The upgraded models of the Qube, which are available in AC as well as EC, is our most popular set of centrifugal box fans and come with significant design enhancements that make them easier to install and maintain. The new EC variants offer better energy efficiency and performance, as well as control and integration into building management systems.

Meanwhile, the restaurant market is showcasing signs of resilience against the widely expected post-pandemic downturn, and new ventures and smaller venues are being planned by big restaurant chains. According to Lumina Intelligence’s Operator Data Index, the UK restaurant market reached valuation of £18.6bn in 2023, with a 4.4% growth rate in the same period.

David Millward, Group Product Manager at Elta Group, said: “We’ve been listening to feedback from our customers and also looking closely into the hospitality and restaurant market, and can see that there is a gap for high quality, long-lasting, energy efficient ventilation equipment in the commercial kitchen space.

“That’s why we’ve honed the design and features of our already well-received Qube centrifugal box fans. Our newest models are designed to meet the needs of specifiers and contractors working on designing and fitting new commercial kitchens, able to fit into ever-tighter footprints while still being able to offer the high extraction and performance expected from our fans.”

The Qube fans are suitable for extracting air up to 120°C in temperature. They come in various box sizes of 500, 670, 820, and 1,020mm. The fan’s box panels are double skinned with an infill to reduce noise transfer, and the panels are interchangeable to support quicker, simpler installation and to access the fan components inside for maintenance. The units as a whole are lighter and balanced to also help contractors with carrying and fitting the fans.

A key feature on the new Qube range is that they now have redesigned connections to connect the fans to other ventilation ancillaries, such as bolt-on filter boxes, making them more adaptable and flexible. Meanwhile, all the fan’s components are now enclosed within the box, whereas previous models of the Qube had the fan motor outside of box. This further helps with space and kitchen configurations where space might be limited.

We have also introduced new gas interlock systems alongside the Qube. Gas interlock systems provide a failsafe by limiting the gas flow to appliances until the ventilation system is on, and is a mandatory requirement in commercial kitchens.

Besides being ideal solutions for commercial kitchens, the Qube fans can also be used in general buildings and ventilation extraction, such as in offices, schools and industrial buildings.

David said: “We know everybody is paying a much closer eye to reducing energy usage in a bid to be more sustainable and lower their operational expenses. Our EC versions of our Qube fans help with this objective, allowing operators to commission the fans so they move and extract air efficiently.

“Besides our standard versions, being a UK manufacturer with our various plants and factories across the country, we are well positioned to provide a quick turnaround on our fans, and for those specifying ventilation systems for kitchens, we provide everything under one roof to simplify the purchasing process. We can also customise the Qube fans, ancillaries, and controls to suit bespoke needs. Simply talk to us and we can come up with a solution to fit the project.”

For more information on our Qube fans, please visit: https://eltauk.com/qube/

About Acoustica

Since 1992, Acoustica has been providing leading noise control solutions to the HVAC market, along with quality service to customers across the UK. Our Colchester-based manufacturer of silencers, louvres, and enclosures has been a key part of many Elta projects, including those at New Children’s Hospital in Dublin and the Shell Cormorant Alpha Platform. Acoustica is also renowned for its acoustic measurement, modelling, and monitoring expertise.

Acoustica was acquired by Elta in 2016, with the view to support their future expansion and development, led by General Manager, Andy Milkins, and overseen by Damian Buxton, CEO of Elta.

By adding Acoustica into the Elta brand, we are acknowledging that as a business, we have transcended our previous capabilities, and it shows our full capability as a manufacturer of not only fans, but air handling units, controls and acoustic equipment too.

Pictured: Andy Milkins, General Manager (Left) & Damian Buxton, CEO of Elta UK (Right).

Specialising in both ventilation and acoustics, we can provide you with a comprehensive one-stop solution. From powerful ventilation systems to specialised noise control equipment, we simplify your projects with a unified approach, ensuring efficiency and excellence at every step. Our expertise in acoustics enables us to offer unparalleled guidance and support to solve complex noise issues.

Andy Milkins, General Manager at Acoustica, says: “We’ve been Elta’s acoustics division for eight years now, so this feels like the natural next step in our evolution. Acoustica’s values have always aligned with Elta’s and it’s great to be fully recognised as an integral part of providing the highest standard of air quality. Acoustica has grown a lot in the past eight years and we’re all very much looking forward to what the future holds for the new and improved Elta.”

