A ventilation system for a building is provided. The ventilation system includes a pair of passages between the interior and exterior of the building and at least one corona discharge apparatus for drawing fluid through the passages. The ventilation system may also include an energy recovery ventilator for transferring energy, humidity or the combination of energy and humidity between the fluid flowing through the two passages. Variable flow rates through the passages are provided by varying the voltage to the corona discharge apparatus. In addition, the corona discharge apparatuses may filter the air flowing through the passages.