Air Quality Compliance for Commercial Sites in Wokingham – A Guide to LEV and MVHR Solutions

Why Indoor Air Regulations Are Now Critical for Businesses in Wokingham

Commercial buildings in Wokingham are under increasing pressure to meet stricter air quality and energy efficiency standards. With updated requirements in Approved Document F, COSHH regulations, and pressure from sustainability frameworks like BREEAM, air quality is no longer a box-ticking exercise—it’s a business necessity.

From offices on Molly Millars Lane to food production units near Barkham Road, ventilation is now tied directly to staff wellbeing, energy compliance, and long-term property maintenance. The challenge is choosing the right ventilation strategy—MVHR, Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV), or a combination of both.

In this blog, we break down the differences between MVHR and LEV, how they support regulatory compliance, and why Wokingham businesses are turning to ClimateWorks for expert design and installation.

The Growing Need for Commercial Ventilation in Wokingham

Many commercial properties in Wokingham were built or last refurbished before modern building regulations placed strong emphasis on indoor air control. As such, ventilation issues are now showing up across a range of businesses, including:

• Stale air in open-plan offices
• Condensation in kitchens and staff areas
• Chemical odours in salons, workshops, or labs
• Employee health complaints from poor indoor environments

With growing awareness of indoor air quality (IAQ) and its link to productivity and wellbeing, business owners, landlords, and facilities managers are increasingly expected to take action.

What Is MVHR and How Does It Support Office Air Quality?

Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) works by removing stale air from the building while supplying fresh, filtered air—without losing heat.

It’s the preferred option for:

• Offices
• Showrooms
• Studios
• Conference centres
• Education or healthcare buildings

Key features for Wokingham commercial buildings:

• Continuous filtered air
• Energy savings through heat recovery
• Balanced airflow and humidity control
• Smart integration with BMS or zone controls

MVHR is best suited for buildings where whole-room ventilation is required rather than task-specific extraction.

What Is LEV and Where Is It Required?

Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) systems are designed to extract airborne contaminants at the source. They’re required in environments where specific pollutants, dust, vapours, or fumes are created during processes or operations.

Typical LEV use cases in Wokingham:

• Bakeries and commercial kitchens (flour dust, steam, grease)
• Beauty salons (chemical treatments, sprays)
• Woodworking units (sawdust)
• Print shops (inks and solvents)
• Engineering firms (welding fumes, coolant mists)

All LEV systems must comply with COSHH regulations and undergo routine testing (TExT) at least every 14 months.

Case Study: Dual System for a Mixed-Use Commercial Space in Wokingham

A growing creative agency and light manufacturing business operating in a shared premises approached ClimateWorks to improve air quality and comply with inspection requirements.

The premises included:

• Open-plan office for 30 staff
• In-house workshop with soldering and finishing
• Communal breakout area and kitchen

Reported issues:

• Overheating in summer and dry, stuffy air in winter
• Workshop fumes lingering into shared office space
• Energy bills increasing with constant window opening

ClimateWorks solution:

• Installed MVHR system with ceiling grilles in office and meeting rooms
• Delivered 85% heat recovery efficiency
• Installed LEV canopy hoods and extraction fans over workbenches
• Routed ducting through ceiling void and rear wall
• Delivered system commissioning and COSHH-compliant documentation

Results: consistent indoor temperatures, improved staff wellbeing, and compliance with ventilation and workplace air regulations.

UK Regulations Relevant to Commercial Ventilation

Approved Document F – Ventilation

• Requires "sufficient means of ventilation" in all occupied commercial spaces
• MVHR is an approved solution for continuous supply and extract
• Airflow rates must meet specified thresholds based on room type and usage

COSHH – Control of Substances Hazardous to Health

• Requires LEV for any workplace generating hazardous airborne materials
• LEV systems must be inspected and tested by a competent person
• Testing reports must be retained and actioned where required

BREEAM and Part L

• MVHR contributes to energy efficiency credits
• Helps achieve higher EPC ratings and reduce operational emissions

Wokingham-based businesses undergoing refurbishments, fit-outs, or compliance reviews can benefit significantly from a dual approach using both MVHR and LEV where applicable.

The MVHR & LEV Installation Process with ClimateWorks

Commercial installations require technical planning, phased implementation, and compliance documentation. ClimateWorks provides end-to-end service:

1. Site survey to understand airflow patterns and hazards
2. System design tailored to layout, process, and risk profile
3. Planning and ductwork coordination
4. Installation by experienced engineers with commercial expertise
5. Commissioning, performance testing, and certification
6. Ongoing support, maintenance, and compliance testing

We work closely with building managers, architects, and contractors to minimise downtime and ensure systems are fully compliant and future-proof.

Why Air Quality Investments Pay Off for Wokingham Businesses

Wokingham businesses that invest in proper ventilation benefit in several ways:

• Improved staff health and productivity
• Lower heating and cooling costs through heat recovery
• Regulatory compliance and lower risk of HSE enforcement
• Positive ESG and BREEAM ratings for environmental strategy
• More attractive working environment for recruitment and retention
• Better property value and tenant appeal for landlords and investors

Bullet Point Summary – Choosing the Right System

• Use MVHR for:
  • Whole-building airflow
  • Energy efficiency and fresh air
  • Office blocks, meeting rooms, healthcare
• Use LEV for:
  • Hazard control at source
  • Workplace health compliance
  • Workshops, kitchens, salons, manufacturing
• Systems can be combined in mixed-use buildings
• ClimateWorks provides design, install, and testing across Wokingham
• Full documentation ensures compliance with HSE and Building Regs

Book a Ventilation Compliance Survey in Wokingham

If your business or commercial site in Wokingham needs improved air quality, new ventilation systems, or regulatory testing, ClimateWorks can help. We provide professional system design, installation, and ongoing support to meet every requirement.

👉 Book your site visit or request a quote:
https://www.climateworks.co.uk

References

[1] GOV.UK. (2021). Approved Document F – Ventilation. Retrieved from https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ventilation-approved-document-f
[2] HSE. (2023). Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV). Retrieved from https://www.hse.gov.uk/lev
[3] BREEAM UK New Construction. (2023). Indoor Air Quality Guidance
[4] Energy Saving Trust. (2022). Commercial Ventilation and Heat Recovery Systems

Author Bio

Dr. Julian Carter is a highly experienced thermal systems expert with over 15 years in the field, holding a PhD in thermal systems. His career spans academic research, consulting, and teaching, focusing on air conditioning and refrigeration systems. Dr. Carter bridges the gap between theoretical advancements and practical applications, providing expert insights to organisations like ClimateWorks, where his guidance informs decision-making and industry best practices. Notably, he has worked on international projects with organisations such as Daikin Industries, the International Institute of Refrigeration (IIR), and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Currently a lecturer at Edinburgh University, Dr. Carter combines his expertise with a passion for educating the next generation of engineers and advancing climate control technologies.

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