Digitalisation Part 5

PART 5

Author: Paul McCormack, Belfast Metropolitan College Innovation Manager

In the first three articles of this series we looked at the tools that the construction sector could avail of to build a pathway to digitalisation success. The fourth detailed the need for upskilling in the industry, and this article will outline some of the benefits that the sector can secure if it continues to engage on this journey, writes Paul McCormack, Innovation Manager, Belfast Metropolitan College.

Construction in Ireland is experiencing significant internal challenges – labour shortages, supply chain problems and cost controls. These are compounded by external challenges such as the demand to reduce the construction C02 footprint, and the energy consumption of buildings.

Despite strong pipelines of work (€1.64 trillion of construction-related turnover estimated for the EU market during the next five years), attracting young people into the sector is difficult, partly because of a perceived lack of stability, modernity and diversity in the sector. As detailed in previous articles, construction is one of the slowest to innovate, lying second last on the innovation table, just above the agricultural sector.

Innovate or perish

This lack of innovation has led to inefficiencies across the entire value chain and these inefficiencies have magnified as other sectors have embraced digitalisation ingrowth plans. These inherent, embedded inefficiencies, in some places of endemic proportions, mean the industry must now innovate or perish. Innovation in digitalisation is the pathway to recovery, growth and sustainability. Cumulative inefficiencies not only result in increased costs, but also environmental impacts such as materials wastage, inefficient asset allocation, increased pollution and poor productivity. Today, many construction design processes are still being carried out that could be completed faster, cheaper and more accurately if the companies concerned embarked on a digital implementation strategy.

One of the fastest and most beneficial routes to address these challenges is to upskill the workforce, provide it with the digital skills, access and tools to help transition the sector into an innovative, relevant, energy efficient industry. These benefits of digitalisation are many faceted and will be realised at all stages and levels of the construction value chain. They will also enable the sector to grow in expertise and remain competitive.

Addressing the panel discussion entitled “How BIM enables digitalisation and skills development” at RIAI’s Architecture + Building Expo 2021, Joseph Mady, founder and Managing Director, Digital Construction Technologies (DCT) and BIM Champion, CIF’s Mechanical & Electrical Contractors Association (M&ECA), said: “BIM is an interdisciplinary tool that all workers in construction require. Many will only need the BIM basics or fundamentals, while others will need more advanced knowledge. However, all will require the key knowledge and applications that empower digital utilisation for a company, society and environment to ultimately benefit from the ensuing cost, productivity and energy benefits that result.”

Opportunity

To meet the climate challenge, the construction sector must reduce its carbon footprint. This has resulted in the EU setting significant challenges that the construction sector must address. These challenges also bring opportunity. Companies that rise to them will grow, become more competitive and have a long-term future. Companies who fail to rise to the challenge will simply wither and die. To achieve these new international targets and enjoy the benefits of increased productivity,

competitiveness and economic growth, it is vital that the green economy delivers a better-skilled workforce and develops new competencies and methods of working.

Skills allocation

The pandemic has exacerbated the shortage of staff on construction sites across the supply chain to the sector. With productivity and safety at the top of all companies’ agendas, the use of digital tools and data analysis is the solution to maintaining safe numbers of staff on site, while also maintaining productivity. Digital planning and resourcing tools are key assets in assessing labour requirements on site and deploying staff across sites, thereby maximising efficiency and effectiveness.

In the same panel discussion at Architecture + Building Expo in November, Dr Avril Behan, Technological University Dublin, said: “As Europe seeks to address the climate crisis, construction must develop a skilled and digitally-equipped workforce. The green economy is a higely instrumental part of sustainable development and this provides a wonderful catalyst for the construction sector to deploy digital skills and innovatve practices throughout the workforce, especially in the VET sector, and to equip all to become vocationally active.”

Digital efficiencies

As construction embraces Building Information Modelling (BIM) as one of the digital tools in its digitalisation toolbox, companies get into the generative design process that enables designers to explore thousands of possible designs in minutes. These BIM packages help designers access and develop key parameters early in the design phase, including cost, weight, design specifications, CO2 emissions, material wastage and much more as part of the design phase. This “automation” allows a company choose from optimal design outputs based on more precise, efficient and accurate designs. It also provides a framework on which to measure all parts of the construction phase, including cost, waste and energy consumption.

Digital project management tools are also highly effective throughout the entire planning and build process, assisting management to maintain a continuous digital “hands-on” approach, tracking data to make informed decision-making on materials, costs, productivity, planning and waste. Project planning using 3D scans to measure planned vs actual timelines allows for highly-accurate iterations and control measures. These digital advances have improved efficiencies by up to 50%.

