Protecting the health of all students from the spread of COVID-19 is essential to protecting the health of our communities. ASHRAE’s position is that “Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 through the air is sufficiently likely that airborne exposure to the virus should be controlled. Changes to building operations, including the operation of heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning [HVAC] systems, can reduce airborne exposures.”
As an HVAC service, maintenance, installation and building automation controls company, Enervise is determined to ensure schools are prepared to make their buildings as safe as possible for the start of the school year. In accordance with ASHRAE’s guidelines, Enervise designs Property Solutions for Schools & Education Facilities.
Educational facilities vary greatly when it comes to HVAC equipment, systems, controls and Building Automation Systems. School systems have an array of complexity, flexibility, and age which means every system needs a different solution.
The following guidance is formulated to help the owners of educational facilities better understand how to work with designers to retrofit and plan for the improvement of indoor air quality and to slow the transmission of viruses via the HVAC systems.
ASHRAE shares 3 design elements that should be a focus for each unique climate zone, unique school building and HVAC system:
- Increasing outside air to the spaces and treat return air
- Mechanical filtration of the supply air
- Maintaining indoor comfort as defined by the design temperature and relative humidity
ASHRAE also recognizes the importance of designers and local school systems working collaboratively on any system updates. The following considerations are key for effective collaboration:
- All retrofits and modifications must not contradict ASHRAE 62.1 guidelines
- All retrofits and modifications must continue to or exceed the standards and codes adopted by local jurisdictions
- The designer needs to work closely with local school systems to work in conjunction with new operational protocols and school operations.
The classroom should always be a safe space, so Enervise is closely following ASHRAE’s recommendations to ensure educational facilities are equipped with a solution that prioritizes health, safety, and the welfare of the occupants. Enervise also recognizes that solutions must fit within the budget to ensure schools can afford to stay open. We understand your unique needs and are ready to customize a solution to fit your learning environment. Tell us how we can help you.
