THE TIME IS NOW FOR COOLING CONVERSATION

Did you know that in September, the first-ever World Health Organization ‘Indoor Air Conference’ was held? This event closely followed the UK Government’s initiation of an inquiry into heat resilience and sustainable cooling, as well as a nationwide effort to pass the Clean Air Bill in Parliament. These developments demonstrate a fundamental shift in the public discourse surrounding clean air, instigating substantial transformations within the ventilation and construction sectors. Given the profound changes occurring within the industry, how can builders and architects leverage these shifts to achieve commercial success?

CHANGING CONVERSATIONS –HEALTH, WELLBEING, CLIMATE AND AIRFLOW

Fresh air has become a hot topic, with Covid-19 leading to an increase in awareness of the importance of ventilation and its intrinsic relationship with health. In tandem with this, the world was collectively ramping up efforts to achieve goals of Net Zero emissions. As the climate warms, we will have a greater need to keep buildings cool, but how can this be achieved without adding yet more carbon into the atmosphere?

The conversation doesn’t stop there. More recently comes an understanding of how ‘fresh’ air impacts wellbeing, unpacking the role good air quality plays in everything from the speed of recovery in hospitals to the ability to concentrate during exams. Studies have linked excess CO2 levels to a drop in productivity and attainment, and even the act of breathing itself has become a rapidly evolving wellness trend.

Combined, the impact of Covid and public health on ventilation, the need to cool buildings sustainably, and the impact of good ventilation on wellbeing are arguably all pushing the ventilation industry into its biggest period of change in a generation. Now, we must grab this opportunity with both hands and begin to ignite some big changes.

HOW DOES THE INDUSTRY CAPITALISE ON THIS?

But where to begin? To start, the increased understanding of a building’s need to ‘breathe’, as sustainably as possible, will have to be factored into building design when it comes to both new buildings and retrofits.

Europe is already leading the charge on this, with the emergence of decentralised ventilation systems as an approach to helping ventilate buildings more effectively and efficiently – and this technology is starting to reach the UK.

The Benefits Of Decentralised

Decentralised ventilation systems, particularly when paired with heat recovery technology, can achieve a high level of energy efficiency. Working to minimise waste by ventilating spaces only when necessary, such systems have the ability to adapt to varying needs and uses of a space. For instance, the ventilation requirements for an all-hands company meeting differ from those of regular hotdesking, and decentralised ventilation systems are built to cater to the multifunctional uses of a space. Beyond this, integrated decentralised systems also elevate indoor air quality, reduce carbon emissions, and enhance overall comfort.

At MAP, we have recently launched the FVPpulse decentralised ventilation unit, in collaboration with LTG Aktiengesellschaft, a pioneering German company specialising in air and climate technology. Inspired by the concept of breathing itself, The FVPpulse consists of a supply and return unit that mimics the natural movement of air. A stark movement away from centralised HVAC systems that have been the default choice for managing ventilation and air quality in buildings to date.

The Time To Talk Is Now

The industry is currently in an exciting phase, spurred by the growing recognition of the vital role that “healthy” indoor air quality plays in our overall well-being and our journey toward achieving Net Zero emissions. This shared awareness is catalysing a significant global transformation. Recent events have provided us with valuable insights, emphasising the need to prioritise building ventilation to enhance the health of occupants while adhering to sustainability goals. Furthermore, commercial success will be inherently connected to these priorities. www.mapuk.com

So, what’s next? It’s incumbent upon our industry to seize this opportunity and embrace the challenge by taking bold strides in designing, constructing, and operating our buildings. We must collaborate, share knowledge, and devise inventive solutions to meet these new standards.

Change is underway, and the time to take action is now.