Haiti, a Caribbean country with a hot, humid climate and frequent hurricanes, requires building ventilation systems to balance energy efficiency and disaster resilience. 

Based on North American HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) technical standards and local needs, the following areas are suitable for deploying ERV (energy recovery ventilation) systems:

I. Urban Dense Areas

Port-au-Prince (the capital)

High-rise residential and commercial buildings must cope with high population density and high temperatures and humidity. ERV systems can recover exhaust air energy and reduce air conditioning loads.

It is recommended to use ERV equipment with a heat recovery efficiency of 70% or higher and design ventilation rates in accordance with ASHRAE 62 standards.

Cap-Haïtien (a northern port city)

Coastal industrial areas need to control salt spray corrosion. ERV systems can reduce fresh air processing energy consumption while filtering pollutants.

II. Educational and Healthcare Facilities

University campuses and hospitals

For example, the National University of Haiti needs to meet the indoor air quality requirements for LEED certification. ERV systems can balance ventilation with energy conservation and reduce 

CO₂ concentrations. Healthcare facilities must comply with ASHRAE 55 thermal comfort standards. ERVs can stabilize temperature and humidity, reducing the risk of cross-infection.

III. Key Points for Climate-Adaptive Design

In hurricane-prone areas: ERV systems require enhanced weatherproofing, such as sealed enclosures and backup power supplies.

In hot and humid climates: Full heat exchange ERVs are preferred, handling both sensible and latent heat loads.

IV. Policy and Cost Considerations

Referring to North American net-zero building examples, Haiti could promote ERV technology through international aid programs to reduce initial investment costs.

Local technicians need to be trained in ASHRAE standard installation and maintenance procedures.