Rank: Super forum user 
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Following a bit of research I've confirmed for our office that there should be a rough 'Rate of air exchange' of 4 - 6 changes per hour.
The question I've been asked and now seek an answer from my peers is:
We have had new air con fitted can the windows be temporarily locked so as to maintain a constant temperature in the room (thus making the air con units work more efficiently) and how do high rise buildings with no openable windows cope?
Any assistance would be appreciated.
Badger
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Rank: Super forum user 
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What is the point of having operable windows in an office that has air conditioning?
If you have air conditioning then the windows must be shut or you end up trying to air condition all the air in the UK!
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Rank: Super forum user
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AK
I feel its a catch 22 situation. I stand corrected etc. whereby legally we are bound to have fresh air coming into the room BUT on the flip side of the coin I agree with you regarding trying to cool the car park outside the windows.
Back to the original question can the windows be temporarily be locked (say for the summer)?
Badger
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Rank: Forum user
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Rank: Super forum user 
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I'm not sure if I'm missing the point (and I fully accept I could be) but surely the air con system will ensure the air changes without the need to open windows.
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Rank: Super forum user
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Much will depend on how the air conditioning system is arranged. I have seen ones where there is a regular through flow of air from outside to outside, the incoming air being appropriately cooled/heated. I have also seen ones where the air is recycled through the air conditioning system. And I have seen ones where no through flow has been provided for and the only way that this could be achieved was by opening a window.
Of these my preference is for the first!
I see no reason why the windows should not be locked, unless, of course, they are intended as an escape route. Believe it or not, I did once work in an office where the access to the fire escape was through the window and over a flat roof!
Chris
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Rank: Super forum user
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As far as I'm aware the air con system is of the type where the air is recycled through the air conditioning system.
There are two suitable fire exits so no issues there. So back to the original question, is there any restriction on NOT having the windows available to pull fresh air through?
Badger
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Rank: Super forum user
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Badger
As far as I am aware, all air con systems always pull in some fresh air to minimise the build-up of odours, etc. This can be as little as 10% in winter but more in summer when the outside temperature is higher.
There should be no need to have the windows open if the system is working correctly but, if staff are used to having them open, it might prove difficult to persuade them otherwise.
LB
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Rank: Super forum user
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leadbelly wrote:Badger
... but, if staff are used to having them open, it might prove difficult to persuade them otherwise.
LB LB This leads me onto the next question does anyone have some good tips to persuade staff NOT to open the window to stop energy waste on cooling the car park? Badger
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Rank: Super forum user
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Barrie(Badger)Etter wrote:AK
I feel its a catch 22 situation. I stand corrected etc. whereby legally we are bound to have fresh air coming into the room BUT on the flip side of the coin I agree with you regarding trying to cool the car park outside the windows.
Back to the original question can the windows be temporarily be locked (say for the summer)?
Badger Where does it say legally that we need to provide fresh air ie air directly from outside through a window. It says in Workplace regs reg 6(1) “Effective and suitable provision shall be made to ensure that every enclosed workplace is ventilated by a sufficient quantity of fresh or purified air.” This can mean air conditioning.
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Rank: Super forum user
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Barrie(Badger)Etter wrote:leadbelly wrote:Badger
... but, if staff are used to having them open, it might prove difficult to persuade them otherwise.
LB LB This leads me onto the next question does anyone have some good tips to persuade staff NOT to open the window to stop energy waste on cooling the car park? Badger Immediate cessation of chocolate ration should do it!
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Rank: Forum user
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Fit magnetic switches to windows to inhibit the air con if the window opens.
Save energy at the same time.
Traditional air con installs cool or heat the air in the room, the outside unit is connected to the inside with pipework containing refrigerant gas not pulling in fresh air.
Some newer models can accept a fresh air input and provide both functions
Fresh air can come from AHU or a supply fan or indeed an opening window depending on the size of the room
Best to check the building regs
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