Erik Boyter, CEO of WindowMaster discusses the need for a new approach to passive design in the workplace.
Workspace design has come a long way in recent times and employers are becoming acutely aware of the benefits a healthy environment can bring to a business. Prioritising physical and mental health is now vital to bottom-line success, and it starts by creating safe and secure surroundings where staff are able to perform at their best.
The UK Government has also recognised the need for healthier workplaces and buildings in general. Updates to both Part F and Part L Building Regulations, will see stricter building and infrastructure standards enforced to help address and improve longstanding issues such as poor indoor air quality (IAQ) in commercial offices.
However, despite a recent drive to improve the quality of air indoors, external pressures are hindering progress. Rising energy and maintenance costs, building materials shortages and the threat of a recession are prompting people to shave budgets, where possible.
Yes, heightened financial pressure is making everyone uncomfortable, but I urge caution for businesses looking to take the knife to their HVAC budget. Investing in the latest systems guarantees best-practice occupational health and can keep operational and carbon costs down.
The natural way
By converting existing mechanical HVAC systems to natural or hybrid systems, there’s the opportunity to achieve the above more efficiently. When properly specified and operated, this low-impact and energy-efficient alternative effectively harnesses outdoor air currents to ventilate the flow of air indoors – as opposed to it being recycled. This enables a constant circulation of fresh air throughout the interiors, immediately improving IAQ and eliminating any health or hygiene risks associated with recycled air.
Whilst mechanical HVAC was traditionally thought to provide the most efficient and controlled ventilation, opinions are changing fast. Recently, the merits of those systems have been called into question, particularly against the context of Net Zero targets. Asset owners and specifiers are now even more mindful of the vast amounts of wasted energy and CO2 produced by these carbon-intensive systems. Certainly, the government’s commitment to reducing built-environment emissions by 15% by 2030 will further shape evolving approaches.
The right choice
However, this can be avoided through a practical solution that fits into the broader design brief: smart-hybrid or natural ventilation. Architects, engineers, and façade builders can use these systems to introduce fresh air into a building in a low-emissions manner, enhancing air quality while generating carbon savings.
Beyond the carbon footprint, energy prices and cost inflation are still hitting everyone hard. Although, switching our reliance on high-emission mechanical systems will help to reduce a building’s operational emissions and keep utility bills at a reasonable level. Presenting a welcome opportunity for businesses in the public and private sectors, to see a return on investment in the long run.
The key is always through control
Simplicity is always key, and these systems, which are controlled and automated to control the flow of clean air into and out of a building rather than recycling it, are what make them an attractive option. Given that they are powered by cutting-edge AI and smart technology, they can fluidly integrate within the BMS to improve performance through greater data collection.
This ability to manage ventilation programmes around fluctuating weather patterns can also enhance indoor comfort and when considered alongside material-based approaches, such as fabric-first its impact can be amplified. Working all year round whatever the weather or climate, to reduce heat loads in the building from people, lights, and computers, among other equipment
Going a step further, specifiers can integrate biophilic features by imbuing nature itself throughout the office fit-out and establishing a low-stress environment – increasing employee wellbeing and luring workers back to the office.
It’s time to breathe easy
Whether through new-build or retrofit, developing healthy offices that achieve the goal of lowering emissions is swiftly rising to the top of the agenda for fit-out professionals and the C-Suite.
And with the twin worries of a looming recession and Net Zero 2050 also on everyone’s mind, as we progress through Q.1 of 2023, natural ventilation provides an assured solution, helping businesses balance solvency and sustainability while improving IAQ for their employees – encouraging workers back into the office and allowing them to breathe easy.
Erik Boyter, CEO, WindowMaster