As stay-at-home and social distancing guidelines have kept many Americans confined to certain spaces and areas, strategies that promote healthy indoor environments have become relevant and important, according to an article from Building Operating Management on the FacilitiesNet website.
While it is not a direct solution to the current public health crisis, green building strategies are an important part of supporting overall human health and ensuring a positive future for all.
Outside air quality conditions can influence the quality of indoor air and there are several resources, including Breathelife.org and AirNow.gov, that can advise on community conditions. These sites offer local air quality information including an Air Quality Index, forecasts, and pollutant details for ground-level ozone, particulates, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide.
To better understand the quality of air coming into a building, managers can install air quality monitoring devices near or on a building. Armed with this information, building operators can dynamically manage their building’s systems to optimize energy efficiency, as well as indoor air quality.
Building Envelope Design: Beyond Energy Efficiency
Outpatient Surge Reshapes Long-Term Strategy for Medical Outpatient Buildings
Mercy Medical Center to Be Integrated into Baystate Health
Managing IAQ in Healthcare Facilities During Wildfires
Building Hospital Resilience in an Era of Extreme Weather