BSRIA Guide BG 6 A Design Framework for Building Services was first published in 1994 to help give clarity over the roles and duties of those involved in the design phases of construction projects. Since then, it has been revised and updated to reflect the changing nature of the UK construction industry practices, and the implications these have had on the allocation of design responsibilities.
In recent years, changes in technology have brought with them new issues concerning the level of information provided as outputs from design activities. They have also highlighted the need for clarity around existing topics such as the resolution of clashes throughout the design stages and defining coordination roles and responsibilities. These are amongst the topics addressed in the fifth edition of BG 6, which was published in 2018.
Technological advancements and industry trends
Whilst the advance in technology has enabled developments such as BIM Level 2, resulting in the extensive use of graphical modelling, not every project will be carried out using this approach. The ‘traditional’ method of conveying design requirements via 2D drawings continues to be widely used. As part of the 2018 update, elements of BG 6 were clarified to clearly identify and support these different strategies. The key point is that the correct format of information is used to best meet the project objectives.
The guide contains design activity proformas and drawing / model definitions that are used to support contract documentation and to encourage efficient collaborative working between building services and other designers such as architects, structural engineers and also along building services supply chains.
It must be remembered that BG 6 is, as the title states, a framework. As such, the content of the proformas and output production table should be seen as a starting point for the user to accurately detail what they require their supply chain to do. If any required task or deliverable is not in the published proformas or table, then the user should add them, making sure that the proformas and the output production table align with each other.
Purchasing options
BG 6/2018 Design Framework for Building Services 5th Edition can be purchased or downloaded here.
Two purchasing options are available. Option 1 is a hard copy or pdf of BG 6/2018. The pdf is a free download for BSRIA members. There is a clickable link in the document to download selected files.
Option 2 is a ‘multi-site licence’. This containsall the editable files including the Appendix A proformas. The multi-site licence allows users to save the editable documents on a company server for colleagues to access.
Training course: A practical introduction
For professionals looking to deepen their understanding of BG 6/2018 and its practical applications, BSRIA offers a comprehensive training course. The BG 6/2018 Design Framework for Building Services: A Practical Introduction course provides participants with hands-on experience and expert guidance on implementing the principles outlined in the guide. Information about this course can be found here.
In the world of HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems, the role of anemometers is indispensable. They play a critical role in HVAC systems by measuring airflow velocity, facilitating energy efficiency optimisation, ventilation control, filter monitoring, system feedback, and occupant comfort enhancement.
Understanding Anemometers
Anemometers come in various types, each suited to specific applications and environments. The primary types of anemometers are below:
Cup Anemometers: These devices consist of three or more small cups mounted on horizontal arms. As the wind or air flows, the cups rotate, and the speed of rotation is directly proportional to the wind speed.
Vane Anemometers: Vane anemometers employ a freely rotating vane or propeller to measure wind speed. Like cup anemometers, they convert wind energy into rotational motion, providing accurate readings of air velocity.
Hot-Wire Anemometers: Operating on the principle of convective heat transfer, hot-wire anemometers utilise a fine wire heated electrically. As air flows over the wire, changes in resistance allow for precise measurement of air velocity.
Ultrasonic Anemometers: These anemometers use ultrasonic signals to determine wind speed and direction. They offer non-intrusive measurement methods, making them suitable for various applications, including HVAC systems.
The Function of Anemometers in HVAC Systems
In HVAC systems, anemometers play a critical role in several key functions:
Anemometers are used to measure airflow rates within HVAC ducts and systems. Accurate airflow measurements ensure that heating or cooling loads are properly balanced, improving system efficiency and comfort.
By monitoring air velocity and flow, anemometers help HVAC engineers optimise system performance to reduce energy consumption. Properly calibrated anemometers enable precise control of airflow, minimising energy waste.
Anemometers are essential for maintaining indoor air quality by ensuring adequate ventilation rates. They help regulate the flow of fresh air into occupied spaces, preventing the buildup of pollutants and contaminants.
Anemometers can also be used to monitor the performance of air filters within HVAC systems. By measuring airflow before and after the filters, maintenance professionals can assess filter efficiency and schedule replacements as needed.
