The air distribution in occupied spaces is a major issue of public concern. It is widely recognized that the quality of air and the nature of airflow can affect the health of occupants and the energy consumed in buildings and transport vehicles. ROOMVENT is the principal international conference in the field of air distribution. It was first initiated in 1987 by SCANVAC, the Scandinavian Federation of Heating, Ventilating and Sanitary Engineering Associations in Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. The aim of the Conference is to bring together researchers from universities and research institutes, engineers from industry and government officials and policy makers, with the goal of experiencing the latest techniques for measuring and analyzing indoor air flow, the visualization of indoor air flow patterns, the evaluation of ventilation parameters and the most recent developments in computer simulation techniques of room airflow. It is hoped that the theme of ROOMVENT 2000 "Ventilation for Health and Sustainable Environment" will set the scene for room air distribution research and development for the new millennium.

This guide is ideal for HVAC design engineers, architects, building owners, facility managers, equipment manufacturers and installers, utility engineers, researchers, and other users of underfloor air distribution (UFAD) technology. UFAD systems are innovative methods for delivering space conditioning in offices and other commercial buildings. Improved Thermal Comfort, Improved Ventilation Efficiency and Indoor Air Quality, Reduced Energy Use and Reduced Life-Cycle Building Costs -- The guide explains these as some of the advantages that UFAD systems have over traditional overhead air distribution systems. This guide provides assistance in the design of UFAD systems that are energy efficient, intelligently operated, and effective in their performance. It also describes important research results that support current thinking on UFAD design and includes an extensive annotated bibliography for those seeking additional detailed information.

This guideline defines ventilation and then natural ventilation. It explores the design requirements for natural ventilation in the context of infection control, describing the basic principles of design, construction, operation and maintenance for an effective natural ventilation system to control infection in health-care settings.