Improving indoor air quality (IAQ) with optimized ventilation and air cleaning need not conflict with building decarbonization and climate resilience goals. This paper shows how this is possible by introducing a four-step “Clean First” framework to achieve Sustainable IAQ. This paper also offers recommendations for implementing the Clean First framework.
The Clean First framework is based on the concept of equivalent air changes and extends the layered strategies approach developed by ASHRAE for the COVID-19 pandemic to also address particulate matter and gaseous contaminants found in commercial buildings. By deploying layered air cleaning, filtration, and ventilation strategies and integrating continuous IAQ monitoring and dynamic building controls to ensure IAQ targets are maintained with maximum efficiency, building owners can simultaneously and cost effectively achieve IAQ, decarbonization, and climate resiliency goals.
This layered, system-level Clean First approach is key to enabling the low-energy, high-IAQ, climate resilient buildings of the future.