Calibration Services for Anemometers
BSRIA provides thorough calibration services for anemometers and air velocity instruments, essential for HVAC system reliability.
Our services meet international standards, issuing traceable calibration certificates. We also offer adjustment and repair services, with on-site calibration options to minimise downtime.
With our expertise spanning decades, our team offers technical support tailored to meet HVAC system requirements.
Anemometers are pivotal for airflow measurement and energy efficiency in HVAC systems. By utilising BSRIA’s calibration services, clients ensure optimal system performance, enhancing comfort and sustainability.
Contact us!
Bracknell laboratories and offices: 0800 254 5566 (UK Free) or +44 (0) 1344 459314 (International). E-mail: instruments@bsria.co.uk Old Bracknell Lane West, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 7AH
BSRIA also operates a COFRAC ISO: 17025 accredited laboratories in Lille, France. This facility calibrates several metrological parameters including air volume (blower doors), temperature and pressure. For further details on BSRIA SARL please see www.bsria.com/fr/ or click HERE
Big Energy Saving Week heralds an annual call to action, transcending mere discourse to ignite tangible change in our approach to energy consumption. It’s a time when communities, businesses, and individuals collectively focus on driving meaningful transformations towards sustainability.
At its core, this week catalyses education, awareness, and action. It’s a platform where innovative solutions, strategies, and best practices for energy conservation take centre stage. Amidst the global conversation around climate change and carbon emissions, the significance of this week amplifies, urging us to re-evaluate our relationship with energy and chart a course towards a more sustainable future.
Creating a path to sustainability begins with understanding the pivotal role of energy efficiency in mitigating environmental impact. It’s a multifaceted endeavour that requires a holistic approach—one that encompasses not only reducing energy consumption but also embracing renewable sources, optimising technologies, and fostering a culture of conscious consumption.
Efficiency solutions pave this path, serving as the building blocks of a sustainable infrastructure. By optimising buildings, deploying smart HVAC strategies, integrating renewable energy sources, and adopting data-driven management systems, we forge a roadmap towards reduced energy dependence and lower carbon footprints.
Furthermore, the selection of sustainable materials and conducting thorough lifecycle analyses in construction or renovation projects ensures that each step towards sustainability is conscientiously taken. These measures lay the groundwork for lasting, impactful change, minimising the environmental burden and maximising the efficiency of our built environment.
Amidst this journey towards sustainability, organisations like BSRIA stand as beacons of expertise and guidance. Our role extends beyond offering services; we strive to act as enablers, empowering stakeholders with in-depth analyses, technical insights, and tailored solutions that align with the overarching goal of energy efficiency and sustainability.
In essence, Big Energy Saving Week isn’t just an event—it’s a catalyst for a paradigm shift. It urges us to rethink our energy consumption patterns, fostering a collective responsibility to implement solutions that not only save costs but also safeguard our planet for generations to come.
Contact BSRIA today, and let our experts guide you in implementing strategies that not only optimise energy consumption but also pave the way for a more sustainable and resilient future.
In an era where a significant portion of our lives is spent indoors, the quality of the indoor environment has a profound impact on our well-being. Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) goes beyond mere aesthetics; it encompasses various factors that influence the health, comfort, and productivity of occupants within built spaces.
Let’s embark on a journey to explore the importance of IEQ and how it can be optimised to create healthier and more comfortable indoor environments.
Understanding Indoor Environmental Quality
IEQ is a holistic concept that considers multiple factors contributing to the overall indoor experience. These factors include indoor air quality (IAQ), thermal comfort, lighting, acoustics, and the ergonomic design of spaces. Addressing each of these elements is essential to ensuring a balanced and conducive indoor environment.
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ): Perhaps the most critical aspect of IEQ, IAQ refers to the quality of the air within a building. Poor IAQ can lead to respiratory issues, allergies, and a general sense of discomfort. Factors influencing IAQ include ventilation, pollutant levels, and humidity. Regular monitoring and effective ventilation systems are crucial in maintaining optimal IAQ.
