Natural ventilation helps win two environmental awards

Contributing to the energy-efficient operation of the extension and refurbishment of the visitor centre at Kenfig Nature Reserve near Bridgend is the use of Passivent natural ventilation. The project has won two environmental awards — the National Gold Green Apple Award for the Built Environment & Architectural Heritage and the Consortium of Local Authorities of Wales Award for Sustainable Building of the Year. The natural ventilation is based on 13 Passivent Aircool ventilators at high level to both draw air into the internal space and exhaust used air to maintain a fresh and draught-free environment. Just 1 W of electricity is used to adjust the louvres to maintain the required airflow using natural air movement. Project manager Phil Watts explains, ‘We tried to use sustainable materials and techniques as much as possible, hence choosing natural ventilation. It forms a key element of the environmental friendly solutions at the centre, which also includes rainwater harvesting, underground heating and solar panels.’

Related links:

• www.passivent.com