» Role of HVAC&R Systems in Infectious Disease Transmission Addressed by ASHRAE
Role of HVAC&R Systems in Infectious Disease Transmission Addressed by ASHRAE

ATLANTA ? As health and school officials deal with a second wave of the H1N1 virus, commonly referred to as swine flu, new information is available on health consequences of exposure to such airborne infectious diseases and the implications on the design, installation and operation of HVAC&R systems.

?While the long-standing public health view is that influenza transmission occurs through direct contact or large droplets, newer data suggests it also occurs through the airborne route, meaning HVAC&R systems may contribute far more to transmission of the disease and, potentially, to reduction of that same transmission risk,? said Gordon Holness, president of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineering (ASHRAE) that developed the guidance.

ASHRAE?s Airborne Infectious Diseases Position Document addresses the impact of ventilation on disease transmission, the disease for which ventilation is important for either transmission or control and the control strategies that are available for implementation in buildings. The paper can be read at www.ashrae.org/positiondocuments.

Since the first reported case in the spring of 2009, the H1N1 virus has spread to nearly 170 countries, resulting in 1,154 deaths and some 160,000 illnesses. With a better understanding of ventilation?s effect on the transmission of disease, future incidents of the H1N1 virus may now be easier to prevent, according to Holness. He said several technical solutions are available to assist in avoiding transmission. These include: dilution ventilation, airflow strategies, room pressurization, personalized ventilation, source control, filtration and ultraviolet germicidal irradiation.

Airborne transmission through building ventilation systems can be significantly reduced by provision of adequate air filtration and pressurization, Holness said. ASHRAE?s other guidance of relevance includes Standard 170, Ventilation of Health Care Facilities, and Standard 161, Air Quality Within Commercial Aircraft.

ASHRAE, founded in 1894, is an international organization of some 50,000 persons. ASHRAE fulfills its mission of advancing heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration to serve humanity and promote a sustainable world through research, standards writing, publishing and continuing education.

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» Here Comes the Sun: ASHRAE to Act as Supporting Sponsor of 2009 Solar Decathlon Print This Email This RSS For Release: October 13, 2009 Contact:
Here Comes the Sun: ASHRAE to Act as Supporting Sponsor of 2009 Solar Decathlon

October 13, 2009, ATLANTA?Recognizing the key role solar energy will play in the development of net-zero energy buildings (NZEBs), ASHRAE is proud to be a supporting sponsor of the 2009 Solar Decathlon.

The Decathlon?sponsored by the Department of Energy and held on the National Mall from Oct. 9-13 and 15-18?is a competition in which 20 teams of college and university students compete to design, build and operate the most attractive, effective and energy-efficient solar-powered house.

?Buildings constitute 40 percent of the nation?s primary energy use; that?s why it?s crucial that we encourage students, the future leaders of the HVAC&R industry, in their interest to explore energy efficiency and sustainability,? Gordon Holness, ASHRAE president, said. ?ASHRAE cannot let this opportunity of influencing our energy future and the climate of the world pass by.?

As part of its role as a supporting sponsor ASHRAE will independently host two workshops, as well as co-sponsor a workshop with the American Institute of Architects, the U.S. Green Building Council and the American Institute of Architecture Students. These workshops will examine topics such as net-zero-energy buildings and sustainable home design.

To provide the Solar Decathlon student teams with the best possible engineering resources as they plan their solar homes, ASHRAE has made available a variety of resources to the student teams such as HVAC Simplified, ASHRAE GreenGuide and ASHRAE Standard 90.2-2007, to name just a few.

Perhaps the greatest resource ASHRAE has to offer is its members? expertise. Sixteen ASHRAE members have been selected by the DOE and the National Renewable Energy Lab to serve as Solar Decathlon Observers. ASHRAE Observers are assigned to observe two to four houses each to manage the 10 contests that make up the entire competition. ASHRAE Observers are dedicating eight days to serve in this capacity.

?I?ve always been drawn to new and innovative ideas for saving energy,? Nick Long, ASHRAE Observer, said. ?The Decathlon?s mission is critical in teaching the emerging generation the importance of energy efficiency and integrating the concepts into whole-building design and operation.?

Additionally, ASHRAE has encouraged its members in the D.C. area to volunteer their time at the Solar Decathlon by helping to answer questions asked by the visiting public or assisting organizers with operating the competition. Whether available to volunteer for a few hours or multiple days, ASHRAE members? volunteer contribution will help make the 2009 Solar Decathlon a success.

ASHRAE also offered students, who participate in eight intense days of construction, a way to relax by co-sponsoring a student reception with USGBC and AIA on Oct. 10. The reception allowed participants to meet and greet decathletes, organizers and sponsors, as well as enjoy great food and the chance to win raffle prizes. ASHRAE also hosted a continental breakfast for student team members.

ASHRAE, founded in 1894, is an international organization of some 50,000 persons. ASHRAE fulfills its mission of advancing heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration to serve humanity and promote a sustainable world through research, standards writing, publishing and continuing education.

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