Net zero: the challenge of combating climate change with good air quality

The net zero is a concept that has been gaining importance over time in the fight against climate change. But what does it mean and how can controlled ventilation help us achieve it? These are the questions we want to answer in this article.

Net zero goal

The term net zero became especially popular after the Paris Agreement, which was reached in late 2015. Through it, the signing countries committed to keeping temperatures stable with a maximum increase of 2 °C compared to the pre-industrial era.

In this sense, it does not refer to the suppression of carbon emissions into the atmosphere, but rather to their reduction and neutralization through other actions. We are talking, for example, about the planting and conservation of forests capable of absorbing this pollutant.

If you are wondering when we will be able to achieve this goal, the European Union aims to achieve total carbon emission neutrality before 2050.

Air quality and sustainability

In recent years, awareness has also grown regarding the importance of the air quality we breathe. In most cities, it is very low due, primarily, to the transportation systems used. Despite the growth of electric vehicles, a very high number still uses fossil fuels that emit nitrogen oxide (N₂O), particulate matter (PM), and large amounts of CO₂, among many other pollutant gases.

However, the health problem posed by these gases does not only affect us when we go outside. Whenever we open the windows, they enter our homes. Therefore, reducing their respective emissions is not only a matter of sustainability and respect for the environment but also of health.

Ventilation systems to achieve the net zero goal

From what has been stated in previous lines, it is clear that natural ventilation is the most economical and sustainable. However, it is the most harmful to health, as it introduces numerous external pollutants into the home.

The balance between health and sustainability is provided by controlled mechanical double-flow ventilation systems. Especially when they have heat recovery systems.

This technology extracts air from the inside and forces in new air from the outside. Specifically, it does so when its sensors detect that the environmental pollutants exceed the recommended levels. Thus, users always breathe air of the highest quality.

On the other hand, heat recoverers ensure that there is an energy transfer between the exhaust air and the supplied air, so that the latter is tempered. What is the result? A minimal loss of temperature achieved thanks to the domestic air conditioning system. Despite their name, they can effectively perform this process both in winter and summer.

As is evident, tempering the air that enters the home results in a drastic reduction in energy consumption for air conditioning, which in most cases exceeds 70%. This is why controlled ventilation systems contribute to achieving net zero without neglecting the health of users.

From here, we want to invite our readers to take a look at our guide on ventilation, energy efficiency, and sustainability. We are convinced that, thanks to it, they will better understand why these systems are so useful in reaching the desired net zero.