Thermal Comfort: The right temperature and humidity levels contribute to a comfortable indoor environment. Achieving thermal comfort involves considerations such as proper insulation, efficient HVAC systems, and responsive building design. A well-regulated thermal environment not only enhances comfort but also has a positive impact on productivity and concentration.
Lighting: Lighting plays a vital role in creating a visually appealing and functional indoor space. Natural light is ideal, but when artificial lighting is necessary, it should be well-designed to minimise glare and provide adequate illumination. Proper lighting design not only enhances visibility but also influences mood and circadian rhythms.
Acoustics: Unwanted noise can contribute to stress and reduced concentration. Well-designed acoustics control sound levels and reverberation, creating a quieter and more comfortable environment. Considerations such as sound-absorbing materials and strategic layout planning contribute to optimal acoustics.
The Impact of IEQ on Health and Productivity
Investing in optimal IEQ is not just about creating pleasant spaces; it directly impacts the health and productivity of occupants. Improved air quality reduces the risk of respiratory issues, allergies, and other health concerns. Comfortable thermal conditions and appropriate lighting contribute to a positive atmosphere, enhancing overall well-being and fostering productivity.
Strategies for Enhancing IEQ
Proactive IAQ Management: Regularly monitor and assess indoor air quality. Implement effective ventilation systems, use air purifiers when necessary, and minimise the use of pollutants within the space. Explore BSRIA’s Ventilation Verification Service for expert assistance in ensuring optimal ventilation performance here
Smart Building Design: Consideration of IEQ should be integrated into the design phase of buildings. Incorporate natural lighting, use energy-efficient HVAC systems, and choose materials that contribute to healthy indoor environments.
Occupant Engagement: Educate occupants about the importance of IEQ and encourage their active participation in maintaining a healthy indoor environment. Simple practices such as proper waste disposal and responsible use of cleaning agents can make a significant difference.
Professional Development: Stay current on IEQ advancements through training courses. BSRIA’s newest course “Unlocking the Secrets of Indoor Environmental Quality” equips professionals with practical skills and in-depth knowledge. Led by industry experts, this comprehensive course covers IAQ, thermal comfort, lighting, and acoustics. Enrol to gain a competitive edge, applying insights to real-world scenarios. Visit BSRIA’s course page for details.
Indoor Environmental Quality is a multifaceted concept that demands attention and action. By prioritising and optimising IEQ, we not only create spaces that look good but also contribute to the physical and mental well-being of those who inhabit them.
As we continue to understand the intricate relationship between our indoor environment and our health, the pursuit of excellence in IEQ becomes paramount. It’s not just about buildings; it’s about enhancing lives through thoughtful and intentional design and management of indoor spaces.
Visit the BSRIA website and get in touch for more information on optimising and creating the ideal indoor space.
Hey there! I’m Lottie, and I’ve had quite an adventure during my week of work experience at BSRIA. Let me share all the incredible experiences I’ve had so far.
My first day at BSRIA was nothing short of exhilarating. After a warm and welcoming induction, I jumped straight into the reverberation chamber in the lab. My first task was helping set up the microphones, and I couldn’t believe my luck when I had the chance to use the acoustic camera. It was fascinating, and guess what? I even made a cameo appearance, singing my heart out for the acoustic camera! What an unforgettable start!
Day two was all about expanding my knowledge. I embarked on a tour of the library and bookshop, where I borrowed some standards to read. The wealth of information at my fingertips was mind-boggling, and I also dove into some topic guides on the BSRIA website. The world of knowledge is vast, and there’s so much to explore.
Can you believe it’s already day three? Today, I joined the Compliance team on-site. It was all about setting up the sound level meter and learning the ins and outs of sound insulation testing to ensure compliance with Building Regulations. The practical side of engineering is truly remarkable.
On day four, I found myself in the calibration laboratory in Bracknell. It was a day filled with learning about various instruments, but my absolute favourite was getting hands-on experience with calibration on the BSRIA’s airflow calibration rig. The precision and care in this field were impressive.
And now, it’s my final day at BSRIA. I spent the day assisting in the testing laboratory, and it was a whirlwind of activity. From installing a fan to monitoring test data, learning about thermography, and even practising some plumbing skills, it was a busy yet incredibly interesting final day. I can’t believe how much I’ve learned and experienced in just one week.
