Paper 1
The Applicability of Natural
Ventilation
- Technical Editorial
Martin W
Liddament
Editor,
International Journal of Ventilation, VEETECH Ltd, 7A Barclays Venture
Centre,
University of Warwick Science Park, Coventry, Great Britain, CV4 7EZ
Abstract
It is only comparatively
recently, since the development of mechanical ventilation and
refrigeration, that it has become possible to completely control the air
quality and thermal environment inside buildings, irrespective of outdoor
conditions. However, such control is an energy intensive process that
requires reliable energy supply. Concerns about future security of
conventional supply, combined with the impact of fossil fuel emissions on
global warming, has resulted in renewed emphasis on building energy
efficiency. In achieving improved performance, natural ventilation and
passive cooling methods are becoming important components of modern
architecture in many countries. This
editorial reviews some of the issues and barriers associated with natural
ventilation and outlines recent progress. It also summarises the European
Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) which, again, has an
important impact on ventilation methodology in Europe. It is concluded
that, for various reasons, natural ventilation is having a difficult time
in gaining regulatory acceptance, even although there is strong demand for
passive solutions from both private and public bodies. In the United
Kingdom it is shown that, although a number of key official agencies
strongly support the use of natural ventilation, the current Building
Regulations and moves towards zero carbon buildings incorrectly acts
against the benefit of natural ventilation. This, it is argued, is because
a holistic view of total carbon emissions is not being taken into account.
Ultimately it is the absolute CO2 emissions that impact
on the environment but this is largely missing from the narrow objectives
set by various regulations, standards and calculation techniques.
Key words:
Natural ventilation, passive cooling, EPBD, Regulations, air
quality energy cycle, indoor air quality standards, climate impact.
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