New Zealand homes are getting warmer and more energy efficient, but not always healthier. As we seal up our buildings, we’re often not providing sufficient airways for moisture to leave. The result? Wet, mouldy homes in Winter, and overheating homes in Summer. Recent research from the University of Otago estimates that poor indoor air quality costs New Zealand around NZ $1 billion each year in healthcare, lost productivity, and building remediation. This isn't a marginal issue. It’s a national one. What’s the solution? Effective ventilation. Airtight construction is here to stay, so considered ventilation must come with it. Our old methods of intermittent fans and open windows are not enough in the modern age. By mechanically removing contaminated air AND delivering controlled fresh air, we can effectively tackle indoor moisture, overheating, and ventilation related respiratory issues. To achieve this, we recommend: Continuous extraction as a minimum: designed to remove a trickle of air 24/7, creating airflow through key rooms in a home. Balanced pressure systems as a solid mid-ground: which supplies and removes air, causing air to move throughout the entire home. MVHR (mechanical ventilation with heat recovery) systems as a best option: operating just like a balanced pressure system, but using the outgoing air to warm the incoming air. Great for energy efficiency. These are globally proven solutions to the problems of internal moisture and overheating. But just knowing the solution doesn’t fix the problem, that’s why we need your help. Collaboration is the key Effective ventilation isn't built with hopes and dreams. We need to collaborate at all levels of the construction process to get it right. The Government: needs to update legislation to require effective ventilation for modern homes and lifestyles. Architects/ Designers: need to consider effective ventilation as a necessity, not a luxury. Ventilation should also be considered early in the design phase (air needs room to move). Electricians/ Builders: need to ensure that ventilation systems are correctly installed, because a poorly installed system can sometimes cause more problems than it solves. Suppliers: need to ensure that their products are compliant for NZ, suit the NZ climate, and are straightforward to use and install. Homeowners: need to understand and use their systems (or just let them run). Healthy air, sustainably. At Simx, we take the world ventilate day challenge “Collaborate to Ventilate” to heart. We’re committed to working together, building smarter and improving the homes and lives of all New Zealanders. Sources: https://d39d3mj7qio96p.cloudfront.net/media/documents/BRANZ-RN-Indoor_Air_Quality_1.pdf https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/572704/poor-indoor-air-quality-costing-the-country-a-billion-dollars-each-year-researchers-say