As buildings become more air-tight, what happens to the reliance on ventilation?

As buildings become more air-tight due to advancements in construction techniques and materials, the reliance on ventilation becomes more critical. This is primarily because airtight buildings can trap pollutants, moisture, and excess heat, leading to indoor air quality (IAQ) concerns.

In a less tightly sealed building, natural ventilation may suffice to keep indoor air fresh and healthy, allowing outdoor air to mix with indoor air without the need for mechanical systems. However, as airtightness increases, the potential for indoor air quality issues escalates since contaminants generated from indoor sources—like cleaning products, cooking, and human activity—cannot effectively dilute. Consequently, proper ventilation strategies are necessary to ensure a continuous flow of fresh outdoor air, helping to control indoor pollution levels, humidity, and temperature, thus safeguarding the health and comfort of the building's occupants.

In summary, with the increasing airtightness of buildings, effective ventilation becomes indispensable for maintaining a healthy indoor environment, making it crucial rather than less significant.