Purge ventilation
Approved Document O: Overheating, published by HM Government in 2021, defines purge ventilation as: ‘Ventilation of rooms or spaces at a relatively high rate to rapidly dilute pollutants and/or disperse water vapour.’
Part O 2021 (England), Technical Guidance, July 2022 – Final Draft, published on the Future Homes Hub, defines Purge Ventilation as: ‘usually defined as ventilation provision intended for the rapid dilution of indoor pollutants such as burnt toast or a steamy shower. Part F states requirements for purge ventilation. Higher ventilation rates may be required to meet overheating mitigation under Part O.’
Approved Document F Volume 1, 2021 edition, defines purge ventilation as: ‘Manually controlled ventilation of rooms or spaces at a relatively high rate to rapidly dilute pollutants and/or disperse water vapour. Purge ventilation may be provided by natural means (e.g. an openable window) or mechanical means (e.g. a fan).’
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles
Check out some of the best features and news from Designing Buildings as well as key stories from around the web.
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.
Stunning images from around the world
Shortlist for CIOB’s Art of Building photography competition.
Guidance for conversion of traditional pre-1919 stone buildings.
Industrial heritage in the Ruhr
A marked difference to the fate of industrial landscapes in the UK.
Communities will be able to build their own clean energy.
Why diversity and inclusion matters for SMEs
CIOB’s D&I Charter shows how practical changes can support long-term growth.
Cut electricity bills to power growth
Coalition sends joint letter to the Chancellor.
Gasholders: a history in pictures. Book review.
Recognition, influence and growth
SocEnv identifies three strategic pillars in new strategy to 2045.

















