Experts examined reduced pathogen transmission using a building’s original mechanical design, original installation, design intent, and proper maintenance in a new white paper.
Return Ductwork Requirement for Airborne Pathogens Through the Airstream, discusses two approaches: pressure barriers and airflow distribution. The paper looks at the pros and cons of using the cavity above a finished ceiling as a return air plenum combined with supply air to the air handler as a proper ventilation technique.
Considerations include how ventilation systems affect the health and well-being of building occupants. A ceiling plenum provides some fan-specific energy efficiency and reduced material and labor costs, but it could put occupants and workers at risk and result in unintended energy losses. An open ceiling plenum is difficult to clean and disinfect, while ductwork can be easily cleaned.
A ducted return system allows a testing, adjusting, and balancing professional to adjust room pressures and airflow patterns to accommodate a change in use or mitigate pathogen transmission during a pandemic. Authors of the white paper include members of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Technical Committee 5.2 Duct Design.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Sep 8, 2016
Vapor intrusion risk addressed in new ASTM guide update
The updates address industry confusion over how to handle the issue.
BIM and Information Technology | Sep 7, 2016
Energy Star Portfolio Manager tool updated to factor in waste management
The costs and benefits of managing 29 types of waste are now included.
Wood | Sep 6, 2016
Atlanta suburb prohibits wood-framed construction for high rises
The new building code prevents any structure with more than three stories from being built from a CLT frame.
Codes and Standards | Sep 1, 2016
Overuse of air conditioning hurts office productivity
A study found temperatures in the low 70s reduce worker performance.
Regulations | Aug 31, 2016
FEMA wants to toughen flood regulation on projects using federal funds
The proposal ‘would essentially rewrite the current 100-year flood standard.’
Sustainability | Aug 30, 2016
New federal project plans must include climate impacts
Agencies must quantify the specific impacts when possible.
Green | Aug 29, 2016
Vancouver, B.C., to require zero emissions on new buildings by 2030
No net GHG emissions will be allowed.
Codes and Standards | Aug 25, 2016
Freddie Mac extends efforts to fund multifamily energy/water efficiency projects
The Multifamily Green Advantage targets existing buildings.
Codes | Aug 24, 2016
Weak building codes no match for recent natural disasters, say industry experts
The recent floods and wildfires in Alberta are being cited as proof.
Legislation | Aug 24, 2016
World Trade Center contractor found guilty of minority-owned business fraud
The company used two minority firms as fronts in a nearly $1 billion scheme.