Are we getting what we pay for?
Introducing the New Course: Simplifying Air Quality and Ventilation for Non-Experts
As air quality becomes an increasingly critical issue, especially in the context of housing, I'm excited to announce the launch of a new course explicitly tailored for non-ventilation and air quality professionals in the housing sector. This course is designed to demystify air quality and ventilation concepts, providing stakeholders with the tools and language they need to drive better outcomes in their projects.
Over the past year, I've had the opportunity to deliver various courses, workshops, and modules. These range from the Retrofit Academy's Ventilation Module in the UK to my own series of workshops for housing professionals and even a higher diploma program in Ireland focusing on energy-efficient retrofit. Through these experiences, a common theme emerged: the need for a clearer understanding of what air quality truly means in the context of our homes.
The new course takes a plain English, first principles approach to air quality and ventilation. It’s designed to help non-technical people, such as housing managers and asset managers, to understand and apply key principles that ensure good air quality. The feedback from previous workshops has been overwhelmingly positive, particularly from those who wouldn’t typically have a say in technical outcomes. This has inspired me to develop a simplified toolkit that’s accessible to everyone involved in the housing sector.
It helps everyone hold the supply chain accountable and get the desired results.
https://www.airqualitymatters.net/learn-courses
Balancing Air Quality and Comfort in Holiday Settings
During a recent family holiday in Spain, I couldn’t help but notice how challenging it was to maintain a comfortable indoor environment while also ensuring good air quality. The apartment we stayed in had typical amenities—windows, ceiling fans, and air conditioning—but managing these in the intense summer heat proved to be a real balancing act.
The experience highlighted a broader issue: many tourists, like myself, are unprepared for the environmental challenges posed by different climates. This lack of preparation can lead to poor air quality and significant energy waste. It got me thinking about how much better we could manage these issues on a larger scale, particularly in tourist-heavy regions. Could simple, accessible resources help travellers make better choices? This may be a topic worth exploring further in future podcast episodes.
The Paris Olympics: A Case Study in Air Quality Management
The recent Paris Olympics provided an interesting case study in air quality management. Paris had ambitious plans to use the River Seine as a venue for events like the triathlon and marathon swim. The city invested heavily in cleaning up the river, but the effort faced significant challenges, particularly with water quality concerns during heavy rainfall. While the events went ahead, the controversy sparked a broader conversation about the balance between environmental goals and practical realities in hosting global events.
Additionally, a study by Respire, in collaboration with AirParif, raised concerns about air quality at various sports venues across the city. The study found that nearly all sports centres in and around Paris were exposed to air pollution levels exceeding WHO recommendations. This poses a serious risk to athletes, who are at higher risk during physical exertion. In response, the Olympic Village was equipped with advanced air purifiers and outdoor air filters to protect the athletes.
These examples underscore the importance of long-term strategies to combat urban air pollution. It’s not just about immediate fixes, but about creating environments that are healthier in the long run, especially in cities hosting large-scale events.
The Importance of Cooker Hoods in Modern Homes
In recent podcast episodes, we’ve discussed the effectiveness of ventilation, particularly in kitchens, where proper ventilation is crucial for maintaining good air quality. My conversations with experts like Iain Walker and Brad Prezant highlighted a significant gap between the airflow rates needed for good outcomes and what is typically achieved in real-life scenarios.
As we continue to build more energy-efficient and airtight homes, this issue will only become more pressing. The Passive House guidelines recommend recirculating hoods for their energy-saving benefits, but this may come at the expense of indoor air quality. While recirculating hoods filter and recirculate air back into the kitchen, they may not effectively remove all pollutants. This could pose a significant risk, especially if the filters are not maintained properly.
Looking Ahead: Key Events and Collaborations
There are several upcoming events that I’m involved in and excited about. First, the launch of the Healthy Homes Hub , stewarded by Jenny Danson and Jade Lewis , is something to keep an eye on. This initiative aims to bring together a dynamic group of stakeholders, including government departments, local authorities, and industry professionals, to advocate for and deliver healthier homes. I’ll support their air quality hub and discuss this more on the podcast later this month.
Another event to watch out for is the 44th AIVC Conference in October, focusing on retrofitting building stock to balance indoor environmental quality with energy efficiency. This conference will be a multidisciplinary platform where experts can exchange ideas, research findings, and industrial experiences. It’s an important event for anyone involved in building retrofit, ventilation system design, or indoor air quality.
Lastly, the Institute of Air Quality Management (IAQM) ’s annual Routes to Clean Air conference in October will cover topics relevant to air quality practitioners and associated professionals. Links and details in the show notes and at Air Quality Matters Podcast
For more information, check out https://www.airqualitymatters.net/podcast
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