Tomorrow is World Environment Day. Initiated by the United Nations, 5th June was chosen as an annual date to raise awareness of environmental issues and encourage action to protect our planet. To mark this occasion, we want to talk about a simple but pressing issue when it comes to saving energy – open windows.
As business owners and building managers know all too well, the official advice regarding reducing the spread of COVID-19 indoors is to keep the space well ventilated. Often, the most convenient and cost-effective way to do this is to open windows. Of course, this is all very well and good in the summer months, but what about the winter?
The cost of cracking a window
Although having all the windows open during summer might be pleasant, in a British winter, it can be very uncomfortable. However, in light of preventing the spread of COVID-19, building managers may find themselves stuck between a rock and a hard place when it comes to whether or not to have an open window policy.
So how can building managers keep a workplace comfortable while ensuring it’s well ventilated? An obvious solution would be cranking up the heating or installing electric blow heaters. But considering the environmental and cost implications of this strategy, it’s completely untenable. According to research, open windows account for as much as 44% of total heat losses in a given space.
Thus, to make up for this lost warmth, businesses would have to spend eye-watering sums on heating bills, not to mention the fact that blow heaters are notorious electricity guzzlers. Ultimately, you would be engaging in some seriously environmentally unfriendly practices, which would come with the associated price tag.
The solution to clean air and comfortable workspaces
To tackle this conundrum head-on, businesses need to consider air purification. Air purification systems like those offered by Rejuvenair eliminate 99.9% of pathogens from the air, including viruses, bacteria, mould and pollutants. This keeps the air in a space up to 60m2 free of harmful particles, creating a safe, clean, and crucially, COVID-free working environment.
Rejuvenair units are powered by advanced UVC sterilizers and HEPA-13 filters. Naturally, this technology requires electricity to run. However, in comparison to the wastage and expenditure caused by heating rooms with open windows, a Rejuvenair unit represents far better value long-term. Moreover, it also accounts for a far lower carbon footprint.
The long term benefits
How to keep our workplaces and public buildings clean and green is a pressing issue for the future. And clean doesn’t just mean energy efficient – it also means keeping the space a safe and hygienic place for people. Unfortunately, the global pandemic will be a reality that stays with us for some time to come, and next time we have to face a similar threat, we need to be better prepared.
Air purification confronts these complex environmental issues at their root. Not only do they ensure our indoor atmosphere is free from harmful particles, they do this in an energy-efficient way. Offices are clean and comfortable, and precious heat is kept inside – ensuring energy consumption, and therefore bills, are under control.
