Royal Roads University faculty, staff and students spend part of their days inside, so we want to optimize indoor air quality for everyone.
RRU ventilation systems are equipped with filters that are exchanged periodically and assessed regularly by maintenance personnel to ensure proper operation. We monitor these systems to maintain correct ventilation standards in all 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 airflow and air circulation.
- Clean and dust workplaces regularly.
- Clean up pooled water to prevent mould growth.
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
Booking an indoor air quality assessment
Contaminants in the air can affect your comfort level.
If you'd like to discuss indoor air quality in your space, reach out to the RRU environmental safety officer for help. We can complete an indoor air quality test to check your work area for carbon dioxide, humidity and temperature levels.
The results will be compared to American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) standards.
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 around the design, operation and maintenance of HVAC systems.
Compliance with WorkSafeBC and ASHRAE is a primary focus of the technical and trade specialists in RRU's Operations and Resilience department. The team inspects and services HVAC systems on campus regularly.
Air exchange
Many of our HVAC systems on campus are able to take advantage of our relatively mild climate. The systems bring outdoor air into our buildings, which...
The systems also 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, Royal Roads 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 standard on campus.