My week of work experience at BSRIA has been nothing short of exciting. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who made it possible and helped me consider a potential future career in engineering. It’s been an eye-opening and inspiring journey, and I’m excited to see where it might lead me next.
If you are interested in finding out more about career options available to those in the acoustics field, please get in touch with our recruitment team: careers@bsria.co.uk
In our quest for healthier and more sustainable living, it’s easy to overlook one vital factor – the air we breathe. A good ventilation strategy forms part of a critical system in ensuring two key components of indoor environmental quality, indoor air quality (IAQ) and thermal comfort are optimised to increase occupant well-being and productivity. We’ve been at the forefront of championing healthy indoor environments, and today, we’ll delve into the importance of ventilation and how BSRIA is leading the way.
The Crucial Role of Ventilation
Ventilation is the process of exchanging indoor air with clean filtered outdoor air to remove stagnant or polluted air from within an enclosed space, creating an environment that supports health, comfort, and productivity. Poor ventilation can lead to a range of issues, including increased health risks, decreased cognitive function, and decreased energy efficiency in buildings.
To understand the significance of ventilation, let’s take a closer look at our Air Quality Hub. Here you’ll find a wealth of resources and expertise to help you appreciate the impact an effective ventilation strategy has on building occupants.
The Air Quality Hub is your go-to destination for in-depth insights on air quality, its impact on our daily lives, and the role ventilation systems play in achieving cleaner, healthier air. This resource is invaluable for anyone who seeks a deeper understanding of indoor air quality and its impact on well-being.
Monitoring Air Quality
Understanding air quality is the first step in improving it. Here at BSRIA, we offer a range of advanced instruments to help you measure and monitor air quality. These instruments are essential for building owners, Facilities Managers, and anyone interested in creating a cleaner, more comfortable built environment. Click here to find out more.
Consultancy on Indoor Air Quality
If you’re seeking expert guidance on how to improve indoor air quality in your building, BSRIA’s consultancy services are here to help. Our team of specialists can assess your current systems, provide recommendations for improvement, and support you in creating an environment that fosters well-being and sustainability.
In conclusion, the air we breathe is a fundamental aspect of our lives, and a good ventilation strategy is key to ensuring its quality. BSRIA’s commitment to cleaner air and a better tomorrow is reflected in our resources, research, and services. By utilising the links above, you can embark on a journey to a healthier and more sustainable future.
Join us in making a positive impact on indoor air quality and building a better world for all.
BSRIA (Building Services Research and Information Association) is a global leader in research and consultancy services for the built environment. With a rich history spanning over six decades, we are committed to advancing sustainability, energy efficiency, and indoor air quality. Our wide range of services, from research and testing to consultancy and instrumentation, empowers clients to create safer, more comfortable, and environmentally responsible spaces.
Trust BSRIA as your partner in building a sustainable future.
Before diving into calibration and why it matters, let’s first understand what a balometer is and why it’s essential. In the world of HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) and indoor air quality management, precision is key. Accurate airflow measurements are crucial for maintaining a comfortable, energy-efficient environment and diagnosing system performance issues.
What are Balometers?
Balometers, commonly known as Flow Capture Hoods, play a pivotal role in balancing indoor airflows. Entrusted with the crucial task of measuring and regulating airflow within our buildings, these instruments are the go-to tools for HVAC technicians, building engineers, and indoor air quality professionals. They help ensure that air distribution systems are functioning optimally, preventing issues such as uneven heating or cooling, inadequate ventilation, and poor air quality. To maintain the accuracy and reliability of balometer readings, regular calibration is essential.
Why is calibration important?
Calibration is important because it helps ensure accurate measurements, and accurate measurements are foundational to the quality, safety and innovation of most products and services we use and rely on every day. If you look around, most of what we see was produced within tight measurement specifications assured by calibration.
When it comes to balometers, precision is paramount. These devices are responsible for gauging airflow rates with accuracy, ensuring that ventilation systems operate at their best. Inconsistent or inaccurate readings could lead to imbalanced airflow, which, in turn, affects indoor air quality, energy efficiency, and overall comfort.
