Natural ventilation is a breath of fresh air

Want to breathe new life into a stuffy indoor space with cost-effective natural ventilation? The answer could be to keep things simple, according to Strand Hardware, which recommends two key steps to assess requirements and identify the right solution.

Step one requires a bigger picture view: its essential to consider the building’s conditions and orientation – its size, location, positioning and wider environment. This will indicate wind velocity and direction which is needed to optimise air flow and exhaust emissions from inside the premises.

Knowing how the building is to be used, its construction and internal layout (including partitions, doors and chimneys) is also vital, along with window sizing, location, fabric and an understanding of how they function.

Budget is a primary consideration but the beauty of natural ventilation is that it can be achieved without breaking the bank. Manual systems offer the ultimate cost-effective option. Unlike integrated powered systems, they require little by way of capital investment. They are also easier to use and maintain.

Step two of the assessment requires specifics: sufficient detail to identify the products and quantities needed:

• the number of windows requiring openers

• window material: aluminium, timber or PVC-U construction

• window configuration: top/hung, side/hung, bottom hung opening in or out

• window opening width and height.

Craig Fox, Sales Director for Strand Hardware, said that manual solutions offer a cost effective way of operating windows to provide natural ventilation for new build or existing buildings.

“Strand’s Duoflex range is frequently installed in workplaces, offices, hospitals and educational establishments which benefit from natural ventilation.

“Providing a system that is safe and easy-to-use is essential. Health and safety requirements should be considered so that if windows are at a height, people will not be tempted to over-reach or stand on a chair in order to access them,” he said.

Other products may be used to optimise the solution. Building orientation and its levels of sun, shade and wind direction will determine if they are needed. For example, buildings with double aspects, a large run of windows or large glazed panels, may benefit from reflective film or blinds to prevent the ‘greenhouse effect’.

While those within a densely built environments, such as town centres with tall buildings, or premises with fewer opening windows, may require electrically driven operators, fans/filters to improve air flow and quality.

In just two simple steps, you can say goodbye to stuffy air and hello to comfort and well-being. Get ready to take a deep breath and transform your space into the ultimate sanctuary of freshness and vitality.

For more information visit Strand Hardware's website

CUBO Awards put the spotlight on commercial excellence

Commercial excellence took centre stage at the 2023 CUBO Awards on July 6th at the University of Glasgow, as eight universities were recognised for outstanding achievement in commercial and campus services.

Awards Chair, Jane Donachy, Associate Director of Catering, Retail and Accommodation Services at the University of the Arts, London, praised the exceptional standard of entries in 2023, hailing the awards as “a fantastic platform to showcase the hard work of university commercial staff.”

“The awards are critical to motivative and reward hard-working staff in the commercial areas within the context of the wider university. You cannot underestimate the buzz and encouragement winning an award gives the teams that work tirelessly to improve the student experience.”

Creativity in Catering and Retail: University of Exeter

An unused bank branch was transformed into a vibrant street food hub providing additional revenue and a hireable events space.

Best Residence Life Experience: University of Nottingham

Nottingham built a sport, wellbeing and health package into students’ overall accommodation offering resulting in 96% reporting an increased sense of belonging to the university and halls.

Excellence in Student Sports Experience: University of Exeter

Exeter’s Get Into Sport campaign has successfully extended participation to international students, women, and those with mental health difficulties by making sport more accessible for all.

Innovation in Student Housing Award: University of the Arts London (UAL)

UAL’s Archwood site is designed to build networks between local Southwark businesses and students, with initiatives such as apprenticeships and local employment schemes.

Innovation in Student Experience: University of Essex

Essex’s Fan Engagement Project used sport as a lever to build engagement between students and the university, tackling wellbeing in the post-Covid environment.

Creativity in Conferencing, Events and Hospitality: Keele University Events & Conferencing

The drive to carbon neutrality at Keele has been supported with initiatives including a green delegate package and green energy, contributing to a 26% increase on income forecasts.

Business Partnership of the Year Award: University of Manchester and Infinity Inc

Sales from Manchester’s gift shop have soared by 263% thanks to an innovative partnership that has embraced an online store, sales to staff and eco-merchandise.

Best Marketing Campaign: University of Leeds

Leeds rebuilt its gym membership among students with a creative approach to digital marketing that targeted prospects with tailored content, resulting in sales in excess of £2m.

Campus Experience of the Year: Royal Holloway, University of London Collaboration, team-working and communication between teams and target audiences has delivered a ‘World Class’ ranking for the commercial services directorate, making it the top scoring purely commercial services directorate among universities.

Honorary membership

Outgoing CUBO Board members Richard Kington and Jane Donachy were recognised for their outstanding contribution to CUBO and higher education professional services.