Office ventilation system: healthy air, productive employees

The air quality in an office directly affects the health, concentration and productivity of employees. In a poorly ventilated room, CO2 levels rise, moisture and pollutants accumulate, leading to fatigue, headaches and increased sickness absence. Research shows that a good ventilation system can improve cognitive performance by up to 15%.

Ventilation requirements for offices in Flanders

Since the introduction of the EPB regulations (Energy Performance and Indoor Climate), employers are obliged to ensure a healthy indoor climate. For offices, minimum ventilation rates apply: per person you need to allow for at least 30 m³ of fresh air per hour, depending on occupancy and activities. A CO2 meter is a handy tool to check whether you meet the standard. If CO2 levels rise above 900 ppm, extra ventilation is needed.

Want to know more about the exact requirements? Check our guide on ventilation requirements for offices.

Overview of different types of ventilation systems

Not every office is the same. A single-person office in an old mansion requires a different approach than an open-plan office of 500 m². That's why we distinguish four main systems:

• System A, natural supply and exhaust: only suitable for small spaces with many windows. You depend on wind and temperature differences. Rarely ideal for a professional office.
• System C, mechanical exhaust, natural supply: fresh air enters through vents in windows or facades, a fan extracts stale air. Affordable and simple to install, but less energy-efficient.
• System D, balanced ventilation with heat recovery (HRV): fully mechanical, with two fans and a heat exchanger. The extracted air warms the fresh supply air, with up to 90% heat recovery. Ideal for larger offices and the best choice for energy-efficient buildings. Read more about system D with HRV.
• Decentralised ventilation: small units that work per room, often with HRV. Suitable for renovations where a central duct system is too invasive.

How to choose the right system for your office?

Don't let the technology overwhelm you. Our approach is simple: we look at the size of your office, the number of employees, the layout, insulation level and your budget. Then we clearly explain which system suits, with pros and cons. That way you always get a solution that really fits your company, not a generic story. Request a free valuation and we'll come by.

Maintenance: indispensable for sustained performance

A ventilation system only works optimally if it is well maintained. Filters need to be replaced every 3 to 6 months, the ducts cleaned every few years. A dirty system consumes more energy and actually spreads dust and bacteria. Our local technicians offer maintenance contracts, so you don't have to worry about it. Read more about maintenance on our page ventilation maintenance for businesses.