Data analysis

BIM and digital twins provide continuous streams of data. This data, when translated into information, ensures that decisions are based on real-time information, enabling more thorough on-site and off-site inspections. In short, BIM is a digital representation of the physical and functional characteristics of a building … it is the “digital twin” of the physical building and allows for inspection during and after construction. It also enhances post construction maintenance.

Michael Earley, BIM Manager at the DAA, was also at Architecture + Building Expo and he said: “Digitalisation is a vital process in our planning and asset management activities. We want to be smart clients who provide delivery teams with standards and processes that support the digital delivery of asset information. A key strategy for DAA is the integration of BIM, GIS and FM systems, each of which have their strengths but need to be integrated by using workflows to maximise benefits for the different functions within DAA. We are supporting the use of mobile devices for inspections, testing, commissioning, operations and maintenance which puts data provided by these technologies in the hands of the people who need it, wherever their work may be located.”

Connectivity

Digitalisation is now becoming pervasive in our daily lives. It is driving a level of connectivity never seen before in society. Construction companies that introduce and deploy digitalisation throughout their processes enjoy significant benefits from increased connectivity. Utilising digital “disruptive” methods and technologies, such as BIM, enables staff, contractors and others in the supply chain to communicate electronically, exchange documents, and make immediate changes and revisions. Importantly, they can review building performance characteristics and share in the visual language tailored to different actors.

Michael Curran, Chairman, CIBSE Ireland and Head of Building Services, Energy & Utilities, NUIG reflected on this recently when he stated: “We are connected virtually to every part of the NUIG campus and can plan, monitor, evaluate and adjust all equipment.This saves time, money and energy. Digital connectivity, internally and externally to sub-contractors and operators, is key to the success of our effective energy management process.

Conclusion

For each company in the construction sector the digitalisation pathway will be unique and different, depending on size, scale and vision. For the journey to deliver benefits, the first step is to understand what it is you want from the process, and to then plan the route to unlocking the potential of your workforce.

As in other sectors, success and growth for companies in the built environment is built upon staff. If the staff are well- trained and skilled in their work, they become more connected and engaged. They will become more involved and enthusiastic about their work and, as a result, productivity and quality levels will increase.

A digitally-informed and empowered construction workforce will drive innovation and growth in the sector. It will ensure that it can adapt, modernise and embrace new technology, and truly adopt digital working as the new standard. This will help individual companies and the sector at large to overcome inherent resistance to change. The key benefit of digitalisation is an empowered, skilled workforce that can build better, greener and more sustainable buildings.

COVER STORY

Air quality and wellness … ‘Don’t rely solely on HEPA filters to keep schools safe’

This is not me making this statement … this is Dr Mike Ryan of the World Health Organisation (WHO) in a recent interview taken from the Irish Independent, writes Michael Curran (right), CIBSE Ireland Chairman and Head of Building Services, Energy and Utilities at NUI Galway. Dr Ryan says classroom-proofing must be multi-faceted as a “silver bullet” approach can do more harm than good.

There has been a rush lately to install HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filters in all classrooms and offices as they are seen as the “silver bullet” to assist in fighting COVID-19 … but are we sure?

The context of Dr Ryan’s comments reflects my belief that we are rushing to supply HEPA filters which may deactivate or displace the measures currently in place. So far the widely-published and implemented Covid-19 mitigation strategies have predominantly focused on reducing close-range transmission using face coverings, physical distancing, respiratory etiquette, hand hygiene and ventilation. There is a place for HEPA filters but only in the correct context.

CIBSE Covid-19: Ventilation (Version 5, 16th July 2021) updated the guidance for ventilation in buildings based on further studies and reports issued in collaboration with WHO, SAGE, REHVA, ASHRAE and other professional bodies. It was also the first time it issued guidance on “air cleaners” by publishing a separate document called Covid-19: Air cleaning technologies (Version 1, 16th July 2021). Note all these documents are free to download from the CIBSE Ireland website.

As with most building services professionals, when the word HEPA is used we automatically think of large cleanroom installations designed to ISO Class, with 20-40 air changes per hour, air handling units, ductwork and specialist grilles, etc. Consequently, when I hear the word HEPA filter in the context of schools or offices it conjures

up images of complicated systems installed in the space.

CIBSE and other bodies use the defined phrase “air cleaning technologies” to describe the equipment to be provided. I therefore think suppliers, the media and industry professionals should refrain from using the term HEPA and refer to the solution as “air cleaning technologies” as there are several products on the market that don’t use HEPA filters.

