GUEST ARTICLE: Achieving Success in Natural Ventilation Retrofits – A Five-Step Plan

The UK commercial property sector is on the cusp of a retrofit revolution, with an increasingly compelling social, political and economic argument for making the most of what we have, instead of building new. Erik Boyter, Chief Executive Officer at WindowMaster, writes the following article…

As attitudes around the environment and expenditure evolve, an increasing number of asset owners are looking to specifiers and contractors to come up with the most energy efficient, sustainable and operationally inexpensive options possible. This encompasses everything, from the structural fabric of the building to every last fixture, fitting and finish.

This also includes services and utilities, particularly as awareness increases about how indoor climates and airflow affect occupants’ health and wellbeing. Take HVAC systems, where there’s now a concerted drive towards less-intrusive, lowest-impact options. This is where Natural Ventilation comes in, harnessing the natural benefits of fresh air through the latest technology. Whether used as part of a hybrid solution or in its own right, it provides retrofitters with a way to achieve interiors that simultaneously benefit people and planet.

It’s a small enhancement which makes a big difference, and relies on the basic principle that fresh air is paramount to maintaining comfortable and healthier indoor environments, where the risk of poor productivity, headaches and respiratory impairment are significantly reduced.

The beauty is very much in its simplicity. Imagine a crowded, stuffy room where carbon dioxide levels can rapidly increase, creating an unpleasant and stagnant atmosphere, causing discomfort, drowsiness and even nausea. Think what would happen if you flung the windows open, essentially this is what Natural Ventilation achieves, except in controlled way. As well as removing the stale air in a room, it regulates the temperature and humidity too, thus, negating the deleterious effects of CO2 on mind, body and soul.

Whilst the technology is sound, the steps to installation are a little more nuanced. It’s not just a case of ripping out the existing infrastructure and installing the Natural Ventilation system, switching it on and hoping it works.

Asset owners interested in this type of HVAC solution for their building need to follow a few straightforward, important steps towards success…

1. Understand your Building – It’s vital to understand your building’s design and characteristics before specifying Natural Ventilation solutions. It’s rare that you won’t be able to incorporate the solution but how you do so effectively depends on a number of different variables. Think about the size and layout, evaluating the building’s dimensions, number of storeys and room arrangements; this will help determine the optimum placement of ventilation openings.

2. Existing infrastructure – You should also assess the current state of the existing HVAC systems. Are there any mechanical systems in place and how well are they functioning? This will help you develop an implementation strategy so you can integrate the Natural Ventilation system with minimal disruption, even repurposing existing ductwork.

3. Take a symptomatic approach – Natural ventilation work best when it’s targeted within specific area, especially those experiencing issues with air quality or temperature. This involves an air quality assessment and temperature analysis. The former requires the monitoring of indoor air quality levels across the buildings to identify high levels of pollutants, VOCs and dusk. The latter gauges the indoor climate to isolate which areas are too cold, too hot or experience the most fluctuations. This will help you adopt a strategic approach when installing these systems.

4. Understanding the Local Climate – The local climate plays a significant role in determining the effectiveness of natural ventilation systems. For instance, prevailing winds can influence the approach you take, so identify the strength and direction of dominant winds in your area. This information will help you position ventilation openings to maximise airflow and minimise unwanted drafts. Seasons need to be factored in too, consider how wind patterns change throughout the year. You may need to adjust ventilation strategies to accommodate seasonal shifts.

5. Finally, ask the experts – If you’re unsure about the best solution for your building then professional consultation is key and will save costly mistakes down the line. Seek out certified and experienced practitioner. These specialists can guide you through design and installation, ensuring that your retrofit meets your goals and overcomes any obstacles.

Conclusion

As the UK looks to breathe new life into old buildings, don’t get left behind as the passive revolution gathers more momentum. Naturally, it’s time to bring your HVAC system into the cleaner, greener and brighter built environment of the future. With a proven and reliable approach to retrofitting Natural Ventilation, designed to help you make informed decisions and maximise your investment, what are you waiting for?