A research program was undertaken by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to investigate ventilation performance of different laboratory configurations and their effect on the laboratory hood. The intention is to provide a basis for guidelines aimed at maximizing laboratory hood containment.
This study examines the use of energy recovery ventilators (ERV) in two schools located in a Southwestern arid climate as an energy-efficient means of providing acceptable ventilation to the classrooms and the corresponding effect on indoor air quality (IAQ) contaminant indicators. The effect of cleaning the existing systems· on thermal comfort conditions were also examined. IAQ measurements were made in selected classrooms with respect to carbon dioxide, viable and non-viable bioaerosols, volatile organic compounds, and respirable particles.
In March of 1996, a new Elementary School was occupied which is the first in the United States to utilize the concept of displacement ventilation as the primary means of providing both good indoor air quality and thermal comfort. In addition, the integrated "sustainable" design concepts of the facility also address other important factors including: siting, programming, lighting, acoustics, energy efficiency, classroom computer usage, and access for planned HV AC preventive maintenance.
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