AIR CONDITIONING, COOLING & VENTILATION
Fresh air indoors mastered, new heights reached
Erik Boyter, chief executive of WindowMaster discusses the multiple benefits of natural ventilation systems for commercial settings
U
K-wide, businesses are starting to wake up to the seismic cultural change amongst the contemporary workforce. Evolving employee attitudes are starting to question the role
and responsibilities of their employer, particularly how they protect their rights, welfare and wellbeing.
One of the most basic but important
provisions, rightly expected as standard, is the provision of the highest quality air within the workplace. It’s something we take for granted, but you would be surprised that it’s only recently become a priority, prompted in part by the recent pandemic and a requirement to keep interior spaces well ventilated to prevent infection. There’s no denying poor air quality has been an unseen but ever-present issue in commercial offices for decades, causing a number of ailments effects on building occupants, not all of which are immediately apparent. Sick Building Syndrome (SBS), probably the best-known condition, arises when people are confined in a poorly ventilated indoor location for a lengthy period of time, triggering a range of unpleasant symptoms; prolonged headaches, dry, itchy skin, and rashes to name a few. This only scratches the surface of the problem. It’s also been scientifically proven that poor air quality has a negative impact on productivity and concentration, leading to disengagement and dissatisfaction. So, not only does poor indoor air quality (IAQ) negatively affect employees, but it also bruises the bottom line through workers not being able to perform and deliver to their best.
Taking a natural approach
There’s no doubt the pandemic focused the minds of employers, as well as commercial fit-out professionals, on how to design safer workspaces. Of course, ensuring excellent IAQ is a central criteria towards achieving a healthier office environment. Fortunately, the solution exists and, thankfully is increasingly becoming the norm, as opposed to the exception.
Natural ventilation, a generally passive, low-
environmental impact but high-performance approach to ventilating interior spaces is helping to improve IAQ in commercial settings. Delivering a continuous stream of natural, rather than recycled, air into a building, organically and immediately creates a healthier environment, improving wellbeing and enhancing working conditions. It’s a no brainer, and a simple, but effective way to protect employee welfare, meeting their justified expectations of a safe, comfortable workplace. Furthermore, there are a number of easy-to-install, maintain and incredibly efficient systems coming onto the market, developed to make poor IAQ a thing of the past.
A choice or fact, mechanical or natural?
Whilst maintaining an active and healthy workforce is one thing, employers are also required to think sustainably. Official Net Zero 2050 targets are a reality for businesses globally, and there is an expectation to make carbon reductions wherever and whenever possible. Whilst mechanical ventilation was once seen as the best controllable solution to regulate indoor air quality, this is no longer the case. Furthermore, it’s both energy and carbon intensive, and no longer the best option either for improving air quality or meeting emissions targets. However, the growth of natural ventilation systems over the past few years, alongside the significant improvement of sensory technology to support actuators, has tipped the scales. This smart technology can be programmed to automate systems and, in turn, consume the least amount of energy possible. It’s bringing the use of passive systems to its rightful place as the preferred approach.
Simplicity In control
Natural ventilation systems are low maintenance, presenting another added bonus and a reason why the move away from mechanical ventilation is growing.
Connecting sophisticated building management systems to window automation has helped this transition. The BMS system should typically use a weather station to connect with room sensors on a continuous basis, giving information back to manage the appropriate times and locations for venting during the day. These sensor-smart controllers then ensure that an optimal indoor atmosphere is maintained at all times, removing the need for ongoing manual maintenance. Furthermore, over performance will be
improved if network-based controllers are used. For example, WindowMaster’s MotorLink technology can be jointly used with BMS and can be used as a single controller to replace specific components, saving money and time in the design process.
A team player
Natural ventilation should not be specified in isolation, in fact, it works better when incorporated into a wider ecosystem, designed to holistically deliver comfort, wellbeing, and sustainability. For example, when used in conjunction with a fabric- first structural approach, improved thermal performance is achieved without the use of mechanical assistance.
It’s also a good idea to think sustainably about
fixtures, fittings and finishes, giving preference to circular-manufactured materials or repurposing existing fixtures. Of course, you should reduce the amount of VOC potential as well; otherwise, your natural ventilation system’s efficiency will be undermined. Going further, biophilic features can also help improve IAQ. By integrating nature itself throughout the office, you create a low-stress environment that improves employee wellness.
The right choice is the only choice
Ultimately, natural ventilation systems offer myriad advantages. In addition to assuring the best IAQ possible and immediate cost savings, they lower emissions, improve energy efficiency and achieves a healthier indoor environment. With the right supporting technology, it’s a high-value and long-term solution that can encourage employees to return to work knowing their health and wellbeing are at the top of their employers’ minds.
16 BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER SEPTEMBER 2022 Read the latest at:
www.bsee.co.uk
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50
