Passive stack ventilation
Domestic Ventilation Compliance Guide, 2010 Edition (with 2011 amendments), published by the Department for Communities and Local Government in July 2011, defines passive stack ventilation (PSV) as: ‘…a ventilation system using ducts from terminals in the ceilings of rooms to terminals on the roof that extract air to outside by a combination of the natural stack effect and the pressure effects of wind passing over the roof of the building.’
Approved document F of the Buildings Regulations uses the same definition.
See also: Stack effect.
NB: Stack ventilation can also refer to secondary ventilation stacks used to overcome air pressure changes in pipework in high-rise buildings. For more information see: Secondary ventilation stacks in tall buildings.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Air change rates.
- Approved Document F.
- Background ventilator.
- Continuous mechanical extract ventilation.
- Cross ventilation.
- Displacement ventilation.
- Heat recovery ventilation.
- Mechanical ventilation.
- Natural ventilation.
- Secondary ventilation stacks in tall buildings.
- Stack effect.
- Thermal comfort.
- Underfloor air distribution.
- Ventilation.
- Whole building ventilation.
Featured articles
Check out some of the best features and news from Designing Buildings as well as key stories from around the web.
New Chief Construction and Scientific Adviser
Sergio Cavalaro, Professor of Infrastructure Systems at Loughborough University.
Building safety levy for England
CIAT publish estimator tool for members.
Water sector faces a growing crisis that could slow the delivery of vital infrastructure.
Undervaluing our industrial past
Heritage value changes as taste for building styles changes.
Changing expectations around competence and compliance
New information sheet from CIAT.
Grenfell investigation files passed to CPS
Angela Rayner apologises on behalf of the British state.
Electrical contractors need to understand the practical implications.
The real barrier to getting more value from digital technology.
Your guide to The Construction Reset at UKCW Birmingham.
Accommodating the Victorian and Edwardian working woman. Book review.
Rethinking passive fire protection in design
PFP demands the same level of design rigour as structure or services.
38% of Gen Zs feel safe when a fire door is wedged open.

