Mark Rickard, CEO at Elta Group, said: “Elta is known as a provider of industry-leading ventilation. Noise management is a vital part of any high-quality ventilation system and, with Acoustica’s incredible track record of manufacturing the very best in noise control components, we’re excited to have them now under the growing Elta brand. Our business is increasingly well-equipped with a comprehensive portfolio of solutions and technical expertise to lead the charge on improving air quality throughout the built environment and the newly integrated Acoustica division is a major part of our ongoing success.”

www.eltauk.com/products/noise-control/

Thanks to new studies, we are learning what the long-term medical impacts of extended exposure to air pollution are. For children and young individuals, these include the potential to have underdeveloped lungs, asthma, higher chances of developing pneumonia, and an increased likelihood of developing lung cancer as an adult. This is now a problem schools – and their contractors – are facing.

A study led by researchers from Evelina London Children’s Hospital and King’s College London (KCL) found that of 147 new school locations built between 2017 and 2025, 86% exceeded air quality targets set by the World Health Organisation (WHO). The conclusion of this study suggested that air quality surrounding newly built schools was ‘alarmingly poor’.

With such a devastating impact, it is vital that contractors help schools take action to remove pollution from the air through ventilation measures. The main pollution particles that need to be filtered out include carbon monoxide (CO), ozone (O₃), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and sulphur dioxide (SO₂) which have the capability to enter the bloodstream when breathed in.

To help remove as much air pollution as possible, here are our top tips.

1.Understand the scale of the issue by installing air monitoring equipment

By understanding the true extent of the issue at hand, contractors working on schools can take proactive action to filter the air that students and faculty breathe. The best way to do this is by installing monitoring equipment which can paint a live picture of the current pollutants in the atmosphere.

Those working on schools in rural areas may believe they do not need to worry about air pollution but unfortunately this is not the case. While the particulate matter may vary between urban and rural environments, those living in the latter may need to consider agricultural chemicals in the air.

Here at Elta, we supply air monitoring systems through our AirThings range including sensors and monitors that can assess the air for particulate matter as well as measure CO₂, light, humidity and radon.

Room sensors, such as those supplied by Elta, can test and monitor the air quality within classrooms, halls, and all other indoor school spaces by simply attaching them to fan speed controllers or EC fans. They measure the amount of CO₂ in the air, the temperature, and the relative humidity. Any ventilation modifications that are required can be guided by these readings.

2. Create a plan of action

Once it’s clear which pollutants are in the building’s air, contractors can create a plan of action to filter air pollution. The best way to do this is through a specialised ventilation system that can filter air.

When going down this route, it is best to consult a ventilation specialist to ensure that all angles are discussed. Alongside managing air pollution, other aspects need to be taken into consideration such as the building’s humidity and potential damp issues. These too can have a damaging impact on young people and could be mitigated with better ventilation.

3. Check against Building Regulations and BB 101

Complying with building regulations is vital when introducing new systems to manage issues such as air pollution. Approved Document F – Ventilation – Volume 2 of the Building Regulations gives guidance about air quality monitoring in buildings other than dwellings which can help decision makers.

Alongside this, contractors should follow guidance given in the UK Government’s Building Bulletin, BB 101, to understand the framework for ventilation in schools and recommended performance levels to comply with UK regulations.

4. Use correctly specified ventilation systems to process and filter the air

With all ventilation solutions, it is important to consider the design properties of the system prior to specification. This is where small yet significant long-term energy gains, and subsequently cost savings, can be made.

Building ventilation systems often operate at constant or pre-determined ventilation rates regardless of the number of people within the location. Ventilation rates are normally based on maximum occupancy levels, resulting in consequent energy wastage. This is not only due to the fan operation, but also includes the energy used to condition the air for heating and cooling modes.

Through MVHR (Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery) solutions such as Elta Fans’ energy recovery units, the amount of airflow can instead be controlled to suit occupancy levels and delivered through demand-controlled ventilation (DCV). DCV is recognised as a reliable method of ensuring a building is ventilated cost effectively, while maximising indoor air quality.

5. Have a robust maintenance schedule to keep the system working at full capacity

Once the system is in place, it is important not to presume it will work at optimum performance over time. Like most engineered systems, ventilation needs regular maintenance to ensure all of the components are functioning properly. This can include changing filters, as they get blocked over time, and cleaning to ensure that all air pollutants in the atmosphere are being correctly managed.

With this advice in mind, contractors can actively work at reducing the harmful impact of air pollution on young people in school.

The link between air pollution and both short and long-term medical illnesses has gained significant awareness in recent years with multiple studies being conducted to measure the connection. As a result, a variety of efforts have been made to decrease the amount of dust, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen dioxide released into the atmosphere, specifically in city centres and urban locations.

