Enhancing Indoor Air Quality in
Schools with Window Automation
In Australia, the demand for educational
institutions is growing. Furthermore, more
institutions are choosing to upgrade facilities
to meet contemporary standards for health,
performance and sustainability.
It is essential for architects and specifiers
to understand the unique design requirements
for educational institutions and account for
the impact of designs on student health and
wellbeing. This applies to window design –
specifically window automation – and how this
can improve indoor air quality and enhance
health and performance outcomes.Understanding the Requirements
The National Construction Code (NCC) Volume
1 establishes the relevant requirements for
schools and other educational facilities, which
are categorised as Class 9b buildings. The key
sections are as follows:
• Section F establishes the health and
amenity requirements for Class 9b
buildings. In this section, FP4.3 sets
out the performance requirements for
ventilation, providing that, in a space used
by occupants, ventilation with outdoor air to
maintain adequate air quality is required.
• Section J establishes energy efficiency
requirements for Class 9b buildings,
which are detailed in JP1 and JP3 within
this section.
JP1 references the need for a building to
include energy efficient features for sealingthe building envelope against air leaking and
utilising air movement to assist heating and
cooling. Window automation facilitates these
requirements by enabling natural ventilation
per the requirements in Section F4.Window Automation: A Design Solution
Remote window operation is a three-
part mechanical solution involving the
following elements:- The actuator is the component responsible
for physically opening and shutting the
window. When selecting an actuator,
architects and specifiers need to consider:
• fitness for purpose;
• compliance with wind loads;
• noise level of actuator when in operation;
• safety features;
• size of actuator; and
• additional functions including interaction
with building management systems (BMS). - Cabling should be determined at tender
stage in line with functionality, window
locations, desired control panel location, and
the chosen actuator. - Controls should provide a clear interface
between users and the actuator. Panel
size, cost and functionality are key design
considerations.
The Importance of an Integrated Solution
Specification of a window automation system is
ideally undertaken by a single contractor to:• ensure each of the three components work
effectively and efficiently together; and
• enable cohesion across costing, technical
capabilities and installation requirements.
When designing for schools, integration of
window automation with existing systems can
enhance operation and comfort. Integration
with the BMS and security systems can enable
automated window closure when the building
is not occupied. Automated closure can also
be enabled during inclement weather or a
power failure. A “night purge” function can
be implemented to exhaust stale air and CO2
from the classroom.EBSA
EBSA Pty Ltd is a leading Australian
manufacturer and supplier of window
automation and louvre installations, combining
functionality and aesthetics. EBSA leverages
the latest window and automation technology
to deliver systems that support the natural flow
of light and air in contemporary commercial,
residential and educational buildings.
With offices in Brisbane, Sydney and
Melbourne, and the recently launched New
Zealand office in Auckland, EBSA solutions
promote health, performance and sustainability
across the Australian and New Zealand markets.DoWnloAD fREE WhITEpApER
bit.ly/EBSA_19Q3promotion featureEbSA.com.Au /A&D X EBSA/ jul-SEp 201966ADQ3_2019_EBSA_ADV_DPS_FINAL.indd 66 26/7/19 4:21 pm