Using fewer materials overall means less embodied carbon in the extraction of raw materials and their fabrication into building products.
The range of measures to improve indoor air quality and hygiene is quite wide.Primary prevention measures should include the selection of non-toxic materials, products with low levels of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), furnishings without fire retardants and cleaning products without harmful chemicals..
In areas with potentially high pollution levels, the adoption of adequate monitoring is recommended, combined with air filtration systems (HEPA filters for PM2.5 particles, carbon filters for VOCs and UV light filter for airborne pathogens)..Measures to improve hygiene and reduce the transmission of pathogens include the adoption of touchless technology (light switches, lift buttons, doors), antiviral coatings and the provision of hand sanitiser dispensers.Attenuation measures include the provision of openable windows, increased fresh air rates and avoiding air recirculation..
Balancing improvements to air quality and energy efficiency..Some of the recommendations widely accepted in the industry for the re-occupation of buildings post-pandemic have a direct impact on energy efficiency.
In order to improve indoor air quality and reduce the likelihood of pathogens, fresh air rates need to be increased and air filters should be installed.
However, that increases energy consumption from fans.Marks notes that people tend to think standardised design is something new, but it isn’t.
It’s just an idea that’s coming back, growing in scale, and becoming more mainstream.. Another issue we have in the construction industry, she explains, is that when we talk about this type of industrialised construction work, we tend to focus on the projects we consider to be the sexy, quirky ones.We talk about the asterisk, which will never be done again..
In actuality, her volumetric modular company had built hundreds of schools for New York City.It was a case of lots of buildings and big applications.