To curb the impact on residents, multiple cities across the UK have implemented clean air  zones where vehicles that exceed the emissions standards must pay a fee to drive in the area. Meanwhile, updates to Part F of the Building Regulations have come into force for dwellings and other buildings. Through this, it is now a requirement that ventilation systems must extract air pollutants in kitchens and bathrooms alongside minimising the entry of pollution. These are positive steps in the right direction however we have not yet reached out target.

The UK is still 1.8 times the average PM2.5 concentration according to the World Health Organisation annual air quality guideline value². Knowing this, we must continue the charge to reduce air pollution levels, and building service engineers have a key role to play.

Creating Clean Air

Indoor and outdoor air quality can be tackled with different ways. The use of clean air zones helps reduce the amount of pollution emitted outdoors, but what can be done to improve the quality indoors? Good air within homes and businesses depends on several factors including air movement and purification. These measures help improve the levels of pollution by introducing circulation and removing particle matter and airborne toxins that may impact an individual’s health. Overall, ventilation systems are required to implement these measures and ensure that not only indoor pollution levels stay low, but also prevent other hazards such as damp and mould growth.

Retrofitting, upgrading, or installing a ventilation system requires skilled professionals that not only understand building regulations, but also know how to assemble and install a vital piece of equipment.

Making Clean Air a Reality

The efforts to help make air cleaner for all is still ongoing and it is imperative buildings both new and old have correctly specified and installed ventilation systems.

That said, space can be an issue during the construction or retrofit of an inner-city building. Even if specified correctly, ventilation systems are typically delivered to site unassembled, stored for weeks if not months, and then assembled once the build stage allows. In practice, this can cause issues such as damp and mould to damage the fan and ancillaries, parts going missing, or the system being assembled incorrectly. It is due to this that a lot of contractors are turning to offsite methods of designing and building components such as ventilation systems, and then delivering it to site when needed.

Here is where building services engineers can turn to our Prefabricated Solutions to ensure they get the right solution for their needs. Through Elta’s Prefabricated Solutions, contractors have access to over 150,000 customisations of fans and ancillaries, with the systems being as small as 250mm, all the way up to 2m in diameter.

A New Era of Air Movement and Quality

On top of making great strides in prefabricated solutions, we are making significant efforts to help create a new era. Under the new strapline, ‘Air Movement, Air Quality’, we have undergone a major rebrand during our 50-year anniversary, bringing together sister companies Fantech Ventilation in Ireland and Duct Products in Northern Ireland, alongside Elta Fans, and rebranding to Elta. Through these changes, building service engineers and tradespeople will have access to a complete portfolio of fans and ancillaries to ensure they have the right system no matter the project. Alongside this, our team of experts are on hand to ensure regulations are met and the best products are chosen.

Cleaner air is well within our grasp and something that we can achieve using the right solutions. The benefits of removing pollution are too significant to ignore so by optimising ventilation systems, we can make it a reality.

Major investment will be made into our manufacturing capabilities this year and as of this month, the business previously known as Elta Fans will be repositioned as Elta. This is a poignant branding transition for us as it signifies an identity that better represents the company’s full capability beyond fan manufacturing.

As well as our industry leading fan technology, Elta will continue to invest in air handling units, noise control equipment and controls to provide markets with holistic solutions that futureproof against the demanding challenges of modern society. Our engineering expertise and bespoke manufacturing approach are both fundamental to this and will therefore see a significant investment into its factories which will help meet increased demand for full system specifications.

Sister companies, Fantech Ventilation in Ireland and Duct Products in Northern Ireland will also be unified under the Elta brand to create a cohesive presence across the industry and geographically.

‘Air Movement, Air Quality’ is our new mantra which encapsulates our vision, mission and comprehensive range of solutions.

Mark Rickard, CEO at Elta Group comments: “This strapline underscores two pivotal aspects that are at the heart of our business. Air Movement signifies our commitment to engineering excellence, innovation, and precision in every aspect of our products. While Air Quality emphasises the role we play in ensuring cleaner, healthier and safer indoor environments.”

Mark is by his senior leadership team in embedding this new vision across the business. They include Damian Buxton, CEO and Vikrant Bhatt, Director for England, Wales and Scotland, Mark Russell, Managing Director for Ireland, and Chris Schofield, Managing Director for Northern Ireland.

Mark adds: “We’re often described as the sleeping giant of the ventilation industry, which is evidenced by many companies increasing their specifications with us once through the door. Ultimately, we can build any type of fan or ventilation system required which people sometimes don’t realise. We often see a simple enquiry evolve into us delivering a full solution and that’s what this investment into the business is all about.

“We are well known for our industry-leading fans – a critical element of any ventilation system. However, industry professionals well know that there is so much more to ventilation specification and our business is well-equipped with a wide suite of solutions and technical expertise to lead the charge on improving air quality throughout the built environment.”

