Adequate ventilation is essential for the well being and health of building occupants and the provision of fresh air was traditionally met by natural means. This approach has partly given way to air conditioning in response to the perceived need to cool modern buildings, which tended to suffer from high solar heat gains, poor natural daylighting and use of many energy intensive appliances. Increased concern over the adverse environmental impact of energy use has encouraged the design and construction of energy efficient buildings, many of them suited to natural ventilation.
Home renovation is a positive action "Which can bring out the best of an older home's original character, and provide the occupant with modem comfort and efficiency. Renovation work can, however, uncover unpleasant surprises in the existing construction which require special precautions to avoid health hazards. One such unpleasant surprise is the presence of lead-based paint. Lead-based paint was used in virtually all older houses. The renovation of painted surfaces by most conventional means can create a distinct health hazard to both the renovator and the occupants of the home.
The role of building services engineers in providing healthy and comfortable conditions in buildings as well as protecting the environment, is a very important one. Billy Manning considers the issues.
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