In the United States, the energy used in the running of buildings accounts for ~40% of the total energy consumed. There is strong evidence which suggests that naturally ventilated buildings can use significantly less energy than fully mechanically ventilated, air conditioned buildings (Busch, 1992; Zhao and Xia 1992; and Finnegan et al., 1994). This is, in large part, due to natural ventilation using the forces of nature – wind and buoyancy – rather than fans in ventilation of the space.
Baker and Steemers (2000) assessed the energy consumed by office buildings, and found that those which are naturally ventilated can consume less than half the energy that fully air-conditioned, mechanically ventilated buildings consume.
Energy savings are a result of:
• Reduction in fan power
• Reduction in lighting load
• Reduction in refrigeration load
• Reduction in energy load from office equipment
• Increase in occupant tolerance of fluctuations in the indoor climate
Improved Indoor Environmental Quality
Reduced Capital Cost
Increased Range of Thermal Comfort
LEED® and CHPS® Points