About this Course

According to the EPA, “Indoor air quality is a major concern to businesses, building managers, tenants and employees because it can impact the health, comfort, well being and productivity of building occupants.” Americans spend about 90% of their time indoors in buildings where the air is mired with pathogens, pollutants, irritants, allergens, and noxious gases. In today’s rapidly urbanizing world, opening a window for good ventilation may not be sufficient due to poor outdoor air quality caused by pollution, climate change, wildfire smoke, and other factors. Furthermore, experts predict that another contagious disease event equal to or more devastating than Covid-19 pandemic has a 47% - 57% probability of occurrence in the next 25 years. With a society slowly redefining ‘normal’ after a world-changing event and the threat of another occurrence looming, the importance of creating safer, healthier, and more resilient buildings is critical. By adopting indoor air quality (IAQ) improving technologies and practices, the risk and damage of disease can be limited while improving the wellbeing, health, and performance of building occupants today. In this webinar, learn about considerations, technologies, and methodologies to create safer and healthier facilities by addressing the indoor air quality of new and existing buildings. --- Sources: - https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/office-building-occupants-guide-indoor-air-quality - https://www.cgdev.org/blog/the-next-pandemic-could-come-soon-and-be-deadlier

Prerequisite Knowledge:
None – this is an introductory level course

Learning Objective 1:
To investigate the importance of indoor air quality for curbing the spread of communicable disease and for improving the health, wellbeing, and performance of occupants. Peer-reviewed studies and official statements from governmental organizations including the EPA will be referenced to support a science-validated exploration.

Learning Objective 2:
To breakdown the various potentially harmful chemicals and pathogens commonly found in indoor air to clarify the technical requirements necessary for adequate improvements to indoor air quality. Specific particulates discussed include viruses, bacteria, mold spores, ozone, carbon dioxide, wildfire smoke, and VOCs.

Learning Objective 3:
To investigate challenges in creating lasting indoor air quality improvements. Discussion will review human-centric challenges including lack of system maintenance and increase of CO2 in crowded spaces, environmental challenges such as dealing with poor outdoor air quality, and technical challenges including harmful byproducts from and limitations of commonly used IAQ-improving devices.

Learning Objective 4:
To explore technologies and techniques to improve indoor air quality in new and existing spaces. Discussion will range from simple techniques such as increasing fresh air exchanges, upgrading filters, and ensuring filters are replaced in a timely manner, to facility-wide technology implementations including standalone air filters, UV-based devices, and smart monitoring systems. All technology discussions will remain product agnostic.