“REHVA guidance for HVAC systems operation and reduction the spread of viral diseases in workplaces”

Panellist: Prof. Jarek Kurnitski, Chair of REHVA Technology and Research Committee
Chair: Tony O’ Keeffe, CTTC Chair, ASHRAE Ireland Chapter
Date/Time: Thu, Sep 10th , 2020 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM BST
Further Info: http://ashrae-ireland.org/webinar-ser...

New evidence on SARS-CoV-2 airborne transmission has made ventilation measures the most important engineering controls in the infection control. While physical distancing is important to avoid a close contact, the risk of an aerosol concentration and cross-infection from 1.5 m onward from an infected person can be reduced with adequate ventilation and effective air distribution solutions. Three levels of guidance are discussed in the presentation: (1) how to operate HVAC and other building services in existing buildings right now during an epidemic; (2) how to conduct a risk assessment and assess the safety of different buildings and rooms; and (3) what would be more far-reaching actions to further reduce the spread of viral diseases in future in buildings with improved ventilation systems.

Jarek Kurnitski is a Professor at Tallinn University of Technology, Estonia, and at Aalto University, Finland. As Chair of REHVA Technology and Research Committee he has been leading REHVA COVID-19 Task Force preparing European HVAC guidance for an epidemic situation. He is the leader of Estonian Center of Excellence in Research ZEBE, Zero Energy and Resource Efficient Smart Buildings and Districts. He is internationally known for the preparation of technical definitions for nearly zero energy buildings through many activities in REHVA Technology and Research Committee and contributions to European standards. He has been deeply involved in the work to improve the energy efficiency and indoor climate of the built environment in Estonia and Finland with major contribution in the development of energy calculation frames for present energy performance regulations