Building services and health risk resilient buildings
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
Organisations are considering bringing people back into work premises, be it offices or other buildings. COVID-19 pandemic-related restrictions and successful homeworking will result, without doubt, in reduced occupation rates in buildings. Building operators in some areas, such as offices and higher education, expect the occupancy rate to be between 25% and 40% of the March 2020 (pre-lockdown) level.
[edit] Risk assessments for return to work
Those who come back to buildings are often anxious about the health risks such return might pose, and it is employers’ legal responsibility to ensure safety of those entering workplaces. A COVID-19 risk assessment must be carried out on every premises and actions need to be undertaken to provide reassurance to those coming back to work.
Employees expect to return to workplaces where their health has been considered with existing risk assessments reviewed, and new, COVID-19 related risk assessments drawn up for completing tasks. Properly operating and well-maintained building services will be crucial to building operators in providing workplaces that minimise aspects of COVID-19 related health and safety hazards. Strategic facilities management also has a crucial role to play in ensuring the health and wellbeing of the workplace occupants.
[edit] The role of building services
BSRIA has always emphasised the importance of operational building services. Varying occupancy loads will require flexible services, and with it the role of regular, high quality maintenance of systems will grow. Heating, cooling and water services are at the core of building operation, although as part of a basic service expectation their visibility to occupiers has been scarce.
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought ventilation into the centre of attention and with it the need for reassurance related to the quality and control of ventilation systems. Ventilation rates, air quality levels and humidity are all primary considerations, resulting in the emphasis on maintenance.
[edit] Maintenance
Regular maintenance ensures adherence to prescribed or adopted standards. Its role has been underplayed for years; however, it is crucial in providing reassurance that all building HVAC systems perform as well as they should, creating safe and healthy working environments.
Water system maintenance is a key part of the water safety plan in buildings. It allows building owners to manage legionella and other waterborne pathogen related risks and to prevent leakage and corrosion, saving companies trouble, disruption and money.
Well maintained and controlled HVAC and water systems ensure health-risk resilient buildings. They are also fundamental to the improvement of building users’ wellbeing. It is most likely that post COVID-19 there will be a trend towards wellbeing and comfort as the notion of wellbeing will start merging with the expectations for health security.
Well maintained HVAC and water systems are also crucial for the management of energy use in buildings. Effective, high quality building services are an indispensable component of building energy efficiency programmes.
[edit] The new normal
In the post COVID-19 era, organisations will be facing the new normal that, for buildings, will see demands for climate resilience, health risk resilience and wellbeing merging into a bigger framework to work within, with the golden thread of buildings’ flexibility requirements running through it.
This article was originally published as Building services have a key role to play in delivering health risk resilient buildings on the BSRIA website in June 2020. It was written by Peter Tse, Business Manager, BSRIA Sustainable Construction Group.
--BSRIA
[edit] Related articles on Designing Building Wiki
- Acoustics in the workplace.
- BSRIA articles on Designing Buildings Wiki.
- Building services.
- CEOs predict COVID-19 workplace changes will be permanent.
- Coronavirus.
- Energy in the built environment.
- Face coverings and a shifting policy background.
- Facilities management.
- Health performance indicators in the built environment.
- IMMUNE Building Standard.
- Indoor air quality.
- Maintenance.
- Re-starting construction in a COVID-19 environment.
- Risk management.
- Social distancing compliance marshal.
- Water.
- Wellbeing and buildings.
Featured articles and news
A change to adoptive architecture
Effects of global weather warming on architectural detailing, material choice and human interaction.
How big is the problem and what can we do to mitigate the effects?
Overheating guidance and tools for building designers
A number of cool guides to help with the heat.
The UK's Modern Industrial Strategy: A 10 year plan
Previous consultation criticism, current key elements and general support with some persisting reservations.
Building Safety Regulator reforms
New roles, new staff and a new fast track service pave the way for a single construction regulator.
Architectural Technologist CPDs and Communications
CIAT CPD… and how you can do it!
Cooling centres and cool spaces
Managing extreme heat in cities by directing the public to places for heat stress relief and water sources.
Winter gardens: A brief history and warm variations
Extending the season with glass in different forms and terms.
Restoring Great Yarmouth's Winter Gardens
Transforming one of the least sustainable constructions imaginable.
Construction Skills Mission Board launch sector drive
Newly formed government and industry collaboration set strategy for recruiting an additional 100,000 construction workers a year.
New Architects Code comes into effect in September 2025
ARB Architects Code of Conduct and Practice available with ongoing consultation regarding guidance.
Welsh Skills Body (Medr) launches ambitious plan
The new skills body brings together funding and regulation of tertiary education and research for the devolved nation.
Paul Gandy FCIOB announced as next CIOB President
Former Tilbury Douglas CEO takes helm.
UK Infrastructure: A 10 Year Strategy. In brief with reactions
With the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA).
Ebenezer Howard: inventor of the garden city. Book review.
Airtightness Topic Guide BSRIA TG 27/2025
Explaining the basics of airtightness, what it is, why it's important, when it's required and how it's carried out.