Vent-Axia has launched a new CIBSE approved Continuing Professional Development (CPD) course titled Overheating in Residential Properties: Part O – How Ventilation can be Part of the Solution to Remove Excess Heat. It aims to provide a greater understanding of overheating, legislation and guidance, and the ventilation solutions available to help mitigate rising temperatures in newbuild homes.
As new residential properties look to improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions, they are increasingly overheating. As a result, occupants in some new homes are now experiencing indoor temperatures that exceed comfort – and in some cases pose health risks.
Recognising the seriousness of the overheating problem, the UK government introduced Approved Document O of the Building Regulations in 2021. Its core objective is to protect occupant health and wellbeing. Vent-Axia aims to help construction professionals in furthering their ventilation knowledge and skills, with this CPD providing an understanding of how and when ventilation can be applied to help mitigate overheating.
Steve Pearce, Product Manager at Vent-Axia, said:
“Overheating is an increasing challenge as homes become more airtight to reduce carbon emissions. As a result, housebuilders are finding it more difficult to achieve the requirements set out to combat the overheating risk in Part O and TM59 standards.”
Overheating is a serious health issue, but it is also a comfort issue, which is why ventilation is key to solving the overheating challenge. When it comes to removing excess heat, Part O lists acceptable methods in order of preference, starting with opening windows, followed by ventilation louvres, mechanical ventilation and finally mechanical cooling. When natural ventilation options are restricted, mechanical ventilation provides a valuable solution with several different types of technology available.
Vent-Axia’s Overheating in Residential Properties CPD course explores how modern construction methods can adversely affect overheating in a property, which is further exacerbated by climate change. It also looks at measures to avoid overheating, such as minimising internal heat gains, limiting summer heat gains and maximising natural ventilation.
To find out more about this and other CIBSE-accredited CPD courses from Vent-Axia, visit the CIBSE website.
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Rob Shepherd (author)
Rob is Consulting Editor for InstallerELECTRIC. He is a well-respected journalist with a strong history in the electrical sector.
