standard

Central Europe is, especially in the residential sector, a region using mainly hydronic systems with static heat transfer surfaces, which operate noiselessly and with slow air movements. Cooling is - as yet - not required. This implies that air-heating systems are not very common in Austria. However, new improved building standards may change this situation, because the specific heat load is significantly reduced. In the building sector, both energy savings and a reduction in C02 emissions can be achieved relatively quickly.

The flow-pressure characteristics of the AHU/VAV air-conditioning system in an open-plan office building is assessed by site experiments under various conditions. The effects of VAV supply pressure setting, return fan pressure setting and damper operation on energy consumption, fresh air intake and ex-infiltration flow rate are evaluated analytically on the basis of the VA V/ A.HU system and component characteristics.

The draft of the European prestandard 17 52, entitled "Ventilation for buildings – Design criteria for the indoor environment" is intended to be a flexible tool for assisting the designer in providing a proper indoor environment for people in ventilated buildings. It specifies how the quality of the indoor environment, comprising the thermal environment, the air quality and the acoustic environment can be expressed.

Controlled ventilation in the workplace offers significant benefits to employee and employer alike, both physical and psychological, says Andrew Saxon.

If a proposed European standard on indoor air quality gets the green light, architects and engineers could face the biggest upheaval in design practice since the invention of air conditioning. Dogged by constant controversy, the so-called Fanger standard is now out for a European vote. The Scandinavians say it will work, the UK says not. Who is right? Building Services Journal and the BRE convened a top team of designers and architects to find out.

Uncontrolled air infiltration in buildings is compromising energy efficiency and wrecking attempts to reduce CO2 emissions. The time is right to act. This month, Building Services Journal announces a joint initiative involving the CIBSE, BRE and the BSRIA, aimed at improving building airtightness. In an exclusive report, ClBSE president Geoffrey Brundrett launches the airtightness campaign.