As we adjust and adapt to new conditions in the aftermath of Covid-19, the spotlight will once again fall on ways to minimise airborne infections and pollutants within our buildings and workplaces.

Many of us were concerned about indoor air quality and whether our workplaces were healthy environments before the pandemic. This is likely to be weighing even more heavily on people’s consciousness as we slowly return to the office.

So with this in mind, what are the six key things to consider?

Ventilation

Keeping the air within our buildings fresh and minimising mechanical recirculation wherever possible will help reduce the potential for airborne transmission of viruses and allergens.

In smaller spaces adapted for new social distancing requirements, standalone air purifiers could be considered. Opening windows will provide natural ventilation. However this must be judged against the risk of bringing in pollutants and allergens from the outside and the cold in autumn/winter.

Air filtration

Standard filters installed in typical air handling equipment do not always provide the filtration required to tackle microscopic pollutants, especially in densely occupied urban environments.

Equipment selection should therefore be influenced by local air quality, as well as industry standards. By replacing air handling unit filters with broad spectrum carbon-activated filters and considering the use of additional High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) bags, the smallest of airborne particulate matter (PM) can be captured, preventing them from reaching building occupants. 

Microbe and mould control

Regular checks throughout a building’s mechanical ventilation and air handling equipment for condensation or evidence of mould is crucial to minimise the breeding of germs and microbes, which can be circulated into an indoor space. Susceptible areas such as heating/cooling coils, drain pans, air vents and grills should be regularly inspected and cleaned.

Humidity Control

Humidity levels of between 35–50 per cent are optimal to prevent interior fixtures and fittings from off-gassing volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can be up to five times greater indoors than outside, some of which can be harmful to human health even in minute volumes.

Cleaning products and practices

Robust, consistent and thorough cleaning practices are required to ensure areas and surfaces which occupants are in regular contact with are cleaned throughout the day. However, care should be taken to ensure that products containing toxic or allergenic chemicals are not used, as they can pollute indoor air and cause harm to human health.

Continuous environment and air quality monitoring

Indoor air quality (IAQ) sensors can be installed to continuously monitor and measure pollutants. By displaying relevant performance data, and referring to it alongside maintenance and cleaning schedules, a holistic approach to a healthy and safe indoor environment can be taken. Real-time data also enables a faster response by building teams, who are alerted to issues as they arise.

Moving forward, buildings will need to be transparently operated for performance, harnessing the smart technologies available. Strategies which make the previously invisible now visible will be crucial to provide the peace of mind needed when it comes to health and wellbeing.

Further information

Savills Office FiT: Adapt, Evolve, Improve