Natural Ventilation

Passive ventilation makes use of natural air movement patterns such as stack effect (heat rising to the top of a building) and cross ventilation (wind passing from one elevation to the other) to circulate fresh outdoor air through the building interior to regulate temperature and get rid of the stale air. It improves energy efficiency by enhancing or eliminating the need for energy intensive mechanical heating, cooling and ventilation systems.

Related Components

Component-Specific Considerations

  • Narrow floor plates that promote access to natural light and passive ventilation, especially where air is allowed to pass from one building elevation to another.

  • Passive ventilation as it reduces mechanical ventilation demand and introduces fresh air;
  • Skylights complete with base venting or operable panels, which encourage stack effect in order to circulate air.

  • Windows and doors provide opportunities for natural ventilation to augment a building’s mechanical system.