Fresh air
The term ‘fresh air’ is commonly used to refer to air that is outside (or from outside) a building or enclosed space, as opposed to that which is inside. In order to ensure a good supply of fresh air, buildings need to be properly ventilated. Sometimes air that is not fresh is referred to as 'stale air'.
The provision of fresh air in a building is important to occupants’ wellbeing and has several benefits, including:
- Increasing oxygen availability and removing carbon dioxide.
- Maintaining a comfortable temperature.
- Enabling optimum brain functioning, increasing energy levels and improving concentration.
- Diluting and removing odours.
- Helping to moderate internal humidity.
- Reducing the accumulation of moisture, bacteria, dust, smoke and other contaminants.
Insufficient fresh air can result in occupants feeling tired, experiencing headaches, irritated eyes, and so on.
The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 require that an employer does what is needed to make sure that every enclosed workplace is ventilated by a sufficient quantity of fresh or purified air. It states that the fresh air supply rate should not normally fall below 5-8 litres per second, per occupant. The appropriate rate should be decided by several factors, such as the amount of floor space per occupant, the work activity, possible sources of airborne hazards, and so on.
For more information see: Ventilation.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Air.
- Air conditioning.
- Air quality.
- Air Quality Taskforce.
- At a glance - Indoor air quality.
- Bringing a breath of fresh air to the design of indoor environments.
- Building related illness.
- Clean indoor air for healthy living - New air filter standards.
- Human comfort in buildings.
- Indoor air quality.
- Sick building syndrome.
- Re-circulation air.
- Stale air.
- Thermal comfort.
- Ventilation.
Featured articles and news
A case study and a warning to would-be developers
Creating four dwellings... after half a century of doing this job, why, oh why, is it so difficult?
Reform of the fire engineering profession
Fire Engineers Advisory Panel: Authoritative Statement, reactions and next steps.
Restoration and renewal of the Palace of Westminster
A complex project of cultural significance from full decant to EMI, opportunities and a potential a way forward.
Apprenticeships and the responsibility we share
Perspectives from the CIOB President as National Apprentice Week comes to a close.
The first line of defence against rain, wind and snow.
Building Safety recap January, 2026
What we missed at the end of last year, and at the start of this...
National Apprenticeship Week 2026, 9-15 Feb
Shining a light on the positive impacts for businesses, their apprentices and the wider economy alike.
Applications and benefits of acoustic flooring
From commercial to retail.
From solid to sprung and ribbed to raised.
Strengthening industry collaboration in Hong Kong
Hong Kong Institute of Construction and The Chartered Institute of Building sign Memorandum of Understanding.
A detailed description from the experts at Cornish Lime.
IHBC planning for growth with corporate plan development
Grow with the Institute by volunteering and CP25 consultation.
Connecting ambition and action for designers and specifiers.
Electrical skills gap deepens as apprenticeship starts fall despite surging demand says ECA.
Built environment bodies deepen joint action on EDI
B.E.Inclusive initiative agree next phase of joint equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) action plan.
Recognising culture as key to sustainable economic growth
Creative UK Provocation paper: Culture as Growth Infrastructure.