The COVID-19 pandemic is redefining standards for health and safety protocols in all aspects of life, including indoor spaces. As employers, educators and building owners seek to reopen their facilities, they are looking for ways to meet the heightened expectations of their workers and occupants. Guiding these decisions are recommendations from industry organizations such as the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), which offers guidance on how changes to building operations, particularly HVAC systems, can reduce airborne exposures. Recent innovations in ceiling systems can contribute to these efforts. For example, one new option on the market reduces air leakage through the ceiling plane by up to four times. Reducing air leaks can significantly increase the effectiveness of air ventilation and filtration systems, particularly where ventilation systems may have limited capacity to increase airflow or add fresh air.

This course will introduce the reader to such innovative solutions, beginning with an exploration of how the COVID-19 pandemic has changed approaches to managing and improving air quality through various materials and systems. It will include a discussion of evolving standards and initiatives for sustainable building materials, air ventilation systems and cleaning practices that contribute to the design, operation, and maintenance of healthy buildings. The course will discuss how ceiling systems can contribute to improved indoor air quality and occupant health and well-being, both by promoting good indoor air quality and helping create acoustic environments that support productivity, learning, and healing. The course will introduce the reader to innovative new ceiling products and technologies, including an air purification system that uses ultraviolet light to neutralize disease pathogens.

Alexandra Waltemyer manages the Healthy Space Solutions program at Armstrong World Industries. She leads research and development of innovative product solutions that create healthier spaces to improve indoor air quality in schools, offices and healthcare environments. Her background is in engineering and agile project management, research and development, testing and operations in a number of industries.