Bouygues’ significant achievement in improving air quality has been recognized by the National Air Filtration Association, which makes awards to building owners and managers that have taken steps to significantly improve the quality of their indoor air by increasing the level or efficiency of their HVAC air filtration systems.
New filters installed by Bouygues at RCMP ‘E’ Division Headquarters campus provide “best in class” air filtration. The new filters capture over 95% of particles less than 3 microns in size, including particles that contain SARS-CoV-2 virus.
Since 2011, Bouygues has delivered total Facility Management services to the RCMP ‘E’ Division Headquarters, including the coordination and implementation of the lifecycle activities throughout the term. As the FM provider for the campus, our aim is to provide a safe and comfortable environment for our clients, improve air quality and reduce environmental impact.
Ahead of the Curve
As the long term FM provider, we work collaboratively with clients to suggest innovative, cost saving and safety enhancing initiatives. When the interval to replace filters was approaching in 2019, our method was no different; firstly our Plant Services team researched the industry and proposed a new type of filter (MERV15). The new filter offered a higher grade than the existing MERV13 filter, and longer lifespan for the main AHU system.
Following a review of the new filter, it was approved by the client’s Mechanical Consultant for Upgrade.
MERV stands for minimum efficiency reporting value (rating). This rating measures how effectively the filter stops dust and other contaminants from passing through the filter and into the air stream. The higher the MERV value is the value the more efficient the filter will be in trapping airborne particles.
The Numbers
The New Filter
The new secondary steps filters have the grade of MERV15 which is equivalent to a Standard Operating Room Hospital Filtration System, with approximately 41% reduction in initial pressure drop across the fans resulting in a substantial energy savings and improved life span to the fan motors due to reduced load, while still providing required air flow. The process of replacing the filters at it’s interval were started in late 2019 for the main AHU units at the site.
Award Winning Solution
These modifications were reviewed and audited by an outside entity in filtration industry in May 2020, and, as a result the site was granted a “Clean Air Award” in the Air Quality category from the North American National Air Filtration Association (NAFA) for Indoor Air Quality improvements. The trophy was delivered to Plant Services Team at the site for their great efforts towards this improvement.
The improved air quality scheme for the HVAC System, has placed the RCMP ‘E’ Division site ahead of the potential impacts of this pandemic with a greater protection from COVID-19. Ultimately, this achievement in exceptional air quality provides a safer environment for our building users.