Here’s why calibration is important:
Precise airflow measurements are crucial for efficient HVAC systems.
Regular calibration ensures compliance with regulations, promoting health and safety.
Accurate airflow measurements support energy-efficient HVAC operation.
Calibration serves as preventative maintenance, minimizing downtime and extending equipment lifespan.
Reliable data from calibrated balometers supports effective system management.
Summary
In the world of indoor air quality and building performance, Balometers are indispensable tools. They ensure that the air we breathe is clean and that our indoor spaces are comfortable and safe. But their effectiveness relies on their accuracy, which is maintained through regular calibration.
So, the next time you breathe in clean, comfortable air indoors, remember that behind the scenes, balometers and their calibration are silently working to make it all possible. In the world of HVAC, where precise airflow measurements are vital for maintaining comfort and energy efficiency, regular balometer calibration is not a luxury; it is a necessity.
In response to the growing emphasis on air quality within the built environment, BSRIA is pleased to announce an expansion of its service portfolio, with the introduction of a cutting-edge airflow Calibration Rig at its North facility in Preston, Lancashire. This is alongside the existing rig at BSRIA Bracknell, both rigs are officially endorsed by UKAS (United Kingdom Accreditation Service).
In the UK, on average people spend more than 90% of their time indoors.
Indoor air quality is affected by outdoor pollution, but also by indoor sources and inadequate ventilation. Air pollution can have a negative impact on our health; from short term effects such as eye irritation and coughs to long term effects such as respiratory infections and cancer.
Here, we take a look at contaminants commonly found in buildings. For more information on how to manage indoor air quality, please visit the BSRIA Air Quality Hub.
Carbon Dioxide
A colourless and odourless gas resulting from combustion and breathing. At higher concentrations carbon dioxide can cause drowsiness, fatigue, and dizziness as the amount of oxygen per breath is decreased. In an enclosed environment, ventilation is key to reduce carbon dioxide build-up.
Carbon Monoxide
An odourless and colourless gas produced by incomplete combustion of fuels such as oil, wood, and gas. Carbon monoxide binds with haemoglobin in blood cells instead of oxygen, rendering a person gradually unconsciousness even at low concentrations.
Ozone
Whilst beneficial in the stratosphere, when found at ground level, ozone causes the muscles found in the respiratory system to constrict, trapping air in the air pockets, or alveoli. Ozone can be produced by certain air purifiers, laundry water treatment appliances and facial steamers.
Particulate Matter 2.5
A complex mixture of solid and or liquid particles suspended in air, where the diameter of the particles are 2.5 microns or smaller. PM2.5 sources include transportation, power plants, wood and burning and can cause airway irritability, respiratory infections, and damage to lung tissue.
Particulate Matter 10
A complex mixture of solid and or liquid particles suspended in air, where the diameter of the particles is 10 microns or smaller. PM10 sources include construction sites, industrial sources, and wildfires. These inhalable particulates can obscure visibility, cause nasal congestion, and irritate the throat.
Formaldehyde
A colourless gas that is flammable and highly reactive at room temperature. Formaldehyde is a carcinogen and a strong irritant. Formaldehyde can be found in building materials, resins, paints, and varnishes and can last several months particularly in high relative humidity and indoor temperatures.
Total Volatile Organic Compounds
Carbon-based chemicals that easily evaporate at room temperature, most commonly found in building materials, cleaning products, perfumes, carpets and furnishings. Long term exposure can cause, cancer, liver, and kidney damage whilst short term exposure can cause headaches, nausea, and dizziness.
by Dr Aaron Gillich | Associate Professor and Director of the BSRIA LSBU Net Zero Building Centre
We have entered what many are calling the decisive decade on climate action. Among the most critical decisions that the UK faces this decade is how it will eliminate carbon emissions from heat. Heat accounts for over a third of our emissions, and over 80% of our buildings are linked to the gas grid. There is no pathway to Net Zero that doesn’t include ending the use of gas as we know it in the UK.
