Building Health
“ Bipolar ionization has been in commercial use since the 1970s . The process delivers ionized oxygen molecules into the air that then neutralise chemical compounds , mold , dust , smoke , and even viruses in a matter of minutes . Airborne particles are charged by the ions causing them to cluster and fall to the ground or be caught in standard HVAC filter systems as they cycle . The ions produce a chemical reaction on the membrane surface of viruses and bacteria that immediately makes them inactive . While the technology is not new , further refinements of the process have resulted in efficiency rates of 99.9 % and now come with UL certification for zero ozone emission ,” he adds . Hector explains that the small bipolar ionisation module is installed in the airstream of existing airconditioning systems and , unlike many other options , is relatively maintenance free .
CLEANER AIR IS GOOD FOR BUSINESS While the benefits of great air quality at the workplace are glaringly obvious for employers , Hector says having bipolar ionization systems installed in buildings can also offer a competitive business advantage .
“ The move towards green architecture has been a hit with many companies looking to lower their environmental impact . Green buildings have been shown to lower operating costs through energy and water savings . They also aim to promote a healthier working and living environment , however all this is for nothing if the air that is being breathed in is subpar ,” Hector says .
He also points out that tenants are consumers and not only are they becoming more discerning , but they will ultimately have a big say in the decision on where they spend their time .
“ Commercial property owners are constantly looking for ways to attract and retain good long-term tenants . Tapping into an increasingly important health and wellness advantage will land particularly well in the current climate . More than just the office headquarters , hotels and co-work office spaces could add outstanding air quality to their list of offerings . Today ’ s consumers are exceedingly concerned about what they are putting into their bodies . What we breathe in should be even higher on our health agendas . There is no doubt that air quality could be a real business differentiator as we move into 2022 and beyond ,” Hector sums up . RACA
“ What we breathe in should be even higher on our health agendas .”
HUMOUR : THE IMPORTANCE OF DOCUMENTATION
One day an engineer took the early morning train to work . At first he was alone in the coach . After some time , someone else boarded and came and sat in front of him .
Not long after that the other person , a thief , threatened him to give over his wallet , cellphone and anything else he had on him of value , otherwise the thief would start shouting and tell everybody else that the engineer was harassing and trying to beat up the thief for no reason .
The engineer sat a moment and then took a piece of paper and a pen from his bag and wrote down a note and handed it over to the thief . The note read : “ Sorry , I cannot hear or speak . Please write down on this on paper whatever you want to say to me .”
The thief quickly grabbed the paper , wrote down his demands , and gave it back to the engineer . The engineer nodded and holding up the piece of paper said , “ Now you can shout and scream all you like . I have documented proof of your intentions .”
The thief sheepishly got off the train at the next stop . RACA
Charles Forerunner | Unsplash www . hvacronline . co . za RACA Journal I March 2022 41