COVID-19 | ENGINEERS RESPONSE NEW NORMALS What is the impact of Covid-19 on the design of HVAC systems for future buildings? We asked four building services engineers how system specification might change as a result of recent guidance L ockdown restrictions are easing further around the world, and people are starting to return to workplaces, but there is no doubt that the way we interact with buildings is going to change. Public Health England guidance states that Covid-19 is assumed to be primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets from coughing and sneezing that come into contact with others, directly or via contaminated surfaces. However, the governments chief scientific adviser has acknowledged that airborne transmission is a route, particularly in poorly ventilated spaces. So, will HVAC system specifications change as a result? To ensure less recirculated air, experts say higher fresh-air rates and lower occupancy densities in offices will be key, as will designs with a greater number of naturally ventilated spaces. It could also mean more interest in displacement ventilation, and a move away from traditional recirculation during the pandemic CIBSE recommends stopping central recirculation by closing dampers via the BMS. We asked four consultants for their predictions about future system design and asked them to highlight a recent project that would be suitable for a post-Covid environment. CJ Command smoke and save lives Actionair SmokeCommand CE marked smoke control dampers tested to EN 1366-10 and EN1366-2 fulfilling the requirements of EN 12101-8 swegon.com/smokecommand SmokeCommand Ad quarter page.indd 1 14/01/2020 14:26:39 20 July 2020 www.cibsejournal.com CIBSE July 2020 p20-22 Covid design.indd 20 19/06/2020 15:49