How can you integrate green technologies to improve indoor air quality in HVAC?

As a construction manager, you know how important it is to ensure the indoor air quality (IAQ) of your projects. Poor IAQ can affect the health, comfort, and productivity of the occupants, as well as the energy efficiency and performance of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. But how can you integrate green technologies to improve IAQ in HVAC? Here are some tips to help you achieve this goal.

1 Use natural ventilation

One of the simplest and most effective ways to improve IAQ in HVAC is to use natural ventilation whenever possible. Natural ventilation refers to the movement of fresh air through windows, doors, vents, or other openings in the building envelope. It can reduce the need for mechanical ventilation, which can consume a lot of energy and generate noise and pollutants. Natural ventilation can also enhance the thermal comfort and well-being of the occupants by providing a connection to the outdoor environment. To optimize natural ventilation, you should consider the orientation, layout, and design of the building, as well as the local climate and weather conditions.

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Farshid Adavi

Planner, Organizer, Coordinator & Project manager | Civil engineer | Specialist in Surveying Issues and the estimation and calculation of project | Researcher in Sustainable Development in the Construction Industry
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💡Maybe we are going back to the age without facilities, but all the old things are not bad. A clear example of this in the matter of air conditioning is Iran's Windcatcher, which are hundreds of years old. The influence of the climate in the past centuries was much more than today and this approach is evident on all elements and spaces inside and outside. ➕What season we are in, how to filter environmental pollutants before fresh air enters the building, how to control indoor pollutants such as detergents and cooking. What is the best direction of the building and what is the best way for the natural flow of air to move? 😇And maybe a philosophy for building introverted mansions in the desert and extroverted buildings in the north of Iran

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2 Install energy recovery ventilators

Another green technology that can improve IAQ in HVAC is energy recovery ventilators (ERVs). ERVs are devices that transfer heat and moisture between the exhaust and supply air streams of the HVAC system. They can reduce the energy consumption and cost of heating and cooling, as well as maintain a balanced humidity level and prevent condensation. ERVs can also filter out dust, pollen, and other contaminants from the incoming air, improving the IAQ and reducing the risk of allergies and respiratory problems. ERVs are especially suitable for buildings that have tight envelopes and high ventilation rates, such as schools, offices, and health care facilities.

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3 Implement demand-controlled ventilation

Demand-controlled ventilation (DCV) is a green technology that can improve IAQ in HVAC by adjusting the ventilation rate according to the occupancy and activity level of the space. DCV uses sensors, controllers, and variable-speed fans to monitor the concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) or other pollutants in the indoor air and regulate the amount of fresh air that is delivered by the HVAC system. DCV can reduce the energy waste and cost of over-ventilating or under-ventilating the space, as well as ensure a consistent and comfortable IAQ for the occupants. DCV is ideal for spaces that have variable or intermittent occupancy, such as conference rooms, classrooms, and auditoriums.

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4 Choose low-emitting materials

One of the main sources of indoor air pollution is the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from building materials, furnishings, paints, adhesives, and cleaning products. VOCs are chemicals that evaporate at room temperature and can cause headaches, nausea, irritation, and even cancer. To improve IAQ in HVAC, you should choose low-emitting materials that have been certified by reputable organizations, such as Green Seal, Greenguard, or Indoor Advantage. Low-emitting materials can reduce the amount of VOCs that are released into the indoor air, as well as the need for ventilation and filtration. Low-emitting materials can also improve the aesthetic and functional quality of the space.

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5 Incorporate biophilic design

Biophilic design is a green technology that can improve IAQ in HVAC by integrating natural elements, such as plants, water, light, and materials, into the built environment. Biophilic design can enhance the IAQ and the psychological and physiological health of the occupants by providing oxygen, humidity, filtration, and beauty. Plants can absorb CO2 and release oxygen, as well as filter out dust, bacteria, and toxins from the indoor air. Water can humidify the air and create a soothing sound and visual effect. Light can provide natural illumination and regulate the circadian rhythm. Materials can reflect the texture, color, and pattern of nature. Biophilic design can also improve the energy efficiency and performance of the HVAC system by reducing the heating and cooling loads and creating a more pleasant indoor climate.

By following these tips, you can integrate green technologies to improve IAQ in HVAC and create a healthier, more comfortable, and more sustainable space for your clients and occupants. You can also benefit from lower operating and maintenance costs, higher productivity and satisfaction, and a better reputation and competitive edge in the market.

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Greta Bone-Winkel

Public health is a shared responsibility. By purifying the air we share, we protect not just humans, but animals and our environment too. 𝗜𝘁'𝘀 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗲.
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To take this a step further, imagine infusing the HVAC system with a continuous distribution of HOCl, mimicking the naturally occurring health benefits we experience near ocean shores. HOCl, a component present in our own immune response, can act as the building's immune system, persistently neutralizing pathogens. By integrating this with biophilic design, we not only connect inhabitants with nature's aesthetics but also with its protective essence. Essentially, it's about creating an environment that's both therapeutic to the soul and protective to our health.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How can you integrate green technologies to improve indoor air quality in HVAC?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Use natural ventilation

2 Install energy recovery ventilators

3 Implement demand-controlled ventilation

4 Choose low-emitting materials

5 Incorporate biophilic design

6 Here’s what else to consider

Construction Management

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How can you integrate green technologies to improve indoor air quality in HVAC?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Use natural ventilation

2 Install energy recovery ventilators

3 Implement demand-controlled ventilation

4 Choose low-emitting materials

5 Incorporate biophilic design

6 Here’s what else to consider

Construction Management

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