b'INDOOR AIR QUALITYfor more advanced mitigation measures. The challenge, Sloat said, is that while organizations like RESET, ASHRAE, Fitwel, WELL and LEED offer guidance regardingHVAC MEASURESair quality measures, there are no specificHVAC MEASURES HIGHLIGHTED DURINGIAQ regulation changes that building owners/managers must follow. THE TCA WEBINAR ON INDOOR AIR QUALITY INCLUDED:Installing higher-performance air filters for all buildings and all systems. A Right now, no one is checking whether buildings are being maintained to code,minimum of MERV-13 has been the standard for LEED buildings, and experts she said. The code has minimum airsay this standard should now extend to all buildings and facilities with quality requirements for new construction,systems that can accommodate these filters going forward.but maintaining those systems so they Overriding occupied building systems to the highest ACH (air changes per function as designed, and going beyondhour) rates achievable during the pandemic.code, is still the responsibility ofFlushing non-residential buildings with outside air prior to occupancy and building stakeholders. introducing portable HEPA air cleaners in high-risk spaces.Maintaining humidity levels at a minimum of 40 per cent RH (relativeThere may be no immediate regulationhumidity) and a maximum of 60 per cent RH.changes to IAQ, but new and enhancedDecoupling sensible heating and cooling systems from outside air delivery topractices emerged during the pandemiccontrol both systems most accurately in new building construction.that can provide guidance for buildingMaintaining comfortable indoor temperatures between 21C and 26C and owners. One of the key things will be to make sure outdoor air systems areproviding local exhaust for source control.installed and compliant with the currentControlling CO2 levels at 600PPM or lower (about 200PPM above outsideASHRAE 62.1 standard that is in thelevels) and opening windows or doors for ventilation when appropriate.current Ontario building code, said Sloat. Staying up to date on public health guidelines as they evolve.(For additional HVAC measures discussed during the webinar, see sidebar.)Moving forward, TCAs IAQ webinar expertsLESSONS LEARNED would emerge from this pandemic, and anticipate that these best practices willThe pandemic prompted increased healththese standards would create new market be rolled into new regulations downand safety responses from all industries.opportunities for contractors, marketing the road, especially as building ownersFor the construction industry, that includedadvantages for building owners, and begin to inquire about going beyond codean enhanced focus on keeping indoorrequire added training for certifiers, said requirements. Moreover, its anticipatedenvironments safe, healthy Sloat. However, its a long road from here that the industry will also see newand hygienic. to there.guidance for rooms where bioaerosol generation by occupants is the dominantIn a perfect world, new and easy-to- While official standards may not have source of indoor air contamination,understand third-party certifications foremerged yet, there is no shortage of particularly within exercise spaces andverified buildings, for ventilation systemguidelines to help building designers, rooms where people congregate to sing,maintenance specialists, and for everyconstructors and operators reach healthy shout or talk loudly. class of indoor air purification deviceIAQ goals in the meantime.Engineeringdream careers.Humbers new engineering degree provides hands-on experience with industry-standard advanced technology. With specializations in Sustainable Building and Built Environment Information Systems, students apply theoretical knowledge to solve real industry problems. A mandatory 12-month co-op work placement ensures that graduates are ready for their dream career in engineering.Launching in September 2021.humber.ca/engineeringBUILDERSDIGEST Quarter 2 202117'