The New Normal

As commercial tenants return to the office, building owners & managers are focused on limiting the spread of COVID-19. But there are a whole range of indoor air quality issues that you and your tenants need to evaluate before re-entering your facility.

CDC's return-to-work checklist covers a number of indoor air concerns that could be present in your building due to essential systems that have been dormant during the pandemic shut-down.

While many COVID specific protocols are focused on cultural change and individual behavior modification, some indoor air risks require an engineering-based, systems approach. For example:

• Ventilation adjustments to increase outdoor air flow and reduce re-circulation

• Air filtration system upgrades and enhancements

• Water system checks to prevent risks related to Legionella bacteria

• Proper cleaning procedures that minimize the use of excess chemicals

How can you be sure you're covering all the bases?

A building's indoor air quality is a complex matter. A methodical, common sense approach can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and make data-based decisions to manage health risks.

• Initial survey: Before any IAQ testing begins, survey the building to identify potential concerns.

• Building systems assessment: Investigate essential air and water management systems to understand whether widespread IAQ testing is necessary.

• HVAC system evaluation: Observe the full HVAC cycle to measure airflow and filtration in accordance with ASHRAE Standard 62.

• Detailed indoor air quality testing: Sampling & analysis in specific areas of concern can help identify and prioritize issues that should be addressed.