Buildings account for over 45% of UK energy use and carbon emissions. Various energy management policies aim to reduce this figure. As the performance of building insulation and construction techniques steadily improve, energy lost through ventilation accounts for a growing proportion of total building energy consumption. Unnecessary ventilation can waste energy and cost you a lot of money. For example, ventilation accounts for around 30% of heat loss in most commercial buildings (an estimated 25% in industrial buildings).
Building Regulations require that buildings be adequately ventilated to ensure the health and safety of building occupants. There is plenty of evidence that well ventilated workplaces are more comfortable, healthier and more productive places to work.
- Buildings need to be both properly ventilated and energy efficient
- Unnecessary ventilation can waste energy and cost a lot of money
- General ventilation provides clean, fresh, uncontaminated air
Most large buildings such as city centre offices, public buildings, shopping malls and hospitals are mechanically ventilated. In addition to providing air from outside the building, mechanical systems are also often used to distribute heated or cooled air.
Natural ventilation for offices not only makes financial sense but also offers a sustainable solution to environment management. Naturally ventilated offices have 25-50% lower annual energy costs than air-conditioned offices.
Automatic window controls combine a sensor with the actuator; this may be part of a building management system. The most effective sensor control systems operate the windows in response to internal and external temperature. More sophisticated systems may include sensors that adjust windows in response to carbon dioxide levels, wind speed and direction, solar gain, air quality and time.
Under current legislation, employers in the United Kingdom are required to ensure that all enclosed workplaces are sufficiently ventilated, in order to provide a healthy working environment. Failure to provide the required level of ventilation can lead to a number of health problems for workers, including headaches, tiredness, itchy skin and eye irritation; symptoms which are collectively known as SBS (Sick Building Syndrome).
Clarkson Controls can offer expert advice and control systems for BMS and ventilation of Office Buildings, Hospitals, Schools and Public Buildings.
