Many businesses have struggled to maintain stability and consistency while walking the tightrope of 2022. Faced with a crippling energy crisis, it’s placing the energy needs of businesses, schools and other public buildings firmly under the microscope.
The silver lining to this issue is that with Net Zero targets to consider, energy reduction strategies are being prioritised, with private as well as public businesses being keen to discover what cost-effective energy alternatives are now available. One available choice, which can help building owners make the right steps toward those sustainable targets, is through the use of natural HVAC systems.
With ongoing legislative actions driving change as well as a heightened public focus on energy efficiency and lowering carbon emissions, companies are now tackling the perennial issue of poor air quality within their interiors. Through a legally binding requirement, businesses have a responsibility to ensure that work environments are well-ventilated, protecting the health and well-being of staff and building occupants.
The natural approach
The efforts to stay in line with Net Zero aims and bring poor IAQ (indoor air quality) to a conclusion have led to a cultural shift in the carbon-intensive products and systems that have been used to deliver good air quality. Discussions concerning the relative merits of mechanical HVAC, which was once thought to be the best option, have been ongoing for ventilating buildings. However, with evidence of rising C02 emissions and their negative impact on the environment, deeper consideration is underway. In particular, when taking into consideration that intense geopolitical turmoil has contributed to rapidly rising energy prices, traditional, energy-intensive HVAC systems are increasingly considered as a thing of the past. In its place, specifiers have the option to look toward a more natural approach. Where low-energy, automated ventilation systems can step in to help meet current guidelines, save costs and reduce overall environmental impact.
Smartness provides a greater effect
Thanks to advanced and sophisticated sensory technology, natural and hybrid ventilation can respond to changes concerning the weather while also aiding with the transition away from traditional systems. The technology can be programmed to automate systems, succeeding in reduced energy consumption while facilitating in dispelling poor IAQ. By working alongside advanced building management systems, you will also benefit from an increased window automation for a greater effect. Thanks to WindowMaster’s highly intelligent communication technology MotorLink®, it’s possible to exchange 25 individual components with a single modern controller, which can aid in reducing energy usage and offer significant benefits in performance. Importantly, in contrast to installing a new mechanical system, it requires little effort for engineers and electricians to install, with the additional advantage of not having to maintain this system regularly. Across industries and building types, energy-efficient ventilation is increasingly being incorporated into sustainable building design for the good of public health as well as carbon reduction. Still, as we head into the harsh winter months, the soaring energy prices will lead to an increased need for solutions that will lower emissions. The demand for a low-carbon means of ventilation is fully viable. It’s now about prioritising staff health and raising awareness amongst businesses to unlock the full potential.
Project References
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BREEAM, “Excellent” building with natural ventilation
City of Glasgow Colleges took a definitive commitment to the environment by embracing several sustainable design strategies such as automated natural ventilation. To reduce heat loads and maintain air quality, the atrium acts as a natural stack to drive cross ventilation through the building.
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Zero-energy strategy with natural ventilation
HouseZero of Harvard University was renovated to inspire others by how older, existing structures can be altered to become ultra-efficient facilities. The older indoor climate systems were fully replaced with a new indoor climate paradigm which relies on the addition of thermal mass and radiant surfaces.
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BREEAM, “Outstanding” center focuses on low carbon approaches
The new Student Centre of the University College London is a flagship for sustainable development in the urban environment. UCL’s strategy was to focus on a “passive first” approach to the indoor climate to reduce energy use and thereby carbon emissions.
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State-of-the art campus features intelligent actuators
MECD is Manchester University’s brand-new Engineering Campus. Intelligent actuator technology was key to providing the best indoor climate possible via fresh air ventilation. MotorLink® communication technology was chosen because it ensures seamless integration between the BMS and window automation.
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Intelligent actuator communication in smoke ventilation
Augusta University Cancer Research Center chose WindowMaster actuators and MotorControllers as part of the building’s heat and smoke management strategy. The actuators and controllers are enabled with MotorLink® so that they can communicate directly with the building management systems about their position and status.
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