With the effects of the pandemic placing greater emphasis on ventilation, the high levels of CO₂ across school building stock have become a prevalent concern. Yet, at the same time, saving energy remains a top priority in line with sustainability agendas.

With these two matters in mind, schools have historically relied on natural ventilation methods such as opening windows to maintain low energy usage. However, this approach does not guarantee good quality air. Many schools are located in suburban or heavily urbanised areas where a high count of nitrogen dioxide is in the air, along with harmful particulates such as car brake pad dust, fumes, sulphur dioxide and other pollutants.

Ventilation is one of the building services that should be high on the priority list. Proper ventilation accounts for maintaining a comfortable living environment while minimising energy usage. A well-designed and well-maintained ventilation system can help regulate indoor temperatures, reduce the need for excessive heating or cooling, and ultimately lower energy bills.

While conserving energy is important, this should not take precedence over peoples’ wellbeing – especially as younger individuals are more vulnerable. Furthermore, numerous scientific studies have highlighted that CO₂ and harmful particulates directly hinder pupil’s learning and concentration.

Coinciding with the introduction of the school rebuilding programme, now is the time for indoor air quality to be treated with greater importance through adequate ventilation.

The legislative landscape

While the Building Bulletin (BB101) is in place as a framework for ensuring effective ventilation, the recent changes to Building Regulations reflect growing concerns around management of indoor air quality. With updates to Part F, there is now a firmer guidance to adhere to. Namely that buildings must provide sufficient ventilation to keep CO₂ levels below 800ppm (parts per million).

These regulatory measures highlights the need for measuring and controlling CO₂ as part of ventilation strategy – placing further onus on schools to implement appropriate solutions.

Clearing the air

Alongside acknowledgement of regulatory guidance, there must also be an understanding of what good quality or ‘fresh’ air is. As outlined, good quality air isn’t simply air brought in from the outside. Many harmful compounds can be present that affect both health and concentration levels in pupils.

A Harvard study linked poor indoor air quality with lower cognitive function and found that particulate matter levels as little as 2.5 had significant impact on cognitive performance.

Evidenced by the rising popularity of air purifiers, another misconception is that continuous recirculation and purification constitutes fresh air. In actual fact, this air becomes stale, allowing for CO₂ and VOC (volatile organic compound) levels to increase and subsequently be inhaled. While air purifiers do have their place in a ventilation system, they should not be treated as a comprehensive solution. Such applications will remove pollutants but have no impact on CO₂ levels. As such, a good quality ventilation system is one that extracts all pollutants, brings air in from the outside and filtrates it before reaching the classroom.

Mechanical means

To ensure adequate ventilation, CO₂ should be considered as a proxy for air quality. The CO₂ level rises as a result of building occupants exhaling, while increasing the ventilation rate reduces it. On this basis, measuring CO₂ can allow for effective control of both air quality and energy usage.

Building ventilation systems often operate at constant or pre-determined ventilation rates regardless of the occupancy level of the building. Ventilation rates are normally based on maximum occupancy levels, resulting in consequent energy wastage. This is not only due to the fan operation, but also includes the energy used to condition the air for both heating and cooling modes.

Through MVHR (Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery) solutions such as Elta Fans’ energy recovery units, the amount of airflow can instead be controlled to suit occupancy levels and delivered through demand-controlled ventilation (DCV). DCV is recognised as a reliable method of ensuring a building is ventilated cost effectively, while maximising indoor air quality.

Closed loop speed control for both EC and AC motor options provides major energy savings as the fan power is proportional to the speed cubed. CO₂ or temperature sensors are used to continuously measure and monitor ambient conditions in the conditioned space and provide real time feed back to the zone controller. From here, fan speed is adjusted – modulating the ventilation rate to match the specific use and occupancy of the building. Significant energy savings are made by effective DCV, which ensures that the ventilation rate continuously matches the current occupancy rate and varying ambient conditions.

Efficient Energy Conversion and Recovery

With all ventilation solutions, it’s important to consider the design properties of the ventilation system itself prior to making a decision. This is where small yet significant long term energy gains, and subsequently cost savings, can be made.

As an example, energy recovery units have a free running, backward curved impeller and special three-dimensional blade geometry that provides reduced rotational tone, which provides greater energy savings through higher performance.

Attention should also be paid to how much thermal energy can be recuperated. With energy recovery units, the thermal energy exchange is enhanced by the large surface area of the heat exchanger resulting in as much as 92% of thermal energy being recovered.

