Natural Ventilation of Buildings Theory Measurement and Design

Among policy makers in many countries there is seemingly an almost unstoppable demand to require homes, schools and offices to be hermetically sealed and mechanically ventilated. The reasoning is one of control. As the thermal insulation properties of buildings improve, ventilation accounts for an everincreasing proportion of the total thermal energy loss. Current thinking suggests that, by incorporating mechanical systems, a substantial amount of ventilation losses can be recovered through heat recovery. It is a very interesting time, therefore, to publish a textbook on natural ventilation. This highlights, perhaps, that for many climates, a significant body of experts are questioning current convention. Indeed it is interesting to note that the introduction to this book states that “Natural ventilation is increasingly considered a prerequisite for sustainable buildings.” In essence this statement emphasises the apparently huge chasm that exists between opposing views towards the meaning and implementation of sustainability.