Breathe Easy: Elevating Air Quality in Manufacturing Facilities
As an organization who’s been a part of their fair share of natural air circulation and ventilation projects, we’ve been able to witness firsthand the transformative impact a fresh, clean air environment can have on occupants. More than just comfort, it’s a necessity for health, safety, and productivity. While we help others achieve incredible results, at the core, we’re all just people who appreciate a clean and clear breath of fresh air.
"Studies have shown a significant loss in productivity associated with poor IAQ as well as extreme temperatures (hot or cold), losses upwards of 70% ! "
The Air We Breathe
Manufacturing facilities specifically face a unique challenge when it comes to air quality. Emissions from machinery, use of various chemicals, and the ever-present circulation of dust, the battle to improve Indoor Air Quality (IAQ), new construction or old, is constant. But here’s something that’s not necessarily front of mind, those are real people working in those conditions and not only that, but they are also your biggest asset. Poor air quality impacts your team members' health, morale, and productivity of your entire organization. Studies have shown a significant loss in productivity associated with poor IAQ as well as extreme temperatures (hot or cold), losses upwards of 70%!
Natural Air Circulation
The best solution for energy efficiency and IAQ is natural air circulation. It isn’t just opening a few windows, loading bay doors, etc. and calling it a day. It’s about a specific smart design that allows air to flow effectively throughout a facility, reducing the need for mechanical interventions. Think more strategically placed vents and orientation of a building. Working with what nature gives us and enhancing it!
By optimizing natural circulation, you can create a comfortable work environment for increased productivity and employee satisfaction, while also improving the energy-efficiency and sustainability of your organization.
For example, in the Middle East, there was a facility that needed better circulation, they were operating in over 35 °C (95°F) day in and day out. They had an air conditioning unit running down the exact center of the facility, not being able to keep up with the heat, burning energy usage all day long trying to keep up. We were able to work with them and find a collaborative solution to allow them to be able to increase their IAQ as well as reduce their energy consumption. They supplied us with their usage rates from the year before and the year after they installed our solution. Due to the increased effectiveness of air circulation, they were able to increase the temperature set point of the air conditioning unit to on energy usage to save over 30% of their energy usage as well as improve the air quality within their facility and ensure their team members were safe and healthy throughout each day.
HVLS Fans: The Big Guns
Along with our natural solutions, like the naturally oscillating Hurricane Turbine ventilator, we can boost the effectiveness with HVLS (High-volume, low speed) fans. Just pennies a day to operate and superior to the average fan. A specialized air foil designed to optimize air flow and velocity to move vast amounts of air to create a comfortable environment and improve IAQ in all seasons and all temperatures.
And if that’s not enough, let’s talk turnover – the US Department of Labour found a whopping 44% spike in employee turnover under extreme temperature conditions. That means constantly bringing in new faces, training them, and all the expenses that come with it. The cost implications of not managing temperatures effectively? They’re huge.
Take a manufacturing facility, in the deep north or south of the globe, with extreme temperatures coupled with regular manufacturing operations, it’s a hot spot for poor IAQ for all occupants, even for visitors like us, it has an impact. We’ve experienced a multitude of different facilities and the quality of air and there’s one glaring thing that makes a huge difference, HVLS fans. Once the installation is completed, the difference between before and after is unmatched. The replacement of the stagnant air with high-quality air with the use of our solutions will make all the difference for a manufacturing facility anywhere in the world, or any facility for that matter.
Designing for the Future
Designing a manufacturing facility, or any facility for that matter, with air quality in mind is not just about compliance or checking a box. It’s about your responsibility and expertise. It’s about creating a space where the operator can effectively and efficiently take care of their team while operating a profitable facility. Remember, each decision we make, from the layout to the systems that are integrated has a direct impact on real human lives.
Our role isn’t only to design efficient systems but also to create work environments that promote well-being and productivity. Emphasizing temperature control through HVLS fans is a step toward achieving this goal.
Ready to elevate your facility’s air quality to new heights? Explore innovative air circulation solutions designed to transform workspaces into a healthier, more productive environment. Discover how you can help your team breathe easier and improve productivity at enviranorth.com.
At Envira-North Systems Ltd., we recognize the global imperative to reduce energy consumption by optimizing heating, cooling, and ventilation systems. Our innovative products and systems are designed to enhance your building's performance. With a focus on sustainability and efficiency, our solutions are tailored to meet the unique needs of each building, ensuring maximum results.