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Spotlight on: AS 1668.2:2024, The use of ventilation and airconditioning in buildings – part 2: mechanical ventilation in buildings

AS 1668.2:2024, The use of ventilation and airconditioning in buildings – part 2: mechanical ventilation in buildings, has recently been released, offering essential updates to one of Australia’s most widely applied standards in the HVAC industry.  

This latest version provides comprehensive guidelines for the mechanical ventilation of buildings, supporting practitioners in designing, installing, and maintaining ventilation systems that improve indoor air quality, safety, and compliance.

Why the update to AS 1668.2:2024 matters

The AS 1668 series is foundational to Australian HVAC practices, helping indoor spaces maintain healthy air quality by setting minimum ventilation standards. The updates to AS 1668.2:2024 replace the 2012 edition with revised technical requirements that reflect advancements in technology and modern air quality practices.  

For HVAC professionals, the new standard seeks to provide clearer, quantified guidelines and promote better air quality and energy efficiency across various building types.

Key updates in AS 1668.2:2024

The revised AS 1668.2:2024 incorporates several changes that aim to streamline compliance and improve alignment with modern ventilation practices. Key updates include:

  • Quantified performance requirements: Previous editions included non-quantified performance requirements, allowing some flexibility in interpretation. The 2024 update replaces these with precise, prescriptive requirements, helping to establish a measurable standard and enhance consistency across the industry.
  • Enhanced calculations for outdoor airflow and borrowed ventilation: The standard now offers both simple and detailed calculation methods for determining minimum outdoor airflow rates, allowing flexibility based on building type and complexity. Additionally, AS 1668.2:2024 introduces the concept of “borrowed ventilation” for certain spaces, enabling airflow from adjacent rooms under specific conditions to improve ventilation efficiency.
  • Updated ventilation requirements for carparks: To accommodate advancements in vehicle technology and emission control, the updated standard revises contaminant generation rates for carparks. By reflecting the use of low-emission fuels and modern engine technology, the new guidelines allow for reduced ventilation rates in carparks, potentially lowering costs and energy use in building projects.
  • Revised provisions for kitchen and healthcare ventilation: New provisions address kitchen exhaust and healthcare facility ventilation, aligning with contemporary practices. Notably, the standard now includes a compliance pathway for treated kitchen exhaust, offering greater design flexibility in cases where traditional vertical discharge may not be feasible.

Benefits of AS 1668.2:2024 for industry and building occupants

AS 1668.2:2024 aims to deliver a range of advantages, from improved air quality to operational efficiencies. Target benefits include:

  • Improved indoor air quality: Updated contaminant management and airflow calculations look to support healthier environments in buildings, particularly in high-occupancy areas and specialised facilities.
  • Simplified compliance: The introduction of quantified, prescriptive requirements aims to make it easier for HVAC practitioners to align with National Construction Code standards, reducing ambiguity and ensuring consistent application.
  • Operational efficiency: With features like borrowed ventilation and updated carpark requirements, the standard looks to enable more efficient use of ventilation resources, translating into potential cost and energy savings.
  • Cost savings: Reduced ventilation requirements for carparks and flexible options for kitchen exhaust systems can help lower installation and maintenance costs, particularly in new building projects.

Who should use AS 1668.2:2024?

AS 1668.2:2024 could be suitable for a range of professionals and facilities across the construction and HVAC sectors:

  • HVAC designers and installers: AS 1668.2:2024 aims to provide clear guidelines to support current standards for mechanical ventilation systems.
  • Building managers and facility operators: Adequate ventilation is vital for indoor air quality, safety, and regulatory compliance, which can make this standard valuable for anyone managing building systems.
  • Commercial kitchens and healthcare facilities: Facilities that require specialized ventilation, such as commercial kitchens and healthcare centres, could benefit from the tailored provisions in the updated standard.
  • Compliance and safety teams: AS 1668.2:2024 offers a framework for enhancing ventilation safety, which can help equip safety officers and compliance teams with best practices that align with industry standards and anticipate future regulatory needs.

AS 1668.2:2024 is now available via the Standards Australia Store and our distribution partners, providing HVAC practitioners and building professionals with the latest guidance for ventilation in buildings.  

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