System support

When designing and specifying a mechanical ventilation system, it’s important to always consult with the manufacturers as quite often they can offer best practice and guidance to achieve the desired performance.

For schools, there should be a particular focus on specifying high-quality filtration methods to restrict external pollutants. In line with requirements, all ventilation systems from Elta Fans come with ePM₁ Filters that offer high filtration levels and follows the ISO 16890 Standard.

When specifying mechanical ventilation systems, it must be ensured that the fan has enough power output to overcome any pressure development drop due to the filtration solution. Layout and length of the ducting, as well as any other ancillaries involved in the design will also need to be considered.

Post-installation, any solution must also be well maintained and serviced to ensure they are operating efficiently. Here, consulting with a manufacturer can ensure the right maintenance schedule is created and followed.

The future learning environment

As the school rebuilding programme comes into effect, it’s clear that ventilation and air quality must not be left behind as an afterthought. Schools must have a well-engineered system for ventilation – whether it is mechanical or hybrid – and receive the necessary support to realise such solutions. From designers to contractors, consultants to installers and beyond, the entire supply chain must consider how to deliver good indoor air quality and follow through to enable better learning environments for years to come.

In June 2022, Approved Document F of the Building Regulations, which covers ventilation, saw the volume of outdoor air required within an office updated. An occupiable room such as an office must receive at least one litre of outdoor air per second per m² of space, or 10 litres per second per person. This, paired with the increased risk of cold and flu spread during winter months, has highlighted the importance of achieving optimum ventilation performance to provide good indoor air quality (IAQ).

A survey of 2,000 hybrid working employees conducted by Onepoll[1] found that there is an increasing concern about how healthy the work environment is during the winter season. Fifty-three per cent of those asked said that they were worried that poor ventilation and air quality will impact their general health. A further one in five were concerned about catching diseases such as covid due to poor indoor air quality in their workplace.

Ensuring effective ventilation within a building should start at the installation of the fan. Two common fan types used in commercial buildings are axial, offering straight-through air flow, and centrifugal, named from the centrifugal nature where energy is imparted on the air and the airflow is radial in direction. There are multiple installation details to consider when fitting the two types of fans to create optimum performance to meet expected IAQ levels.

Creating optimum fan performance

• Do ensure evenly distributed air is entering the fan inlet

Uneven or excessive airflow entering a fan’s inlet can deteriorate its performance by up to 45%. While the main flow one side is accelerated, turbulence and high intensity pressure fluctuations occur on the other. These fluctuations can cause resistance which in turn reduce the ventilation performance of the fan.

When using an Axial Fan with a free air intake, uniform air intake can be created through the use of inlet cones. Without the use inlet cones, air enters the inlet abruptly which generates turbulence at the impeller. It can also cause the blade tips to be starved of air reducing pressure development capability and causing the fan to stall.

For Centrifugal fans, uniform air entering the inlet is equally as important and can be achieved using splitters and turning vanes on the approach to the inlet box to reduce air pressure and prevent air spin. Additionally, such inlet boxes should be amply sized, as small inlet boxes will generate spinning air which can reduce fan performance by 25%.

• Do use assistive measures when bends are necessary within vents

Under the updated Approved Document Part F of the Building Regulations it is a recommendation to minimise the number of bends required within ductwork. However, there are situations in which bends and turns will need to be used but steps can be taken to reduce their impact on the functionality of the ventilation system.

For example, when using Axial Fans, it’s important to use turning vanes in sharp elbow vanes when adjacent to the fan itself. These assist with the creation of uniform airflow if they aren’t used, and eccentric flow of air will cause part of the impeller to be starved of air and thus the fan will not operate satisfactorily.

When bends occur in the ductwork near Centrifugal Fans, it’s important to ensure that the bend ‘rotates’ in the same direction as the impeller.  The use of splitters within the bend can help prevent spinning in the air flow.

• Do look for pressure recovery at fan outlets

The fan system’s total pressure can be reduced by using a correctly designed discharge diffuser adjacent to an Axial or Centrifugal fan’s outlet, when used in a non-ducted outlet system,  at a 15 degree or less angle. This arrangement can also reduce discharge losses by up to 75% for both fans, increasing the IAQ level.

• Do not block fan inlets or outlets

You should allow a gap that is at least equal to one fan diameter between the fan’s intake and any near obstructions, however, it should be noted that even doing this can make the fan’s performance less than rated. When an inlet is obstructed, the impeller can be starved of air, which in turn increases the system’s resistance and reduces air flow being handled by the fan. This applies to all fan types. Additionally, you should always fit an inlet cone on open Axial Fan inlets.

