ASSESSING THE ADEQUACY OF VENTILATION STANDARDS IN BUILDINGS IN RESPONSE TO COVID-19

Abstract

This dissertation aims to investigate whether improved ventilation would suffice in controlling the spread of the COVID-19 virus. The objectives of this dissertation are to evaluate whether current ventilation standards are adequate in mitigating the spread of the virus, and should they be inadequate, to propose further revisions to these standards. The nature of this dissertation will be a critical review of existing literature. This dissertation examines current global ventilation standards and considers how these standards can be improved to better future-proof buildings in the face of pandemics and viruses. Certain buildings which do not have the capacity for natural ventilation may require additional standards to compensate for the lack of natural ventilation. This dissertation studies current standards provided by government organisations around the world which outline necessary and appropriate ventilation standards for buildings in their country. Drawing from these current standards, this dissertation highlights the need for building owners to be aware of various methods of ventilation they can and should employ within their buildings in order to promote better Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) and air movement. In evaluating current standards, this dissertation will propose additional potential standards that these organisations may take in order to future-proof their buildings to mitigate the spread of other potential viruses. Overall, it argues that current standards are not effective in reducing the spread of the COVID-19 virus.