Effectiveness of Building Systems in Mitigating SARS-CoV-2 and Other Airborne Viruses

By Matt Lusardi, PE, CEM, HFDP, LEED AP BD+C

Matt Lusardi published a whitepaper in Engineered Systems to provide guidance for owners of commercial buildings, including K-12 schools, higher education campuses and office buildings, to consider while returning to occupancy during the COVID-19 pandemic. The recommendations presented represent LAN’s opinions given the extent of scientific research and recommendations of health and professional organizations, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and others that we have reviewed to date. As new discoveries are made relating to COVID-19, this document may require revision in the future.

Most of the discussion in this paper will be related to Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems.