FAQ: Building Efficiencies And Clean Air Filtration by Jennifer (Gray) Geen
In November 2021, the federal government established the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). Commonly referred to as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and touted as a “once-in-a-generation level of funding,” this bill aims to deliver $1.2 trillion. Although most of the investment is allocated to modernizing our roads, bridges and railways, there is also significant funding to improve indoor spaces, including updating America’s ports, airports, schools and more. In addition, the Department of Energy will receive $63 billion in funding to cover a large swath of rural and tribal energy upgrades to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It is an opportunity for government entities to fund projects that will make a lasting impact on the health and wellness of shared spaces, while also reducing carbon emissions.
People expect more from their indoor environments than ever before. What does indoor environment mean now amidst the ongoing pandemic/endemic? Indoor environmental quality remains a primary concern as people return to offices, restaurants, shopping, and travel and entertainment. One important challenge this bill aims to address is improving the indoor air quality of buildings. Air quality is about so much more than how comfortable you feel in a space – though that is undoubtedly important. Improvements may lead to better productivity and overall wellbeing. The quality of the indoor air we breathe impacts our comfort. Better air handling may mean less contagion spread and increased comfort. This sets buildings up to be better prepared to handle any future endemics, pandemics or other major widespread health events.
What are the key elements to understanding the indoor environment? • Air Quality - Address airborne health risks for more comfortable and cleaner air. • Thermal Comfort - Create a stimulating environment that is also energy efficient. • Lighting - Foster positive, productive spaces that work with the body’s circadian rhythm.
• Acoustics - reduce noise to enhance comfort, concentration or improve sound privacy.
I want to focus on indoor air quality specifically. What are the basics and why? Air quality is vital to our ability to thrive. With assistance from the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE®) and the Federation of European Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Associations (REHVA®) guidelines, Trane recommends a fourpillar approach to improve air quality: • Dilute – Use proper ventilation to ensure plenty of fresh, outdoor air comes into the building to dilute any buildup of contaminants. • Exhaust - Remove exhaust air efficiently – especially from kitchens, restrooms, and combustion systems. • Contain - Keep indoor humidity levels within the ASHRAE recommended ranges to maximize the comfort of the building and remove contaminants at their source. • Clean - Reduce particles, odors or microorganisms, such as mold, bacteria and certain viruses. To understand how your facilities perform in these four key areas, you will need an Indoor Air Quality Assessment. This is a fact-based, comprehensive review of your building with a report of conditions and if needed, recommendations on how www.mocities.com
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