Good indoor air quality enhances our health, comfort and productivity. Each member of the University community plays a role in ensuring a healthy indoor air environment exists on RRU’s campuses.
RRU ventilation systems are equipped with filters that are assessed and replaced regularly by maintenance personnel to ensure proper operation. We monitor these systems to maintain correct ventilation standards in all University buildings.
Tips for maximizing indoor air quality
Here are a few ways you can help ensure better indoor air quality in your space:
- open windows and doors to enable air circulation
- perform odour-generating work in an appropriate facility
- clean and dust your workspace regularly
- submit a service request to clean up pooled water
- eat in designated areas
- avoid the use of scented personal and non-personal products
Causes of poor indoor air quality
Inadequate ventilation is a common cause of poor indoor air quality. Promoting fresh air circulation is the best way to remove contaminants and boost air quality.
Here's what often causes indoor air quality issues:
- microbial contamination such as water leaks, internal humidity or contaminated ductwork
- inside contamination from things like photocopiers, office products and chemicals
- outside contamination from vehicle exhaust, nearby construction and smoking
- temperature and humidity that exceed the normal comfort range
- new building materials such as carpets, drapery, furniture and paint
- personal factors such as the use of perfumes, deodorants and scented laundry detergents
Indoor air quality assessment
If you'd like to discuss indoor air quality in your space, reach out to Operations and Resilience:
Mechanical HVAC system
Our HVAC systems are engineered to follow WorkSafeBC Occupational Health and Safety Regulations (OHSR) and the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Standards. These regulations and standards stipulate the requirements for the design, operation and maintenance of HVAC systems.
Air exchange
Many of our HVAC systems on the University's campuses are able to take advantage of our relatively mild climate. The HVAC systems undergo programmed cycles to purge the indoor air and refresh it with outdoor air twice a day, exceeding the minimum recommendation from WorkSafe BC for air exchange.
For buildings and areas without dedicated mechanical ventilation systems, such as Hatley Castle on the Colwood campus, Royal Roads has installed air purification devices.
HVAC and COVID-19
In response to COVID-19, ASHRAE recommended upgrading HVAC filter media to MERV-13 where possible. Royal Roads implemented this recommendation, and MERV-13 is now the minimum standard on University campuses.