Ventilation and less external noise in classrooms

Passivent's Aircool wall ventilators, Airstract terminals and Air Displacement Terminals are now all available in acoustically attenuated variants.

The drive within educational establishments to minimise distracting noise as part of Building Bulletin 93+ is highlighting the need to simultaneously ensure the learning environment is properly ventilated: research suggests poor ventilation further affects pupil and staff performance in both mood and reaction time*.

Passivent, one of the UK's leading suppliers of commercial natural ventilation strategies, has developed acoustic options of its range to enable specifiers and contractors to build schoolrooms that are properly ventilated and minimise the impact of external noise.

Passivent's Aircool wall ventilators, Airstract terminals and Air Displacement Terminals are now all available in acoustically attenuated variants.

And to add further, independent substance to the products, Passivent has had them tested at two facilities- Salford University Manchester and SRL Sudbury, where they were proven to provide up to 42dB for roof terminals and up to 30dB for facade products acoustic attenuation.

Wayne Aston, Passivent Commercial technical manager, observes, "Building design is always a balance".

"The work we have been doing to optimise the balance between allowing a flow of fresh air into the learning space and stopping distracting external noise will help specifiers and contractors achieve the best possible solution- and with minimal energy consumption! Our natural ventilation systems harness natural forces to drive the ventilation and so make a positive contribution towards a low carbon footprint." Walton High School in Milton Keynes is just one establishment that has utilised Passivent acoustic ventilation in an extension, wanting to resolve the issue of noise arising from fans in the main school building.

Liam McDermott, Walton High School's Facilities Manager, commented at the time, " The extension has only just been handed over, but initial impressions are that the ventilation system is working properly- in that we have fresh air in all areas, and no noise, enabling the pupils to concentrate on their lessons without being distracted by fans switching on and off".

Natural ventilation systems reduce energy consumption over air conditioned buildings by up to 50%, yield 15% savings on capital costs and 75% savings on maintenance costs, and eliminate the need for a separate plant room.

The use of natural air movement and temperatures also gives "free" cooling at night.

Passivent is a founder member of the NatVent EC-EU-funded project co-ordinated by the Building Research Establishment to develop practical natural ventilation solutions for the commercial sector.

The company has contributed to the BISRIA guide BG2/2005 Wind Driven Natural Ventilation Systems, as well as being a member of the DfES steering committee on ventilation guidance for schools, Building Bulletin 101.

Back to top