Natural ventilation in the United Kingdom: Design issues for commercial and public buildings

Abstract

The principle of good design for natural ventilation is to 'build tight — ventilate right'. A building cannot be 'too tight', but it may be under-ventilated. There is considerable scope for making UK buildings tighter. However, simpler techniques need to be developed (especially in large non-domestic buildings) to identify envelope tightness and associated leakage paths. Also, guidance needs to be provided on constructing tighter envelopes. Studies necessary to assess the implication of tighter buildings are described. Sufficient information is available on ventilation requirements necessary to satisfy safety and health criteria. However, criteria relating to comfort, especially those associated with odour, metabolic CO₂ and summer overheating need to be investigated. The paper also discusses minimising the effects of tobacco smoke and controlling other internally generated pollutants. Guidelines for natural ventilation design may conflict with other design or climate-responsive strategies; future work should address this, and address issues such as ventilation openings (to provide both 'background' and 'rapid' ventilation) and design for deeper, naturally ventilated buildings.

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