The role of natural ventilation in the built environment is being taken from theory into practice for students at the University of Nottingham.

As part of BEng and MEng degrees in Architectural Environment Engineering, the Faculty of Engineering has called on the external expertise of Roy Jones, technical director at independent air movement specialist Gilberts (Blackpool) Ltd.

As a result, 80 students on the courses have benefitted from lectures by Mr Jones, supplemented by video learning, reviewing smoke and air movement tests undertaken in Gilberts’ bespoke in-house test laboratory.

Organiser of the lectures and University of Nottingham assistant professor in the Department of Architecture & Built Environment, Benjamin Jones, said: “Students need to understand how the theory is put into practice and that what they do can make the difference between a building that works, or one that fails to give its occupants a fresh, ambient environment.”

“Roy’s many years of experience within the air distribution industry give him the ability to fully understand how ventilation strategies are put together. He sits on numerous industry committees for BSi, HEVAC and CIBSE, so is recognised and acknowledged as an expert in the field.”

He continued: “Our students can only benefit from the opportunity to gain even some of Roy’s knowledge. They will go into the work environment armed with suitable awareness of their input and impact on the buildings of the future.”

Roy added: “As buildings become more airtight and act like sealed envelopes, and as energy efficiency and low carbon emissions grow more important, good ventilation is crucial to a building’s success. Buildings are occupied by people, and people need to breathe! My lectures aim to help students understand that, and how the theory can be put into practice, using simple tools or the latest technology, including physical testing or computational software.”

Gilberts is one of the UK’s largest manufacturers of grilles and louvres, and a growing force in the design and supply of natural ventilation solutions for the public and commercial sectors. The company says it is unique in its sector in manufacturing every component in house- even as far as designing and engineering its own tools and dies in its own tool making facility.