Mitsubishi Electric has launched a free, CPD-certified guide to illustrate how effective ventilation can help both the wellbeing of occupants and overall building efficiency.

“If the occupants of a building do not feel healthy and happy within that environment then they cannot be productive, and this is true whether the building is an office, a shop, a hotel or a school,” explained Perry Jackson, general manager of the company’s ventilation division.


The Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers defines good indoor air quality as air with no known contaminants at harmful concentrations. These include volatile organic compounds that are released from carpet glues, carbon dioxide from occupants, odours and other particulates. Minimising and filtering these is important but occupants also need to have a sense of 'freshness', which means keeping CO2 levels to a minimum as well.


Part F of the Building Regulations (2010) deals with ventilation in buildings. For non-domestic buildings the required rate of ventilation is 10 litres/sec per person.


However, this is described as a moderate to medium level of air quality and other guidance suggests that for a high standard of indoor air quality, a ventilation rate of 15 litres/sec per person is more appropriate (BS EN 13779 Ventilation for buildings).


“Ventilation can also impact on internal space temperatures,” added Jackson. “Higher ventilation rates may increase air quality for occupants but could actually cause drafts.”


Designers need to take into account the effects of both latent and sensible heat, which can help keep the indoor climate less dry and more comfortable while reducing heat losses – leading to savings in both energy and running costs.


“Stricter regulations are demanding highly insulated, energy-efficient buildings and there is now a pressing need for fresh air in today’s modern premises,” Jackson said. “This new guide examines the different options available to designers and their effectiveness within different types of buildings.”


To obtain a copy of the guide, call 01707 282880 or email ventilation@meuk.mee.com.