What role does ventilation play in building performance?

Ventilation is a crucial aspect of building performance, primarily because it regulates humidity levels and air quality within an indoor environment. Proper ventilation allows for the exchange of stale, contaminated indoor air with fresh outdoor air. This exchange helps dilute indoor airborne pollutants, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and other harmful substances that can accumulate due to activities like cooking, cleaning, or even just human occupancy.

By controlling humidity levels, ventilation also mitigates issues related to excess moisture, such as mold growth, which can adversely affect both the structural integrity of the building and the health of its occupants. Optimized humidity levels contribute to overall comfort and can prevent damage to furniture and building materials.

While other aspects of building performance are also important, such as energy efficiency and sound management, the primary function of ventilation centers around maintaining a healthy and comfortable indoor environment, directly linked to air quality and humidity control.