Blog: Why World Ventil8 Day Matters
November 8th, 2024 marks the third World Ventil8 Day. The annual campaign reminds us of the crucial role that ventilation plays in our lives.
The world of HVAC is often overlooked, with technology reguarly hidden behind walls and ceilings, out of sight and out of mind. But just because we can’t see it doesn’t mean it’s not there, quietly supporting our health and comfort every day. In fact, like the foundation of a building, ventilation only grabs attention when something goes wrong. But when it does fail, the effects can be immediate and serious—affecting concentration, energy levels and even our long-term health.
Why World Ventil8 Day matters
This year, the campaign theme is “Enabling Action,” a call to champion ventilation as a cornerstone of healthy buildings and healthier lives.
In a world where we spend around 90% of our time indoors, we should expect nothing less than quality air to breathe—just as we expect a building to keep us warm in winter and cool in summer.
World Ventil8 Day celebrates the ventilation community and the professionals dedicated to improving indoor air quality (IAQ) every day. It’s an invitation for everyone—whether you’re an HVAC professional or simply someone who cares about the quality of air in your spaces—to support and champion this vital cause. The more we acknowledge the role of ventilation in our health, the better we’ll be at creating environments where people truly thrive.
The hidden health impact of poor ventilation
When indoor air quality drops, the impact on our health and productivity is real and measurable. Poor ventilation increases the risk of fatigue, headaches, respiratory issues and susceptibility to illnesses like colds and flus. Poor IAQ doesn’t just affect how we feel in the short term; over time, it can lead to chronic health issues that reduce our overall quality of life. The government’s SAGE advisory group stressed the importance of ventilation as a core part of the Covid-19 mitigation strategy, underscoring that this is not just a pandemic issue but an essential part of public health strategy.
The importance of ventilation extends far beyond pandemic prevention—it’s about creating spaces where we feel well and function at our best. Ventilation systems that maintain high air quality and reduce indoor pollutants are vital for supporting good health, reducing absenteeism, improving concentration and even enhancing sleep quality.
Moving beyond comfort to health and wellbeing
We need to widen the conversation around ventilation from comfort to well-being. It’s easy to overlook ventilation because it doesn’t come with the immediate feedback of, say, a thermostat. But effective ventilation systems do more than just keep us comfortable; they protect our health. As the winter months set in, we can’t rely on simply opening windows to improve air quality—not only does this impact heating efficiency, but it also lets in external pollutants and noise. The ideal solution is a well-maintained, high-performing ventilation system that ensures well circulated, clean air regardless of external conditions.
The role of the HVAC community
With so many competing issues in today’s world, it can be easy for ventilation to slip down the priority list. But World Ventil8 Day is a reminder of why we must keep it front and centre. This year’s theme, “Enabling Action,” calls on professionals from diverse fields—health, science, engineering, and government—to work together in promoting good ventilation practices. The HVAC industry has a key role to play in delivering systems that not only meet immediate demands but also address long-term health and environmental goals.
At MAPUK, we’re proud to be part of the movement for better air quality, working to integrate effective, unobtrusive HVAC solutions into a wide variety of spaces.
Join us in the drive for better ventilation
If you’re interested in creating healthier, more satisfying indoor environments, reducing absenteeism, or simply ensuring the air you breathe is as well ventilated as possible, join us in supporting World Ventil8 Day. Reach out to us at info@mapuk.com and we’ll be happy to answer any questions on how to improve ventilation in your buildings.
About the author
Barry Hobday is the Managing Director at Motorised Air Products (MAPUK). With the help of innovative research, MAPUK and its associated suppliers are committed to using pioneering product design and technology to provide unique solutions in air ventilation.