Since schools reopened last month, reports of low temperatures in classrooms are commonplace as the advice is to open windows/doors where possible. This has obvious consequences and there is an urgent need to consider actions that can assist schools now, and next winter. The Department of Education has issued several calls for funding through the summer works schemes and schools should apply for these grants. Where necessary, they should seek the help of professional building service engineers to assist in preparing their applications. Natural ventilation Guidance advises users to open windows/ doors to allow fresh air to enter the room to create an air change rate within the space. Traditionally, most schools’ method of ventilation is through natural ventilation, the process by which airflow through openings is driven by the natural forces of wind (wind effect) and temperature difference (stack effect). It can consist of openable windows, trickle ventilators on windows, ventilation openings on walls, openable roof lights, etc. In some cases, natural ventilation may include building management systems (BMS) and controls such as actuators to open windows and roof lights.

Natural ventilation in schools has existed for hundreds of years and schools were in fact designed specifically with large windows on the external walls. These windows had opening sections at high level with openings above the classroom door to create an airflow across the room. CIBSE Applications Manual AM10 – Natural Ventilation in Non-domestic Buildings details these natural ventilation strategies.

The Department of Education has several technical guidance documents which set out requirements for design teams to achieve when designing or refurbishing schools. TGD 20, TGD21-1, TGD033 and Building Bulletin 01 (UK Government) give detailed guidance for schools. The guidance documents have been developed to ensure environmental conditions are met in classrooms/ offices. While unfortunately some schools have temporary buildings, these too have specific design parameters around windows and openings.

With the increased requirements for windows to be open due to Covid-19, thermal conditions in classrooms differ in winter. Behavioural responses in occupants may result in ventilation provision being deactivated or minimised. For example, increased ventilation can result in colder indoor environments or cold draughts. This can cause occupants to close windows, and/or reduce or turn off ventilation provision, thus failing to reach the goal of increased ventilation.

Winter always brings additional pressure on the heating demands in schools but now, with the requirement to keep windows open, the challenge is far greater. I recently visited a school to trouble-shoot why it had major issues with maintaining the correct environmental conditions. Upon investigation I discovered that all the windows were open wide, and the heating was only on for one hour in the morning and one hour in the afternoon. The reduction in heating times obviously meant there was no way the classrooms could be maintained at the correct temperature.

An obvious starting point would be to keep the heating on for longer but, from a school management point of view, this has serious cost implications. Add to that the fact that energy prices have significantly increased in the last six months and it is easy to see the schools dilemma. Even as an interim measure, I would urge the Government

Traditionally, most schools’ method of ventilation is through natural ventilation, the process by which airflow through openings is driven by the natural forces of wind (wind effect) and temperature difference (stack effect).

It is clear that there are several key control measures available to schools (guidance can be used for office buildings, universities etc), whether through natural ventilation, CO2 monitoring and, where applicable, air cleaning technologies, that will reduce transmission in the spaces.

to increase funding for schools to pay oil or gas bills, and mandate longer running hours of heating systems to help address the problem.

In winter, the driving forces for natural ventilation – pressure differences caused by wind and differences in temperature between indoors and outdoors — are usually greater. Thus, smaller openings can deliver an adequate flow rate. Adjusting natural ventilation openings can be complemented by purging a space – by opening windows or ventilators fully for several minutes during unoccupied periods, such as during breaks or between meetings.

CIBSE also recommends something of a common sense approach. Improving occupant comfort, particularly in naturally-ventilated indoor spaces, can be achieved if the occupants of these spaces dress appropriately. Relaxation of school uniform dress codes should be considered, if necessary, to allow warmer clothes to be worn during cooler weather. Increasing the distance of occupants from openable vents, where possible, also gives more time for incoming cool air plumes to mix with warm room air prior to entering he occupied zone. CO2 sensors The Department of Education issued CO2 sensors to all schools to assist in identifying the CO2 levels in classrooms. These devices were intended to assist teachers identify when rooms became stuffy (CO2 sensors do not detect Covid-19) so they could react and open windows/doors to ventilate the space whenever necessary. Limits for CO2 levels in classrooms are listed in TGD033 (Reference Green, Amber, and Red levels).

