Effectiveness of Building Systems in Mitigating SARS-CoV-2 and Other Airborne Viruses (Source: Engineered Systems)

By Matt Lusardi

This white paper is intended 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 contained herein are not intended for healthcare facilities with large numbers of infected patients or long-term care facilities with elderly and particularly vulnerable populations.

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. It is intended to provide guidance to owners who have various concerns such as reopening their facilities safely, costs associated with modifying and operating their buildings during the current pandemic, and planning for future design and construction projects.