When placing a fan, you should allow a gap of at least one fan diameter between fan outlet and any obstruction and fit a diffuser on the discharge. When the discharge is too close to a wall the obstruction can generate noise and increase discharge losses.

Ensuring correct insulation for efficient ventilation

In this period of heightened concern for improved IAQ, it is essential that all measures are taken to guarantee the highest level of efficiency in ventilation systems. To support installers in achieving good IAQ levels, we have collated a comprehensive ventilation dos and don’ts guide titled ‘Give a Fan a Chance’. Broken down into five sections, the guide details installation tips for Axial, Centrifugal and Roof Fans before delving into the topics of noise and vibration reduction.

To read the full Elta ‘Give a Fan a Chance’ guide click here.

[1] Poor indoor air quality is a threat to health, say people coming into the office – Workplace Insight

Given that recent news has been dominated by other matters, people may be feeling that air quality is one of the lesser threats to livelihoods right now. The cost-of-living crisis, energy and fuel woes, the economy entering a downward spiral, interest rates and inflation rising, amongst other matters, have all been in sharp focus in recent months.

However, air quality, and subsequently, ventilation, is still a key issue for the built environment. For those who have a stake in building management and design, it is one that should not be forgotten, even in the face of all the other challenges that have arisen lately. Winter is upon us, flu season has arrived, and although COVID-19 may not be headlining bulletins anymore, it can still be just as disruptive for people and businesses if caught and spread. Indeed, figures show that COVID-19 could be on the rise again, with 7,024 people in hospital with coronavirus in England as of 28 September 2022, up 37% on the week prior (Sky News).

On top of this, casting our minds back to 2022, one of the biggest shake-ups to the building regulations came into force on 15 June 2022 – the new Part F Approved Document that governs ventilation and air quality standards. When designing or specifying new buildings, it is crucial to have an appreciation of what changes have come into force and know how to incorporate these into new projects and have ventilation at front of mind.

Monitoring is a must-have in new buildings

Amongst the raft of alterations that came through in Approved Document F, indoor air quality (IAQ) monitoring is arguably the greatest and most welcome, as it demonstrates that the needle is moving on the air quality conversation.

To paraphrase from the document, under point 1.21, it states:

“In new buildings, the following types of occupiable room, unless they are rooms of the size described in paragraph 1.22, should have a means of monitoring the indoor air quality. This may be achieved using CO2 monitors or other means of measuring indoor air quality.”

These occupiable rooms could be offices, places where loud speech or aerobic exercise takes place, areas where members of the public are likely to gather or rooms where there are low temperatures or low levels of humidity. Essentially, it is rooms where large volumes of CO2 could be being expelled and inhaled. Certain sizes of room may not apply, such as if they are particularly small (under 50m² in floor area) or large (over 320m² in floor area).

What this means is that there must now be provision for monitoring in place for new buildings under the directive. That said, it is also best practice to retrofit air quality monitoring sensors where possible too, as this can only seek to improve the wellbeing and comfort of occupants. The monitors chosen must also meet certain requirements too, such as being mains powered and placed at breathing height.

Benefits for all

It might be instinctive to think that monitors are just another unwelcome cost to be added on that cannot be recouped, an additional layer of complication, or be seen as another component to install and maintain – this is not true in the slightest. There are many benefits that can be reaped, whether you are a developer, architect, specifier, consultant or contractor.

First and foremost is how air quality monitors can lead to better health and welfare to staff and occupants. By being able to effectively measure the quality of the air, it then means that an appropriate ventilation strategy can be put in place to circulate fresh air and remove bad pathogens out of the room quicker. This in turn should equate to a reduction in staff sickness and absenteeism, better productivity, and ultimately, a higher return from employees.

From a commercial and environmental perspective, having the data from air quality monitoring means more efficient ventilation solution can be designed and installed. This can lead to less energy consumption, reduced carbon output and overall better sustainability. Furthermore, by being able to demonstrate improved air quality, this can then be used to benchmark building performance and showcase the environmental accreditations of your operation. This comes full circle into marketable advantages such as being able attract more tenants or people to using your space.

What to consider when choosing sensors

As mentioned, there are certain requirements that need to be met when designing in air quality monitors as set out by Part F in terms of how they are placed, and their crucial function is to measure how much CO2 is in the air.

Beyond that though, there are also other considerations to keep in mind. CO2 is just one contaminant that is present in our built environment, which can harm our health and productivity, but there are others too. PM1 and PM2.5 – particular matter that have diameters of less than 1 micron and 2.5 micron respectively – are other such contaminants that can be suspended in the air as dust, dirt, aerosols and bacteria. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and naturally occurring gases like radon are other examples that can be harmful, causing short- and long-term health effects such as eye and nose irritation, through to lung cancer.

It is important that air quality monitoring sensors can detect these harmful substances and warn occupants or those in control of the building. For this reason, we have chosen to partner with air quality monitoring specialists Airthings to be able to offer these specialist devices that can detect all of the above, and more, such as temperature, humidity, light, noise and pressure.

See the range of Airthings monitors we have available here.

In certain cases with contaminants like radon, being able to produce radon certificates are a requirement to be able to sell buildings. The UK Health Security Agency, UKradon, states that all workplaces in radon affected areas should be tested, unless a detailed assessment shows good reason to expect the radon level to be low, good assessment can only come through monitoring. Work environments vary greatly in size and nature, but excessive radon levels can occur in almost any type of workplace. Employers are required by law to assess any risks to their staff while at work.

Looking at the practical side

From the more practical side, there is also the need to consider system security, how well monitors can integrate with other building management systems (BMS), their ease of installation, and how intuitive the solution is to report on data. On the points of integration, API connectivity is important as this allows monitors to connect to the central BMS and subsequently, send automatic signals or commands to adjust ventilation rates accordingly.

Meanwhile, wireless connectivity between monitors and their hubs, which is what Airthings solutions are based upon, should be the go-to standard as they will significantly lower time and expense on hardwiring. Airthings’ monitors can cover approximately 50sqm, and up to 25 units can be used per Hub for a robust network, hence the number required will depend on building shape, size, and construction.

Quite often, it is the systems behind the monitors that can be the difference between being able to make use of the data, or not. If it is too hard to read the data or draw conclusions and reports from the data, then it invariably becomes an obsolete solution that cannot be acted on. For this reason, always seek systems that provide strong analytics and dashboards, remote monitoring, and can alert users when there are spikes in irregular air quality.

Moving the air quality conversation on

While having data, reports, dashboards and connectivity is one thing, acting on it is another. However, by starting out with good quality sensor technology, it can be the foundation for demonstrating real change.

In our own case, the UK’s Kingswinford offices went through this very methodology to improve ventilation and air quality in its building. After a continuous three-month long air quality monitoring audit in 2021, and installing its own MVHR PREMA 540 system, the offices gained RESET Air Certification and is one of the first offices in the UK to achieve the accreditation. Other certifications such as those offered by the International Well Building Institute, LEED and Fitwel are other routes that can be pursued too.

At Elta, we’re committed to moving the air quality conversation and we can help design complete air quality monitoring systems to ensure you comply with Part F. On top of this, we can then provide unique ventilation equipment and solutions to resolve any air quality challenges being faced, and design systems that suit the building and occupants’ needs.

For more information about indoor air quality, Elta and Airthings, click here!

Despite recent news being dominated by other matters – rising inflation rates alongside the fuel and energy crisis – indoor air quality (IAQ) has surfaced as a growing concern for many. For those who have a stake in building management and maintenance, the monitoring and regulation of good IAQ should be a key focus for protecting the health and well-being of occupants.

Addressing concerns over the effects of bad indoor air quality within the workplace, 2,000 hybrid working employees were surveyed by market researchers Onepoll[1]. Over half of those asked (53 per cent) said they were worried that poor ventilation and air quality would impact their general health and increase the risk of them catching a cold or flu. Poor IAQ has been linked to conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) as well as increasing the risk of heart disease, and with the average person spending around 90% of their time inside[2], monitoring is highly recommended.

Regulatory support

Beyond this, regulation updates over the last year have headlined the need for concern around the quality of a building’s indoor air. Casting our minds back to June 2022, building regulations received their biggest update, with documents affected including Approved Part F, which governs ventilation and air quality standards. Among the wave of alterations, the changes to IAQ monitoring expectations are arguably the most prominent, demonstrating a greater development in the air quality conversation.

To paraphrase from the document, under point 1.21, it states:

“In new buildings, the following types of occupiable room, unless they are rooms of the size described in paragraph 1.22, should have a means of monitoring the indoor air quality. This may be achieved using CO2 monitors or other means of measuring indoor air quality.”

The new requirements cover habitable spaces where large volumes of CO2 could be expelled or inhaled – offices, gyms, or rooms with low temperatures or humidity levels to name a few. Certain rooms may not be applicable due to their size, such as those under 50m² and over 320m² in floor area. With such regulations in place, facility managers must now have provision to monitor air quality within new builds.

However, moving forward those with a stake in building management need to consider introducing air monitoring measures wherever possible to improve the well-being and comfort of building occupants. This means not only extending the provisions to rooms not covered by the building regulation updates due to their size, but considering existing properties alongside new builds.

