As the world moves towards more sustainable and cost-effective building practices, methods such as better insulation, air or ground source heating, solar panels, and enhanced glazing have gained prominence. These advancements aim to prevent heat loss and reduce energy consumption. However, in the rush to create airtight, energy-efficient buildings, the impact on indoor air quality (IAQ) and the health of occupants often becomes a secondary consideration, if it is considered at all.
This oversight is particularly concerning given the updates to the UK Building Regulations in 2021. Approved Document Part F, which focuses on ventilation, was revised to complement Part L, which addresses the conservation of fuel and power. These changes aim to promote low-carbon ventilation as an industry standard to improve IAQ in buildings. Despite these regulations, the importance of proper ventilation is frequently overlooked.
Airtight buildings do not just retain heat; they also restrict the natural flow of fresh air, trapping hazardous pollutants inside. Without adequate ventilation, particulate matter and harmful gases such as CO2 and airborne chemicals accumulate, leading to a buildup of toxic air. To maintain a healthy indoor environment, it is essential to regularly refresh the indoor air to remove these pollutants. While opening windows is a common suggestion, it is not always practical, especially in extreme weather conditions. Once the windows are closed, pollutant levels quickly rise again.
As we continue to construct and retrofit buildings to meet new energy efficiency standards, the need for effective ventilation becomes more critical. Ventilation should not be an afterthought but a top priority. Air pollution, both indoor and outdoor, is the most significant environmental health risk today. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution is responsible for approximately one in nine deaths annually, and the situation will only worsen without proactive measures.
Although air quality has improved in recent years, pollutant concentrations still exceed WHO guidelines in many areas. Indoor air can contain pollutant concentrations up to five times higher than outdoor air. Given that people spend around 90% of their time indoors, it is crucial to recognize the risks and educate the public on how to protect against this invisible threat.
To address these challenges and create healthier, more sustainable environments, developers should consider replacing extractor fans with mechanical ventilation units with heat recovery (MVHR). MVHR systems provide balanced ventilation with heat recovery, significantly improving IAQ while reducing energy consumption. These systems filter incoming air, removing pollutants and retaining heat, thereby maintaining a comfortable indoor climate throughout the year. They also aid in cooling during warmer months by extracting heat and humidity from outdoor air before it enters the building.
Mechanical ventilation offers a more effective and energy-efficient means of maintaining IAQ than opening windows alone. EFAM Air emphasizes the importance of good IAQ in both new constructions and the refurbishment of existing buildings. Energy-efficient ventilation is essential not only for occupant health and wellbeing but also for achieving net-zero goals.
