After the COVID-19 outbreak, the way people perceive indoor environments has drastically changed. Building owners are seeking ways to reduce risks. There are many questions about how the built environment can affect disease transmission, but there are ways to enhance the health and wellbeing of occupants.
According the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, “ventilation and filtration by heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning system can reduce the concentration of SARS-CoV-2 in the air and the risk of transmitting through the air.” Optimizing a building’s HVAC systems and implementing specific air-filtration methods is crucial to reducing the likelihood of pathogens being transmitted. Make a plan for occupant reentry. Employees who return to their office will expect heightened safety standards. Owners and engineers must plan comprehensively for occupant reentry to meet the new expectations.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention can be a reliable source of information. The CDC provides strategies to reduce COVID-19 transmission with a focus of maintaining a healthy workplace and healthy business operations. The CDC also stresses the importance of being flexible and ready to adjust response plans to changing conditions. They encourage business owners and managers to speak with local and state health officials in order to review guidelines, learn about best practices and information relevant to the location of their building. They can come in many different forms. While there is no solution to eliminate disease transmission, owners and residents must make responsible choices.