Mechanical Ventilation

It has been observed that optimum working conditions in an office include a temperature of between 23C and 26C; and humidity of between 60 per cent and 70 per cent. As both these parameters are lower than is found outdoors, a fully climatised indoor environment is needed. Buildings therefore have to be, like Tupperware, "air tight"! However, at least some ventilation is needed to keep the air fresh and to maintain a healthy level of C02. In the LEO building, intake of outside air is controlled by C02 levels which in turn are affected by occupancy - the more people there are in the building, the higher the C02 as a result of breathing, and therefore the greater the intake of fresh air.

Further improving the quality of air are electronic cleaners which filter more efficiently than the normal fibre filters. These devices help to reduce the level of airborne pollutants, especially haze, in the building. Finally, a "heat wheel" transfers cooling from the exhaust air to the inlet air, thereby reducing the need to cool down the fresh air intake.