VENTILATION & AIR HANDLING


Smart ventilation for healthier, more efficient offices


As awareness grows around the impact of indoor environments on health and productivity, Alan Siggins examines how smart ventilation is transforming office spaces – enhancing air quality while enabling more efficient, responsive building management.


MD of Airflow Alan Siggins


www.airflow.com T


he quality of the air we breathe impacts our health, productivity and overall wellbeing every day. Globally,


air pollution represents one of the largest environmental risks to public health, carrying substantial environmental and economic consequences that affect both individuals and businesses. Long- term exposure to polluted air is also linked to serious cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, creating significant health challenges. While outdoor air quality


often dominates headlines and conversations, it’s important to note that we spend approximately 90% of our time indoors. For many employees, a considerable portion of this time is spent in office environments. Unfortunately, air quality in offices can be significantly compromised without proper management and ventilation systems.


Air quality As businesses increasingly recognise the importance of indoor air quality, there has been a shift in focus towards solutions that can effectively monitor and manage workplace environments. The integration of smart technology and ventilation offers a promising approach to addressing these air quality challenges while also supporting sustainability goals. With the rapid evolution of


technology, smart devices have become a regular feature in many buildings, including offices. As new systems and devices flood the market, it’s easy to integrate them into commercial properties, but harder to identify solutions that will have a meaningful impact on energy efficiency and indoor air quality. When used effectively, smart ventilation and data capture can help facility managers and building operators significantly improve the air quality and working conditions in their office spaces.


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Smart systems Smart ventilation uses sensors and automation to improve airflow in buildings, ensuring a healthy and comfortable indoor environment. It adjusts ventilation based on factors like air quality and temperature, reducing energy waste while improving air circulation. In commercial development projects, smart ventilation can be integrated into new buildings or retrofitted into existing structures to enhance energy efficiency and indoor air quality. It is part of a broader trend of smart energy systems, which also include smart lighting, heating, and cooling systems. These technologies help buildings operate more efficiently, reducing their energy consumption and environmental impact, whilst simultaneously creating a healthier, more productive work environment.


Energy effi ciency Smart technology improves energy efficiency by adjusting energy usage in real time, based on actual occupancy and needs. This reduces waste and lowers overall consumption during times when the office isn’t fully occupied, such as after hours or on quiet days. Mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) systems optimise airflow while capturing and reusing heat from outgoing air. This process helps maintain indoor


comfort, reduces heating costs, and boosts overall energy efficiency. Another key component of smart


ventilation systems that contributes to improved energy efficiency is Variable Air Volume (VAV) systems. These involve sensors and dampers that adjust airflow based on the specific needs of different areas or rooms within a building. For example, if a room is empty, the supply of air would be reduced, and if another room is full of people, the system would increase the volume of conditioned air to this area. By integrating these systems into office buildings, the energy waste associated with over-ventilating unoccupied or low- demand spaces is reduced and overall energy use is minimised, reducing the environmental impact. VAV has the added benefit of reducing operating costs, as well as providing more precise temperature control across the building.


Data capture As more developers and property managers invest in smart technology to improve the energy efficiency of their properties, it’s important to understand how these systems work. Smart ventilation systems capture data through sensors that monitor indoor air quality, temperature and humidity. This data is processed to adjust ventilation in real time. By continuously tracking and analysing these factors, these systems can fine-tune operations for maximum efficiency, reducing unnecessary heating or cooling in under-utilised spaces. The data collected can also highlight areas of inefficiency so that facility managers and building operators can make further adjustments and improvements. This ultimately leads to lower energy costs and more sustainable, comfortable indoor environments.


Reaping the benefi ts Smart ventilation systems offer several benefits that enhance both efficiency and sustainability in office environments. These include:


● Real-time monitoring: Smart systems continuously track air quality, temperature and occupancy, ensuring optimal airflow.


● Remote management: Remotely controlled, smart ventilation systems allow for easy adjustments from any location. With smart technology, facilities teams can control systems from one centralised place, making it easier to manage across an entire office building or other large commercial setting.


● Energy savings: By automatically adjusting ventilation based on current conditions, smart systems reduce unnecessary energy consumption, leading to significant energy savings.


● Reduced CO2: Smart ventilation systems lower CO₂ levels by ensuring proper ventilation while minimising energy waste.


The integration of smart technology and ventilation offers a promising approach to air quality challenges


● Enhanced productivity: The improved air quality brought about by smart ventilation can lead to higher cognitive function, fewer sick days and better overall employee performance.


This combination of real-time data, remote control and automatic adjustments results in healthier, more energy-efficient office environments, reducing operational costs while supporting employee wellbeing and productivity. ■


EIBI | MAY 2025


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