
or occupiable, and the activity within). The Document addresses the other IAQ considerations, e.g. noise, and external pollutants such as exhaust fumes. Document F also raised the criteria to help improve IAQ, by requiring regular servicing and maintenance of ventilation plants including filters and CO2
sensors. And it
appreciates our changing needs, such as now including purge ventilation, reducing duct length (where pollutants can collect and multiply) and pushing for rigid rather than flexible ducting.
The changing climate – more spells of heavier rain, higher humidity and wetter winters – only exacerbates the issues for architects. Indeed, on a wet day, if we plan on opening a window to maintain indoor air quality, are we actually designing more moisture in than out?
Is there a simple answer? The issue is more one of education,
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