5 ways to optimize buildings to prevent COVID-19
Although individual efforts to prevent transmission are critical, we have identified evidence-based solutions and operational strategies that address transmission of viruses, including coronavirus
Coronavirus has taken over a 24-hour news stream with article after article informing us of newly identified cases, handwashing techniques and why we should avoid touching our faces. While this information is vital to controlling the spread of COVID-19 and protecting the most vulnerable populations, one area that is commonly underestimated is the role that structural and operational decisions in our buildings can play in controlling the spread of this disease.
Let's start with the basics, what is a coronavirus?
Coronavirus is a family of viruses that affect the respiratory tract and cause a range of illnesses, from the common cold to a severe case of pneumonia. COVID-19, also called Coronavirus Disease 2019, is a disease caused by a new viral strain of coronavirus not previously seen in humans. While public health officials are still learning more about how the virus spreads and how to control the outbreak, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, COVID-19 can spread in three main ways, with the first two thought to be the most common:
1. Personal contact.
2. From person to person through the airborne respiratory tract formed when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
3. Contact with surfaces or objects containing the virus, followed by transmission to a person who touches their own mouth, nose, or eyes.
People are thought to be most contagious when they develop symptoms, although spread of the virus is possible before symptoms appear. It is important to note that more than 80% of confirmed cases of coronavirus are not severe and do not require hospitalization. Vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with chronic illnesses, are at greater risk of infection and have more severe symptoms.
How can the real estate industry help reduce coronavirus transmission?
As COVID-19 spreads, the link between health and the environment is becoming increasingly clear. Although much is still unknown about this virus, there are immediate preventative measures that can be taken by those in the real estate industry to reduce the risk of infection:
1. Increased ventilation: While air recirculation has become standard in our buildings, ventilation using clean outside air is vital to dilute airborne contaminants and reduce the spread of disease. For buildings without mechanical heating and ventilation systems, another option is to simply open the windows - ventilate.
2. Sign agitating frequent hand washing: Health care professionals recommend washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds as often as possible. Although Fitwel, a healthy living certification system, has a relatively easy strategy to follow, our July 2019 analysis showed that only 40% of Fitwel-certified projects had integrated handwashing signs into their facilities, showing clear opportunities for improvement.
3. Reinforce cleaning protocols: Adjusting cleaning protocols to meet the demands of the current situation is another sound approach. Increase the frequency of cleaning, replenish cleaning supplies ahead of time, and make sure hand soap, hand sanitizer, paper towels and wipes are left in the bathrooms.
4. Maintain optimal humidity: Evidence suggests that viruses survive better in low humidity conditions. Buildings can increase humidity by using heating and ventilation systems to maintain an optimal range of 40 to 60%, or by purchasing and installing portable humidifiers throughout the building.
5. Filter indoor air: While it may take longer to implement changes in air filtration practices, it is worth noting that this approach can help property managers, architects and engineers plan for the future. Research shows that recirculating air filtration can be effective in reducing the transmission of airborne infectious diseases. When operating at full capacity, High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters can remove 99.97% of particles 0-3 microns or larger. These filters remove dust, vapors, bacteria and fungi, and also effectively capture viral particles that are spread by droplet nuclei. Studies show that under certain conditions, using recirculating air with HEPA filters reduces particle concentrations in indoor air, similar to full-scale outdoor air ventilation systems.
It goes without saying that healthy buildings play a central role in creating a healthy world. In addition to the daily precautions taken by individuals, the building industry and employers play a vital role in creating a safe environment for themselves and their employees.
Additional resources
U.S. CDC: Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 → World Health Organization: Getting Your Workplace Ready for COVID-19 →BOMA Canada: Coronavirus Resources →Global Wellness Institute: PositivelyWell →
New York Times: Your Building Can Make You Sick or Keep You Well → Financial Times: How Healthy Buildings Can Help Us Fight Coronavirus →
More details on https://www.fitwel.org/
Tags: #well #leed #healthybuildings
Coronavirus is a family of viruses that affect the respiratory tract and cause a range of illnesses, from the common cold to a severe case of pneumonia. COVID-19, also called Coronavirus Disease 2019, is a disease caused by a new viral strain of coronavirus not previously seen in humans. While public health officials are still learning more about how the virus spreads and how to control the outbreak, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, COVID-19 can spread in three main ways, with the first two thought to be the most common:
1. Personal contact.
2. From person to person through the airborne respiratory tract formed when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
3. Contact with surfaces or objects containing the virus, followed by transmission to a person who touches their own mouth, nose, or eyes.
People are thought to be most contagious when they develop symptoms, although spread of the virus is possible before symptoms appear. It is important to note that more than 80% of confirmed cases of coronavirus are not severe and do not require hospitalization. Vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with chronic illnesses, are at greater risk of infection and have more severe symptoms.
How can the real estate industry help reduce coronavirus transmission?
As COVID-19 spreads, the link between health and the environment is becoming increasingly clear. Although much is still unknown about this virus, there are immediate preventative measures that can be taken by those in the real estate industry to reduce the risk of infection:
1. Increased ventilation: While air recirculation has become standard in our buildings, ventilation using clean outside air is vital to dilute airborne contaminants and reduce the spread of disease. For buildings without mechanical heating and ventilation systems, another option is to simply open the windows - ventilate.
2. Sign agitating frequent hand washing: Health care professionals recommend washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds as often as possible. Although Fitwel, a healthy living certification system, has a relatively easy strategy to follow, our July 2019 analysis showed that only 40% of Fitwel-certified projects had integrated handwashing signs into their facilities, showing clear opportunities for improvement.
3. Reinforce cleaning protocols: Adjusting cleaning protocols to meet the demands of the current situation is another sound approach. Increase the frequency of cleaning, replenish cleaning supplies ahead of time, and make sure hand soap, hand sanitizer, paper towels and wipes are left in the bathrooms.
4. Maintain optimal humidity: Evidence suggests that viruses survive better in low humidity conditions. Buildings can increase humidity by using heating and ventilation systems to maintain an optimal range of 40 to 60%, or by purchasing and installing portable humidifiers throughout the building.
5. Filter indoor air: While it may take longer to implement changes in air filtration practices, it is worth noting that this approach can help property managers, architects and engineers plan for the future. Research shows that recirculating air filtration can be effective in reducing the transmission of airborne infectious diseases. When operating at full capacity, High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters can remove 99.97% of particles 0-3 microns or larger. These filters remove dust, vapors, bacteria and fungi, and also effectively capture viral particles that are spread by droplet nuclei. Studies show that under certain conditions, using recirculating air with HEPA filters reduces particle concentrations in indoor air, similar to full-scale outdoor air ventilation systems.
It goes without saying that healthy buildings play a central role in creating a healthy world. In addition to the daily precautions taken by individuals, the building industry and employers play a vital role in creating a safe environment for themselves and their employees.
Additional resources
U.S. CDC: Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 → World Health Organization: Getting Your Workplace Ready for COVID-19 →BOMA Canada: Coronavirus Resources →Global Wellness Institute: PositivelyWell →
New York Times: Your Building Can Make You Sick or Keep You Well → Financial Times: How Healthy Buildings Can Help Us Fight Coronavirus →
More details on https://www.fitwel.org/
Tags: #well #leed #healthybuildings
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