Indoor Air Quality
Building owners are under pressure to maintain indoor air quality at a new, higher standard, while not only avoiding increases in energy use but also actively lowering it to meet ambitious emission targets. The traditional approach to HVAC, of simply monitoring temperature and turning the knob accordingly, simply doesn’t cut it in a carbon-conscious world. The key tool that commercial real estate needs to embrace to overcome this global challenge is the informed, strategic use of data.
Building owners are under pressure to maintain indoor air quality at a new, higher standard, while not only avoiding increases in energy use but also actively lowering it to meet ambitious emission targets. The traditional approach to HVAC, of simply monitoring temperature and turning the knob accordingly, simply doesn’t cut it in a carbon-conscious world. The key tool that commercial real estate needs to embrace to overcome this global challenge is the informed, strategic use of data.
Maintaining good indoor air quality requires attention to the building’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system; the design and layout of the space; and pollutant source management. HVAC systems include all of the equipment used to ventilate, heat and cool the building; to move the air around the building (ductwork); and to filter and clean the air.
Solar Power
- Ventilation system design. The air delivery capacity of an HVAC system is based in part on the projected number of people and amount of equipment in a building. When areas in a building are used differently than their original purpose, the HVAC system may require modification to accommodate these changes. For example, if a storage area is converted into space occupied by people, the HVAC system may require alteration to deliver enough conditioned air to the space.
- Outside air supply. Adequate supply of outside air, typically delivered through the HVAC system, is necessary in any office environment to dilute pollutants that are released by equipment, building materials, furnishings, products and people. Distribution of ventilation air to occupied spaces is essential for comfort.
- Outdoor air quality. When present, outdoor air pollutants such as carbon monoxide, pollen and dust may affect indoor conditions when outside air is taken into the building’s ventilation system. Properly installed and maintained filters can trap many of the particles in this outdoor supply air. Controlling gaseous or chemical pollutants may require more specialized filtration equipment.
- Space planning. The use and placement of furniture and equipment may affect the delivery of air to an occupied space. For instance, the placement of heat generating equipment, like a computer, directly under an HVAC control device such as a thermostat may cause the HVAC system to deliver too much cool air, because the thermostat senses that the area is too warm. Furniture or partitions that block supply or return air registers can affect IAQ as well, and need to be positioned with attention to air flow.
- Equipment maintenance. Diligent maintenance of HVAC equipment is essential for the adequate delivery and quality of building air. All well-run buildings have preventive maintenance programs that help ensure the proper functioning of HVAC systems.
- Controlling other pollutant pathways. Pollutants can spread throughout a building by moving through stairwells, elevator shafts, wall spaces and utility chases. Special ventilation or other control measures may be needed for some sources.