Given the size of the UK gas grid, no single technology or energy vector can replace it. We will need a combination of clean electricity and carbon‐free gas such hydrogen or biogas, delivered by a range of enabling technologies such as heat pumps and heat networks. And of course an extremely ambitious retrofit agenda that reduces the demand for heat in the first place.
The UK is investing widely in low carbon heating innovation. That innovation is essential, but is also unlikely to include any blue‐sky breakthroughs that aren’t currently on the table. In other words, the menu of low carbon heating technology options is set, and this decisive decade will be about deciding what goes best where, and how to ensure a just and equitable heat transition.
Low-carbon heating options
Of all the low‐carbon heating options available, low carbon heat pumps are the most efficient and scalable option that is market ready and can respond to the urgency of climate change this decade. The UK has set a laudable target of installing 600,000 heat pumps per year by 2028. Many have criticized this figure as unrealistic, but I believe that the target is highly achievable, and represents a pace that is in line with past transitions such as ‘the Big Switch’ that put us on the gas grid in the first place.
This race to replace gas in the UK has been widely discussed. As have the many barriers that face heat pump deployment in the UK. What I’ve heard discussed far less are the links between heating in the winter and overheating in the summer. Over the next decade, the end of gas will present both a threat and an opportunity to improve both the winter and summer performance of our building stock.
The threat of climate change is clear. The end of gas increases this threat because gas has allowed the UK to obscure poor building performance, and poor building knowledge for so long. Cheap gas has enabled a ‘set it and forget it’ approach to many building systems, and allowed us to maintain reasonable standards of comfort in most buildings despite very poor fabric performance. The irony is that this poor winter performance actually helps reduce the risk of overheating in the summer, as the leaky and poorly insulated buildings can more easily shed excess heat. It has been widely reported that many newer, better insulated buildings actually face an increased risk of summer overheating.
Replacing gas with heat pumps, or any other low carbon heat source, should be accompanied by ambitious retrofit to improve energy efficiency and reduce heat loss. There are many that argue heat pumps in fact require extensive fabric retrofit in order to function in most UK buildings. This is highly debatable and will be explored in detail in follow-up writings. Regardless, demand reduction and a fabric first approach is a good idea for its own sake.
Replacing gas with heat pumps, or any other low carbon heat source, should be accompanied by ambitious retrofit to improve energy efficiency and reduce heat loss.
But reducing the heat loss in winter will likely trap heat in the summer, presenting a conflict. The UK currently experiences over 20,000 excess winter cold deaths and around 2,000 heat related deaths in summer. It was previously thought that the increased temperatures from climate change would decrease winter cold deaths, but more recent work has shown that due to the increases in extreme weather events at both ends of the spectrum, it is far more likely that winter cold deaths will remain at similar levels, and summer heat deaths will increase dramatically under climate change.
We must use the transition from gas to low carbon heating as an opportunity to better understand our buildings. Many of 600,000 heat pumps we install by 2028 will be in new build, but up to half will need to be from existing homes.
Retrofitting a heat pump is also the time to think about not only how to improve energy efficiency for the winter but how to reduce summer overheating as well. Despite much effort towards a whole‐house approach to retrofit, most work remains quite siloed. Energy efficiency and heating installations are largely in separate supply chains, and the building physics knowledge to carry out an overheating risk assessment is even less likely to sit with the same project team. Overheating is also very poorly captured by the building regulations and planning process.
A holistic approach
The last few years has seen a growing awareness of overheating risk and an emergence of increasingly easy to use assessment tools. A very small fraction of UK homes have comfort cooling. Retrofitting a comfort cooling solution typically requires costly and complex changes to distribution systems. However, there are a range of low cost options, including using local extract fans to create interzonal air movement, or using night purges and thermal mass. Blinds are also incredibly useful, but often misused in summer, and can also help reduce heat loss in winter. There are also ways to use local microclimate features such as shaded areas or the North side of the building to bring in slightly cooler air from outside and reduce peak temperatures.
Improving the air tightness and fabric performance of our buildings to address heating in the winter will change how we implement these solutions for the summer. They require not only careful thought at the design stage, but also strong communication to help end users operate them properly. Simply opening a window is unlikely to help if the outside air is warmer than inside.
