Natural ventilation to improve air quality – an interview with Karen Sum

Whether it is for schools or preschools, commercial premises or offices, social distancing, hygiene and face coverings are currently essential. By the same token, reliable natural ventilation is more important than ever. In this interview, Karen Sum, Head of Global Account Management, outlines the methods and approaches we can use to enhance the fresh air supply and improve the air quality in buildings – with minimal effort and little investment. Why is ventilation such an important topic at the moment? “Buildings have come under increasing scrutiny in recent years in relation to energy efficiency, and this includes the reduction of heating or cooling costs. The use of modern, energy-saving construction methods means that we work, live and learn in increasingly well-sealed buildings. The major drawback of this, however, is that too little fresh air comes in and too little used air can escape. This creates a need for intelligent ventilation to ensure effective air exchange, thereby improving indoor air quality and hygiene and allowing buildings to be used safely. Researchers suspect that enclosed spaces present an elevated risk of infection through virus-carrying aerosols. Viruses transmitted in this way include both COVID-19 and classic flu viruses. As aerosol particles are smaller and lighter than droplets, they float around in the air for longer and don’t fall to the ground as quickly. This is why efficient air exchange is needed, to reduce the concentration of aerosols in indoor air.”

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