Guide: Filters for Comfort Ventilation in Public Buildings
A healthy indoor climate is a legal requirement – and an investment in the future
Public buildings such as schools, cultural institutions, libraries, and offices must meet increasing demands for indoor air quality, energy efficiency, and sustainability. The ventilation system plays a central role – but without the right filters, it’s impossible to maintain air quality, energy performance, or operational reliability.
In this guide, you’ll get an overview of:
✅ What regulations require of filters
✅ How EN ISO 16890 influences filter selection
✅ Why energy efficiency and sustainability go hand in hand
✅ How to choose the right filters for your building
📞 Not sure which filters suit your system? Contact us here
What do the regulations require?
As the person responsible for the operation and maintenance of public buildings, you are obligated to ensure that the ventilation system delivers proper air quality and operates efficiently. The most important standard today is ISO 16890. With Simas Filters as your supplier, you are guaranteed that your filters comply with current standards – including ISO 16890 for comfort ventilation filters.
Did you know?
The WHO highlights ventilation and filtration as key factors for public health in indoor environments.
Read WHO’s recommendations here.
ISO 16890 classifies filters based on their ability to capture particles of different sizes (PM1, PM2.5, PM10). The standard focuses heavily on how well filters remove particles that affect human health.
To protect both systems and people, it is generally recommended to use filters of at least class ePM2.5 70%, depending on building type and outdoor air quality. In areas with high levels of air pollution, ePM1 ≥60% filters may be required to protect users and equipment.
The role of filters in sustainability and energy consumption
A filter is not just a filter. Your choice of filter has a direct impact on the building’s energy use, CO₂ emissions, and operating costs. Filters with a high pressure drop require more energy to maintain airflow, increasing electricity consumption.
By choosing filters with a low initial pressure drop and high dust-holding capacity, you can reduce the system’s energy needs without compromising on air quality. You’ll also extend the filter’s lifespan, reduce the frequency of replacements, and minimize waste and transport – all contributing positively to sustainability goals.
It’s essential to view filter selection as a balance between filtration efficiency and energy consumption.
How to choose the right filters
When selecting filters for a public building, you should consider:
Building use: Buildings with high occupancy and limited space require high air quality
Outdoor air quality: Areas with higher pollution demand higher filtration levels
System specifications: The technical performance and limitations of your ventilation system
Your filter choice should optimize both air quality, energy use, and the service life of the ventilation system. It is also recommended that filters are properly documented, so you can demonstrate compliance during inspections or certifications.
The benefits of effective, documented filters
Effective filters offer more than just clean air:
✔️ Protect system components from dirt and contamination
✔️ Reduce the need for duct cleaning
✔️ Ensure stable air quality over time
✔️ Minimize unexpected downtime
✔️ Support the building’s overall climate goals
By prioritizing correct and optimized filtration solutions, you help ensure that the building’s indoor environment complies with occupational health laws, building regulations, and energy labeling requirements.
Checklist: Do your filters meet requirements – and are they energy-efficient?
Use this checklist as a guide:
✅ Are your filters classified according to ISO 16890?
✅ Do they match the building’s use and outdoor air conditions?
✅ Is pressure drop optimized for low energy use?
✅ Is documentation available for inspections?
✅ Is regular monitoring and replacement planned?
📞 Want advice on your current filters? Contact us – no obligation.
How can Simas Filters help you?
At Simas Filters, we support public institutions in selecting and supplying filters that meet both regulatory and sustainability requirements. We advise based on your local air quality and system specifications – ensuring the right solution for your needs.
We offer:
✔️ Guidance on selecting the right filters for your application
✔️ Supply of documented filters for public buildings
✔️ Compliance documentation for inspections, energy labeling, and certifications
Are you unsure whether your filters are ready for the summer season – with pollen in the air and dust from nearby fields?
Simas Filters is ready to help.
