11. Building operations
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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]
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