A significant problem is that there are insufficient drivers to force this type of holistic approach to design, performance, and communication. It is so often said that we need stronger policies in the area of heat and retrofit, and this is no doubt true. But while we await these policies it is incumbent upon each of us in this sector to share and collaborate as widely as possible, and use whatever influence we have over a given project to encourage a fair and forward looking solution.
In summary, the availability of cheap gas has allowed us to escape having to understand our buildings in much detail. Climate change is the catalyst for an untold level of change in our lives that we are going to start to truly experience in the coming decade. Heating and overheating are coupled issues that must be solved together. We must use the end of gas as an opportunity to understand our buildings better, and implement solutions to climate change that work across seasons, or we risk trading one problem for another.
In summary, the availability of cheap gas has allowed us to escape having to understand our buildings in much detail.
This is a BSRIA Member contribution to the BSRIA Blog, by Roy Jones, Technical Director at Gilberts (Blackpool) Ltd
Bars, restaurants and leisure venues are opening, schools have welcomed back pupils, people are heading back into work. But what, in the building services/ventilation sector, will be our new normal? One thing is already clear, things are going to change.
New Building Regulations
We have Building Regulations revisions imminent that will change the way we design ventilation strategies. The ingress of external pollutants should be minimised. Ductwork should be rigid, not flexible, and lengths kept to a minimum. Approved Document Part F is looking for not just a commissioning report to show the system works adequately, but information in operation and maintenance. The interim uplift for Approved Document Part L is looking for a 27% reduction in carbon emissions per building against the existing standard(1).
Inevitably, protecting against COVID, even despite the vaccination programme, will figure in specifiers’ minds. With the best will in the world, the initial Government guidance to achieve adequate ventilation re COVID of “opening windows” is not practical nor realistic as a long-term strategy alongside the global drive to cut carbon emissions and improve indoor air quality.
System evolution
Whereas on the face of it, the industry is facing a huge amount of change, the wherewithal to deliver is already widely available and in use. Legislation is just confirming what the quality manufacturers and engineers already implement. It all combines to, I believe, an increasing use of stand-alone ventilation and heat recovery systems, especially those that minimise energy usage. The latest evolution has been a hybrid- dynamic optimisation of natural ventilation, fan boosted mechanically when required. Ahead of the changes to Building Regulations, stand-alone versions have already been developed. Are these the way forward, to meet our requirements?
Some hybrid systems, such as units designed to meet current Regulatory guidance (eg. BB101 for schools), are stand-alone single-zone items, which obviates the need for ductwork, either to external or internal areas. No internal penetrations are required either, to move the air through the building, as each unit serves a dedicated zone, whether façade- or ceiling-mounted. This reduces major cost and labour in ductwork, fire dampers and silencers. The principle therefore already overcomes the potential obstacles when the revised Approved Document F comes into force. They ventilate just the one space, preventing transfer of particulates from one zone to another, and thereby minimising risk of internal cross-contamination. Some already deliver flow rates compliant with latest COVID guidance (i.e. to achieve a notional CO2 below 1000ppm). Carbon dioxide (CO2) is currently the metric used to check the air is ‘fresh’ within a zone. Links have been established that higher CO2 levels reflect higher Covid-19 risk.
Modular design
Within modular design products can be provided alongside a “mix and match” option of additions. These can be added to meet the specific use and requirements of the buildings to be ventilated.
Some options include:
filter modules to address fine airborne particles, and maintain the IAQ within required limits
connection modules to address site-specific installation limitations, to allow single-sided operation
heating coils that can remove the need for ancillary supplementary heating such as radiators,
acoustic attenuation to modulate noise below 30dBA
control unit to enable easy management of the IAQ and temperature to facilitate any over-ride as required. This provides capable boost and purge ventilation and night-time cooling.
Get it right
The amount of change, not just in Regulations, but how we use our non-domestic buildings in future, is vast. Specifiers and designers should use the expertise of product manufacturers to their advantage. It is wise to tap this knowledge bank to ensure delivery of the best compliant solution for the project.
BSRIA
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