Properly ventilating schools, universities and colleges requires a careful balance between bringing in oxygenated air from outdoors and removing stale air. Using indoor air quality sensors, as part of a wider building management system (BEMS), is an effective way of monitoring the presence of a range of pollutants. The latest generation of sensors enables building owners to strategically outfit their buildings without significant expenditure. Alongside managing the rate of air exchange, the use of filtration and cleaning technologies are an important defence against airborne pathogens. One of the latest filtration and cleaning developments is the use of electronic air cleaners (EACs), which carry an ionising electric charge that helps remove solid and liquid pollutants without significantly impeding air flow. These systems can be paired with UV purifiers that, when used properly, have been shown by laboratory studies to inactivate certain viral, bacterial and fungal organisms.

Air quality is not just about outright cleanliness but also associated factors such as temperature and relative humidity as both have a bearing on occupant comfort. In most cases, the optimal range for humidity is around 40-60% as this is where the communication of viral pathogens is at its lowest; it is more difficult to control the spread of potential infections in excessively dry conditions.

On the other hand, excessive humidity promotes the growth of dust mites and fungi, which are known to exacerbate respiratory conditions and allergies. Managing indoor air temperatures is a more complex balancing act. Studies show that virus survival rate decreases as temperatures rise. Yet, higher temperatures have an impact on occupant comfort and humidity levels.

Running a BEMS in the most effective and efficient way is specific to each building, depending on its location, balancing the comfort and well-being of its occupants with energy use.

A modern BEMS not only helps maintain occupant comfort, it also helps minimise avoidable energy expenditures. For example, sensors are capable of monitoring light readings to provide an optimum level of illumination, only switching on lighting when and where it is needed.

Additionally, areas such as hallways, classrooms and lecture halls can be run more efficiently, especially if footfall and usage aren’t constant. Air conditioning systems, lighting and audio visual equipment in parts of a building not being used can be automatically switched off or turned down to an energy saving mode.

This doesn’t just reduce energy consumption, it can also help improve the occupant experience by making the most appropriate facilities available, cost effectively and efficiently. Significantly, sensors can monitor occupant activity and building capacity in real time, helping maintain regulatory compliance, such as social distancing, to further confidence. From a building management perspective, it is possible, indeed, desirable, to manage a building portfolio using remote tools, especially when dealing with lockdowns and limited access to a site. The benefits include the ability to respond to changing situations in real time from any location.

We need to implement today’s cutting edge technologies to shape how we use our built environment. From universities, colleges, and hospitals to places of work and relaxation, the onus is going to be on building managers to not only create healthier environments but also ones in which occupants are confident about that safety.

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