The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has focused public attention on the risks posed by viral transmission in buildings. Contributory factors that have been known about for some time, have now been placed centre stage, emphasising the influence that elements such as fresh air, temperature, minimum relative humidity and even sunlight all have on the spread of viruses.
The aim of Condair’s whitepaper is to provide an overview of these factors and promote dialogue between facility managers, users and health and safety officers, enabling the right package of health protection measures to be considered. The whitepaper also includes a checklist so that readers can take stock of their building’s current situation, discover the extent to which their premises protects against the spread of infections and identify where improvements could be made.
Oliver Zimmermann, chief executive of Condair Group, commented: “The Condair Group is the world’s leading specialist on humidity control and for years we’ve collaborated with scientists and healthcare experts to understand and promote the importance of optimal humidity for health. Through this research we appreciate that humidity control is just one, but a decisive, weapon that can be used in the fight against respiratory infections.”
“Upgrading our built environment to better protect human health from the current COVID-19 and future potential pandemics, whilst not sacrificing the important gains we have made in energy efficiency, is the single largest challenge the HVAC industry will face in our lifetime. To achieve this objective, we must act as a sector to educate, cooperate and implement practical solutions as rapidly as possible. This whitepaper presents a clear and concise overview of the steps building operators can and should be taking to enhance occupant health, using a holistic approach, rather than a one-size-fits-all, to indoor environmental management.” Oliver concluded.
Condair’s Making Buildings Healthier whitepaper can be downloaded from www.condair.co.uk/healthy-building.