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11. Building operations

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Return to July 2020 Update

Length:1 min read; 372 words

Note: The following paragraphs summarize the category of Building operations observed in July. More information about the specific category from July (and previous months) can be found in the downloaded report(s).The number in square brackets (e.g., [150]) refers to a reference where the reader can find more information about a specific statement.  The references can be found in the References list below, Systematized References page or in the downloaded report.

The “healthy buildings” term has temporarily replaced the “sustainable buildings”– though we should work on both topics in parallel and use the AI-driven technology to deliver autonomous building operations optimization, improve occupant comfort, lower energy consumption and decrease the building's carbon footprint. .””For the next 3-5 years indoor air quality (IAQ) will be the new “energy efficiency.” [270].

The community discusses what is the new demand-controlled ventilation? It should be substantially precise and targeted ventilation with increased number of sensors (as oppose to one sensor per room commonly engineered today). AI-enabled building operation could potentially address these new H&S measures. Once the measures are implemented, energy efficiency of buildings should be assessed because currently “building owners are using more energy to make building as safe as possible.” [305]

The discussion about transmission of SARS-CoV-2 continues (Is it airborne?) and how building operations should address the issue if it is airborne. While WHO suggests that airborne transmission is possible[60], ASHRAE recommends 24/7 365 ventilation and filtration (see the June section above). Such measures make sense in the short term but not in the long run. A new baseline standard for building operations is required. The questions of building operator have changed (before, during and after COVID-19).[305]

The experts from RESET@ standard [272] are working on an assessment method including sensor-driven index optimizing indoor environments against airborne viral infections. [273] The RESET team is “compiling and comparing research studies, and their work will be made public after further peer review, with the goal of creating a feedback loop between scientists and building operators. The final results are being used to inform two indicators, as well as an uncertainty score, based on real-time data from indoor air quality monitors: a) Building Optimization Index: Previously focused on particulate matter, CO2, chemical off-gassing (VOCs), temperature and humidity, the RESET Index is being expanded to include infection potential into a building system’s overall level of optimization for human health; and b) Airborne Infection Potential: Calculates a building’s contribution to the reduction of potential infection via airborne (aerosol) pathways. The indices also provide building operators with a breakdown of impact on immune system health, virus survivability and exposure, all of which will provide insights into the outcome of operational decisions.” [273]

Previous June Category Summary

References

[60] “Transmission of SARS-CoV-2: implications for infection prevention precautions.” (accessed Aug. 18, 2020).

[270] Realcomm, “Webinar: AI-Enabled Buildings – Achieving OPTIMAL ENERGY EFFICIENCY,” Jul. 23, 2020. (accessed Jul. 02, 2020).

[272] “RESET® Standard.” (accessed Aug. 21, 2020).

[273] “RESET advances sensor-driven index optimizing indoor environments against airborne viral infections | RESET®.” (accessed Aug. 21, 2020).

[305] Realcomm, “Webinar: Real Estate, Workplace and Facility Insights – WHO OWNS YOUR DATA?,” Jul. 14, 2020. (accessed Jul. 02, 2020).