Beyond Buildings: Prioritising Energy Security:.

It is widely reported that indoor air pollution is 3.5 times higher than outdoors.This is due to the lack of ventilation, cooking, the use of chemicals for cleaning and emissions from construction materials and furniture, which cause an increase in the density of pollutants.

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.As we stare down the barrel of a rapidly growing, global population and its associated infrastructure needs, alongside an aging construction workforce and a life-altering climate crisis, our current state of low productivity, non-transferable learnings, and high waste is no longer acceptable.. It’s these types of issues, and the associated risk, industrialised construction products and processes help to resolve.. Making the change with Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA).

The issue of productisation forms a key concept within the industry’s broader shift toward industrialised (or manufactured) construction.However, implementing.

modular and prefabricated building components along with a.Design for Manufacture and Assembly processes doesn’t mean we’ll end up with low-quality buildings that all look the same.