Occupant and Management Gain

Rather than seeing the implementation of air quality monitoring as an unwelcome cost and additional layer of complication for building management, it is important to recognise the benefits that can be reaped by all involved. The most prominent of these is the improved health and well-being of occupants within the property. By effectively measuring IAQ, an appropriate ventilation strategy can be actioned to circulate fresh air and remove bad pathogens, working to reduce sickness and improve comfort.

As equally important, from a commercial perspective, having such data from IAQ monitoring can ensure more efficient ventilation solutions can be designed and installed. In turn, this can reduce the energy consumption and carbon output of the building and improve its overall sustainable rating. Using this to benchmark a facility’s performance creates a marketable advantage that can lead to attracting more tenants or people to use your space.

Choosing an efficient monitor

When it comes to using an air monitor, as mentioned previously, there are key factors that should be considered to ensure the technology is performing efficiently. For instance, as set out in updated Part F of the building regulations, placement is paramount as they must be at breathing height to guarantee correct readings are gathered.

Likewise, it is important to recognise that an IAQ monitor’s key function is to measure the volume of CO2 in the air. However, CO2 is just one of many contaminants that can harm occupant health and productivity. PM1 and PM2.5, for example, can suspend in the air in the form of dust, dirt, aerosols and bacteria. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and naturally occurring gases, such as Radon, can also present risks of long- and short-term health effects, from eye and nose irritation through to lung cancer. In certain cases, where buildings reside in Radon affected areas, a bond agreement and testing must be carried out before the property can be sold. Using an IAQ monitor that can detect such VOCs and notify building controls could potentially mitigate this process.

With this in mind, our parent company, Elta Group, have partnered with air quality monitoring specialist Airthings to offer a device able to detect all of the contaminants above while measuring additional IAQ factors, such as temperature, humidity, light, noise and pressure. These products are now available through us here at Elta!

All data is presented on a highly informative dashboard as the system behind the monitors is often what determines whether collated data can be used or not. It’s best to seek systems that provide strong analytics to ensure information can be read and conclusions drawn, alongside monitors that alert users to irregular air quality for added safety.

Joining the air quality conversation

Ensuring the inclusion of efficient IAQ sensor technology within buildings, new build and retrofit, is the foundation to demonstrating change and addressing the need for compulsory air quality monitoring within the built sector. However, having good sensor technology, detecting bad IAQ and recognising its effects is just the start – results need to be acted on.

Elta Group are committed to supporting the development of the air quality conversation. Elta can assist in the design of regulation compliant air quality monitoring solutions to help facilities managers establish the quality of their indoor air. On top of this, we can then provide ventilation equipment and solutions unique to the specific case to increase the well-being and comfort of building occupants.

For more information about indoor air quality and Airthings, click here!

[1] Poor indoor air quality is a threat to health, say people coming into the office – Workplace Insight

[2] Brits spend 90% of their time indoors – Opinium

“You cannot effectively solve what you cannot measure.”

It goes without saying, you cannot effectively solve something without effectively measuring it first. With this in mind, as more pressure is placed on ensuring healthier indoor air quality, we’re recommending businesses implement the RESET program as a useful tool to follow for creating healthier and more sustainable environments.

What is RESET?

RESET is the world’s first sensor-based certification program that is performance driven. Established as an accredited standard for air quality monitoring, it places emphasis on continuous results and long-term occupant health. This data will be key to building awareness around the problems we face and will go a long way in supporting us in achieving the ultimate goal of clean air.

Lights, camera, ACTION

In-line with our own ethos at Elta, we understood that monitoring pollutants was essential for achieving good IAQ and elevate the need for more rigorous ventilation strategies. We therefore, made it our mission to become one of the UK’s first companies to hold the RESET certification.

Along with monitoring other parameters, for the purpose of the RESET Air certification, our Midlands head office was audited against CO₂ (carbon dioxide), PM₂.₅ (particulate matter up to 2.5 micron) and TVOCs (total volatile organic compounds). This process is carried out predominantly online and consists of a sensor deployment plan submission, a preliminary audit and a three-month long continuous data collection/audit with monthly reports to gain pass status. Once achieved, the certification is then valid for 12 months.

Results so far

By achieving the new accreditation, not only has our office already seen a 33% decrease in peak CO₂ levels, but we have also successfully achieved a pass status on all data to become RESET certified.

We will continue to push for increased awareness around the importance of good IAQ and its link to occupant health as there is still a long way to go. However, achieving the RESET certification is a big step in the right direction and we hope others are inspired to take the same route of change.

For more information on how to improve, monitor, and provide evidence of enhanced IAQ, please visit: https://eltauk.com/