Sustainability & Innovation at Breathing Buildings

Buildings account for approximately 40% of energy usage and 36% of carbon emissions in the UK. At Breathing Buildings, we specialize in advanced, controlled hybrid ventilation systems designed to reduce energy consumption and environmental impact while maintaining optimal indoor air quality (IAQ) and thermal comfort.

We approach sustainability through three core pillars: Product, Planet, and People.

Our Framework

Three Pillars of Sustainability

01
Product

We are committed to developing industry-leading products engineered for maximum energy efficiency and minimal lifecycle emissions.

  • Low Embodied Carbon: We carefully evaluate the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of our products to align with CIBSE TM65 guidelines.
  • Hybrid Innovation: Our NVHR® and NVHRe ranges integrate ultra-efficient, low Specific Fan Power (SFP) components. The NVHRe unit features a low-resistance heat exchanger, achieving up to 46% heat recovery efficiency while recycling internal heat gains.
  • Smart Controls: Our systems automatically adjust to internal and external conditions, ensuring the fan only operates when necessary to minimize energy use.

02
Planet

 

Achieving Net Zero requires a holistic approach to a building's lifecycle. We help customers reduce their carbon footprint and ensure compliance with key UK regulations and standards, including:

  • CIBSE TM52 & BB101: Safeguarding buildings against summertime overheating.
  • Building Regulations (Part F & Part L): Ensuring ventilation and conservation of fuel and power.
  • ESFA Annex 2F: Meeting government standards for school environments.

03
People

Good ventilation is not just about saving energy—it is about occupant health and wellbeing.

  • Improved IAQ: High indoor air quality reduces CO₂ buildup, improving focus and productivity in offices and classrooms.
  • Health and Comfort: Research indicates that improved ventilation can reduce student absence due to illness by up to 3.4%. By utilizing facade-based mixing ventilation, our systems mitigate cold draughts during winter while providing ample fresh air.

Our Sustainable Ventilation Strategies

Achieving sustainable, energy-efficient buildings requires a dynamic approach to indoor climate control. Our ventilation strategies adapt to changing seasons and external conditions to ensure optimal air quality while minimizing energy use.

Natural
Ventilation

Passive Efficiency

When external conditions allow, our systems operate in natural mode, utilizing natural forces to ventilate the building.

  • How it works: Warm air rises and exits through high-level openings, pulling cooler, fresh air in at low levels.
  • Benefit: Operates without fans, reducing electricity consumption and emissions.
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Mechanical
Ventilation

Advanced Recovery

For maximum energy retention, our MVHR range uses low-resistance heat exchangers to recycle outgoing thermal energy.

  • How it works: Warm stale air passes through a heat exchanger cell, transferring heat to the incoming air without mixing.
  • Benefit: Achieves up to 93% heat recovery efficiency, recycling internal heat gains.
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Supporting Your Sustainability Journey

We work alongside Architects, Developers, and Consultants to ensure sustainability is designed into every project from day one.

Expert Consultation

Our team includes members on the board of BREEAM and staff with Cambridge Business Sustainability Management training.

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