This system has worked in most cases but further clarification and communication to schools would help with understanding and implementation. CIBSE, along with several other professional bodies, is currently carrying out a pilot project of 30 primary schools in the UK using CO2 sensors and air cleaning technologies to research their advantages and disadvantages. The report will hopefully be published this coming summer and allow for recommendations to be implemented before next winter on the effectiveness of air cleaning technology or upgrades of ventilations solutions. Air cleaning technologies The Covid-19 pandemic created an urgent need for safer indoor spaces. The question to be asked is … are air cleaners an effective solution for reducing Covid-19 risks? The scientific evidence suggests that air cleaners could be part of the solution in minimising risks in certain situations, but they are not a solution that reduces all risks. Building managers and engineers should use Figure 3 (high level flowchart for assessing suitability of portable air cleaner as part of Covid-19 mitigation strategies) on page 9 of Covid-19: Air cleaning technologies (Version 1, 16th July 2021) to assess the need for air cleaning technologies within spaces.

Air cleaners that are based on filtration (with a HEPA filter) are most often recommended as likely to be effective (Lindsley, et al., 2021) and those that include ultraviolet lamps may also work (CIBSE, 2021). Devices

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that clean the air have existed for many years. They range from the well-known, such as mechanical filtration, to more novel and less studied methods, which employ a variety of catalysts, ionisers, electrostatic or other techniques to alter particles passing physically or chemically through them.

The market for air cleaning devices includes an extremely wide range of products, technologies and prices, with consumer devices available from less than €100.

It should be noted that air cleaning devices require natural ventilation to assist in their operation, therefore windows cannot remain shut.

Recommendations What are the existing recommendations around air cleaning devices? CIBSE (CIBSE, 2021), REHVA (REHVA, 2020), and SAGE (SAGE-EMG, 2020) outline that portable air cleaning devices based on mechanical filtration (such as HEPA filters or UV-C) are “likely to be beneficial if deployed correctly” (SAGE- EMG, 2020). According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in situations where no other (short-term) strategies can be adopted such as increasing ventilation rates, a stand-alone air cleaner with HEPA filters could be used (CDC, 2021) (WHO, 2021). However, it is important to understand that the effectiveness of air cleaning devices may be limited by how much air can pass through them and how people operate them (for example – what flow setting is used: low, medium, or high?).

It is recommended that designers and suppliers issue schools with design calculations based on the Appendix One: HEPA air cleaner Technical Guidance issued by the Department of Education – Room Air Cleaner Guidance for Schools. Rev 1. December 2021. By correctly adding this additional mitigation measure, it may ensure classrooms reduce transmission. Summary It is clear that there are several key control measures available to schools (guidance can be used for office buildings, universities etc), whether through natural ventilation, CO2 monitoring and, where applicable, air cleaning technologies, that will reduce transmission in the revelant spaces. It is key that the information is communicated correctly and in line with accredited guidance documents, and not on the basis of one-off, ad hoc, “silver bullet” solutions. Key actions (1) The use of the phrase HEPA be replaced with “air cleaning technologies”; (2) Schools to be provided with details around natural ventilation strategies for the classrooms. For information relating to the UK Pilot project see www.CoSchools.org.uk; (3) Schools should engage professional engineers to carry out assessments of the existing classrooms for summer works funding in time for next winter. Most schools already comply with the recommendations in TGDs although older schools require further assessments; (4) Suppliers of air cleaning technologies should provide calculations and certifications to their clients and follow up to ensure the units are operating correctly; (5) Review of funding to schools for capitation grant per student. This will allow schools operate heating systems longer and maintain thermal comfort in classrooms.

Covid-19 has clearly shown a definite need for innovative energy recovery systems in our schools/buildings. The challenge now for building services engineers and the supply sector is to provide solutions that can be retrofitted to existing buildings, but in an economical way.

However, technical guidance on the design of ventilation systems must at all times comply with the Building Regulations and recommended best

practice for all building types.

Cleanairmatters

According to the WHO, Covid-19is mainly spread through the air in aerosols. Rensair s portable, hospital-gradeair purifier combines H13HEPA filtration with germicidal UVC light to trap and destroy suchairborneviruses.

In a test* to determine Rensair s performance in reducing theconcentration of MS2 bioaerosols as a proxy for SARS-CoV-2, a particle reduction rate of 99.98% was recordedin 15 minutes and above 99.99% in 30 minutes. Developedto meet thestrict standards of Scandinavian hospitals, Rensair'spatented technology meets theDepartment of Education's .

Portable air purification is afraction of the cost of an in-built ventilation systemand, with winter approaching, cleaning existing air instead of bringing in outdoor air can save a small fortune in heating.

Clean air matters morethan ever. For a practical, affordable and effectivesolution, contact Core Air Conditioning Ireland for advice.

*Source:Inactivationof aerosolisedviruses:MS2bacteriophage (independent test by the DanishTechnologicalInstitute).