Post-occupancy evaluation

Mass gathering events were closed in 2020 to reduce the spread of SARS-CoV-2. These events included music concerts, theatre shows, and sports matches. It is known, however, that the long-range aerosol transmission of pathogens, such as SARS-CoV-2, can be reduced with sufficient ventilation indoors. This paper examines the risk of reopening these mass gathering events by measuring the CO2 concentration, as a proxy for ventilation effectiveness, at 58 events, with a specific focus on small enclosed spaces with short occupancy.

This presentation will cover the key lessons learned from post-occupancy evaluation of the ventilation strategies in several new-build dwellings in the UK. Two ventilation strategies often used for new dwellings in the UK are mechanical extract ventilation (MEV) and whole-house balanced mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR). Few examples of the design and operation of these systems will be presented identifying the best practice and improvement opportunities for mechanical ventilation systems that are increasingly used in airtight low-energy dwellings.