EEI recently completed a project for Seattle Public Schools (SPS) to prepare school buildings for a safe return to in-person learning this fall. EEI partnered with the team of building scientists and industrial hygienists at Intertek to perform IAQ testing for the project.
This originated last spring when SPS decided to take a proactive approach for the health and safety of students, teachers, and staff in their schools. As SPS transitioned from remote learning to a hybrid model with limited classroom instruction, they engaged EEI to evaluate ventilation systems in approximately 100 schools. EEI conducted evaluations to verify that all systems provided effective ventilation, including, where possible, maximizing outside air ventilation rates to reduce COVID-19 risk via dilution ventilation.
As the fall school season approached, SPS needed to shift efforts. The use of outside air for HVAC systems worked well in the spring but was not a sustainable option for the winter season. SPS engaged EEI with partner Intertek to develop a reliable process that determined COVID-19 risk exposure. EEI recommended a mix of effective and cost-efficient engineering controls for classrooms, cafeterias, and other key spaces.
Alan Scott, FAIA, LEED Fellow, LEED AP BD+C, O+M, WELL AP, CEM, Senior Consultant at Intertek, and Brendon Mattis, PE, CxA, LEED AP, Principal at EEI, recently wrote a column in Metal Architecture titled “Healthy Schools: It’s in the Air“ detailing the projects.
For more information on EEI’s COVID-19 School Assessment services, please contact:
info@eeieningeers.com
1.800.606.8008
November 05, 2021
This originated last spring when SPS decided to take a proactive approach for the health and safety of students, teachers, and staff in their schools. As SPS transitioned from remote learning to a hybrid model with limited classroom instruction, they engaged EEI to evaluate ventilation systems in approximately 100 schools. EEI conducted evaluations to verify that all systems provided effective ventilation, including, where possible, maximizing outside air ventilation rates to reduce COVID-19 risk via dilution ventilation.
As the fall school season approached, SPS needed to shift efforts. The use of outside air for HVAC systems worked well in the spring but was not a sustainable option for the winter season. SPS engaged EEI with partner Intertek to develop a reliable process that determined COVID-19 risk exposure. EEI recommended a mix of effective and cost-efficient engineering controls for classrooms, cafeterias, and other key spaces.
Alan Scott, FAIA, LEED Fellow, LEED AP BD+C, O+M, WELL AP, CEM, Senior Consultant at Intertek, and Brendon Mattis, PE, CxA, LEED AP, Principal at EEI, recently wrote a column in Metal Architecture titled “Healthy Schools: It’s in the Air“ detailing the projects.
For more information on EEI’s COVID-19 School Assessment services, please contact:
info@eeieningeers.com
1.800.606.8008
November 05, 2021