Natural Ventilation: The importance of air circulation for comfort and energy efficiency
The demand for sustainable practices and ‘green’ buildings has grown substantially, making natural ventilation a star in modern architectural design.
Climate change has led to increased electricity consumption for indoor climate control. With rising temperatures, the demand for air conditioning, fans and other cooling systems has become increasingly greater. Therefore, this building technique, which directly engages with the climate and local context, offers a way to minimise dependence on electrical energy.
According to NOAA and NASA data, global temperatures in 2023 were the highest in the last 144 years, with an increase of 1.4°C (2.52°F) compared to the reference average from the beginning of the industrial era (1881-1910). Link to the article here.
As a chain consequence of this, this high demand for climate control systems also has significant impacts on increasing CO2 emissions in the atmosphere because air conditioning can provide necessary relief and reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses, but this comes at a cost.
When air conditioning is powered by electricity generated from fossil fuels, CO2 is released, contributing to the greenhouse effect. Additionally, air conditioners emit heat to the outside, contributing to the heat island effect in urban areas. Improper disposal of old air conditioners can also release harmful heat-trapping gases.
Research conducted by Climate Central demonstrates that air conditioning consumption in US residences is expected to increase by 59% by 2050, surpassing the projected growth of 17% in commercial spaces, as well as:
- Energy consumed by fans represents 25 to 35% of electricity consumption in non-residential buildings.
- In the United States, 87% of all buildings have air conditioning.
- Global sales of air conditioning units are increasing by 13% per year.
- In India and China, energy demand for cooling in summer exceeds supply.
- Electricity demand for air conditioning in China will be greater than in the United States by 2020.
These data show the need to rethink how we build and adapt our buildings, making them resilient to both the current climate and future projections of climate change.
In this context, natural ventilation plays a crucial role in the comfort and energy efficiency of environments. This concept involves the circulation of air naturally, without the need for mechanical climate control systems. In addition to providing a more pleasant environment, natural ventilation also brings significant benefits in terms of energy savings.
What is Natural Ventilation?
Natural ventilation encompasses the intentional use of constructive openings, such as doors, windows, skylights and other elements, to allow air circulation through the interior of buildings, without the need for electronic equipment.
This subtle technique uses natural forces, such as wind and thermal differences, to create an airflow with the purpose of renewing and improving indoor air quality. Diverging from forced ventilation systems that require external energy to move air, natural ventilation promotes a continuous alternation of indoor air with outdoor air in a self-sustainable way, offering an efficient strategy to reduce energy consumption and maintain a healthy indoor environment.
It differs from mechanical ventilation, which involves the use of fans and ducts to propel air. Such a system consumes electricity and often requires regular maintenance, while natural ventilation takes advantage of available environmental resources at no additional cost and with minimal maintenance.
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Advantages of Natural Ventilation
The use of natural ventilation in buildings goes beyond mere air exchange, playing a primary role in optimising energy consumption. The airflow facilitated by natural ventilation methods implies a significant reduction in the need for artificial cooling and heating systems, reflected in notable energy savings. The passage and renewal of air without the use of electrical equipment is more than an economic response; it is the harmonisation of physical comfort with environmental awareness.
Furthermore, the thermal comfort provided by these systems is an undeniable attribute. The natural circulation of air induces the stabilisation of internal temperatures, keeping environments in pleasant conditions and free from the uncomfortable oscillations caused by mechanical devices. This is an especially valued advantage in climates that experience thermal variations throughout the day or year.
Additionally, the air quality received by the occupants of the spaces is exponentially improved. Natural ventilation performs the dilution of internal pollutants, removing contaminants and contributing to a healthy environment. This continuous exchange of air prevents stagnation, which is often associated with the appearance of moulds and the proliferation of fungi, safeguarding the respiratory health of individuals.
So we can categorise the advantages of natural ventilation into four essential points, which are as follows:
- Provide fresh air: It is essential to provide fresh air to meet the physiological needs of people and remove unpleasant odours.
- Convection cooling: In environments where cooling is necessary, such as large rooms or spaces with many people, it is important to have a large volume of air circulating to maintain an adequate temperature.
- Physiological cooling: Air movement also plays an important role in the physiological cooling of people. Increased air circulation promotes heat loss through convection and evaporation from the skin, helping to maintain a healthy body temperature.
- Reduction of carbon emissions and costs: In addition to the benefits for people’s comfort and health, adequate air circulation can also contribute to reducing carbon emissions, as well as reducing capital and operational costs. By designing efficient and sustainable ventilation systems, we can minimise energy consumption and promote environmental sustainability.
Positive Financial Impact of Natural Ventilation
By decreasing dependence on electrical climate control systems, there is a notable reduction in energy costs. This saving extends throughout the life cycle of the building, as non-mechanical ventilation solutions do not depend on electrical energy to operate, leading to a more favourable energy balance.
Moreover, structures that take advantage of natural ventilation tend to accumulate fewer maintenance expenses. Mechanical ventilation systems, with their moving parts and constant need for revision, see these costs practically eliminated when replaced by natural methods. This not only simplifies operational management but also alleviates the budget allocated to the conservation of climate control systems.
By adopting natural ventilation in work environments, for example, by providing an environment with better air quality and thermal comfort, workers’ health is protected, which can result in fewer days of absence due to respiratory diseases and others related to unfavourable internal climate. In this way, the initial investment in ventilation is compensated not only by direct savings but also by a healthier and more productive workforce in the long term.
Building a Sustainable Future
The role of natural ventilation in designing a more sustainable and productive architecture has never been more prominent. With the advancement of environmental discussions and increased awareness of the carbon footprint, companies and organisations envision a horizon where buildings breathe in harmony with the environment, conjuring spaces that not only house human activities but also promote health and well-being.
This approach is aligned with sustainable development goals and presents itself as a legacy for future generations. Through the implementation of refined and eco-efficient ventilation strategies, a balance is achieved that meets the operational needs of built spaces, while reducing energy consumption. Construction that adopts these principles shows not only respect for the planet but also a smart investment with measurable returns in terms of reduced operational costs and improved quality of life for its occupants.
Moving forward, buildings armed with these ventilation solutions will be seen as a standard in the construction industry, true pillars of a corporate ethic that prioritises environmental responsibility. Access this current of fresh air that flows through green initiatives, and see work environments transform, not only more energy efficient but also as healthier and more productive spaces.
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