AIVC Workshop on Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality

The Air Infiltration and Ventilation Centre (AIVC), in collaboration with the International Network for Information on Ventilation and Energy Performance (INIVE), is hosting an international technical workshop in Nottingham, UK. Taking place on 16 and 17 September 2026, this high-level technical gathering convenes leading international researchers, building physicists, HVAC engineers, policy advisors, and environmental health specialists. The event provides a vital interdisciplinary forum to address urgent challenges surrounding indoor environmental quality (IEQ), energy efficiency, and low-carbon building operation. As nations accelerate efforts toward net-zero targets and resilient infrastructure, optimizing building ventilation systems becomes critical to ensuring occupant health, comfort, and operational efficiency. Held in the historic research hub of Nottingham, this two-day workshop highlights breakthrough scientific methodologies, experimental field measurements, and standardized testing procedures that bridge the gap between academic research, regulatory policy, and practical engineering applications across the international building sector.

Key Themes and Ventilation Research

The scientific agenda covers core research themes essential for modern building performance. Central topics include smart ventilation technologies, ventilative cooling strategies, ductwork airtightness verification, and personal microclimate control systems. Distinguished keynote speakers from international research institutes will explore how automated demand-controlled ventilation can reduce building energy consumption without compromising indoor air quality. Special focus will be placed on evaluating emerging building code regulations across Europe and the UK, analyzing compliance standards, and measuring the real-world effectiveness of continuous ventilation monitoring systems. Attendees will examine detailed empirical studies regarding pollutant dispersion, particulate matter mitigation, and viral transmission risk in indoor environments. Through plenary keynotes and structured technical presentations, the workshop provides participants with actionable insights into cutting-edge airflow modeling techniques, acoustic control in ventilation systems, and climate-resilient building design strategies necessary to combat rising global temperatures.

Technical Sessions and Case Studies

Complementing the keynote lectures, the event features technical paper presentations and interactive case study sessions. Building science researchers and industry practitioners will demonstrate practical field testing methodologies, including multi-zone blower door air leakage testing, tracer gas measurement techniques, and real-time indoor air quality sensor networks. Speakers will showcase practical case studies evaluating deep energy retrofits in educational facilities, residential housing estates, and healthcare institutions. These interactive sessions encourage rigorous debate on balancing strict energy performance certificates with adequate fresh air intake rates. Delegates will explore how advanced predictive controls, combined with heat recovery technology, can maintain optimal thermal comfort while minimizing operational carbon footprints. By analyzing measured performance gaps between predicted design models and post-occupancy operational data, participants will acquire practical tools to refine building design protocols and improve building performance verification standards.

Industry Collaboration and Networking

Collaboration between academia, government bodies, and industrial technology providers remains a core priority of the AIVC event. The workshop incorporates dedicated networking sessions, interactive poster presentations, and a commercial exhibition showcasing cutting-edge ventilation systems, air filtration technologies, and diagnostic equipment. Delegates will have ample opportunities to engage directly with equipment manufacturers, software developers, and research councils to discuss joint research initiatives, commercial technology transfers, and collaborative grant applications. Scheduled networking lunches, coffee breaks, and an evening dinner create a supportive environment for informal knowledge exchange and peer-to-peer discussions. By connecting building scientists, policy authors, and HVAC practitioners, the workshop accelerates the commercial adoption of sustainable ventilation innovations, fostering valuable partnerships that drive long-term progress across the global built environment sector.

Venue Facilities and Registration Guidance

The workshop takes place at the East Midlands Conference Centre, situated within the lush green surroundings of the University of Nottingham's University Park Campus. Known for its modern conference facilities, advanced audiovisual infrastructure, and sustainable building design, the venue provides an inspiring atmosphere for high-level technical discussions. The location offers excellent transit links, located just minutes from Nottingham city centre, Nottingham Railway Station, and East Midlands Airport, with direct access via local tram and bus networks. Attendees can choose from standard delegate rates, early-bird discounts, and discounted rates for full-time research students. Registration fees include full access to technical tracks, workshop presentation slide archives, coffee breaks, and official networking receptions. Participants are advised to secure their registrations early to secure attendance at this landmark building science event in Nottingham.