Guidelines for performance based innovative mechanical ventilation systems.

The development of guidelines for performance based innovative mechanical ventilationsystems in residential and commercial buildings is included in the European Commissionproject TIPVENT Towards Improved Performances of Mechanical Ventilation Systems.The overall aim of TIPVENT is to promote improved performances of mechanical ventilationsystems and the introduction and implementation of innovative designs. The development ofperformance oriented procedures for designing, commissioning and maintaining mechanicalventilation systems plays a key role in the project. The target group of the guidelines ispractitioners. The entire life cycle of a building i.e. from the brief until deconstruction istaken into consideration. The guidelines are summarised and discussed here.The importance of performance specifications and their verification on-site are emphasised.Special attention is paid to efficient use of electricity, low sound levels, life cycle perspective,use of building energy management system and operation and maintenance. These are areaswhere the performance of ventilation systems can and should be improved using conventionaland innovative technologies. For the life cycle perspective is stressed that life cycle costanalysis should be performed. As to operation and maintenance, operational and maintenanceinstructions and monitoring are highlighted.