Green buildings’s contribution in the fight against COVID-19
23 March 2020 — An analysis by China Green Building Council
The Assessment Standard for Green Building (ASGB) (GB/T 50378-2019) applies new technologies and new concepts in the development of building technology and takes into account the safety, durability, health, liveability and accessibility for occupants of all ages.
As such, the criteria for Green buildings, as outlined in ASGB certification, are beneficial to the COVID-19 prevention and control, and can be summarised into five pillars:
1. Providing the basic functions for epidemic prevention and control
The requirements of ASGB include natural ventilation, indoor disinfection; waste and information management; air quality and water quality monitoring; as well as a stable operation of building equipment and skills in responding to the epidemic.
2. Providing convenience and facilities for epidemic prevention and control
The requirements include enabling buildings occupants and site workers to provide quick access to medical equipment and facilities; effective personnel and vehicle control; providing conditions to add relevant signs to alert people; changing the room function when necessary (medical rooms, transitional residential rooms, isolation and observation rooms, supplies storage rooms, etc.
3. Reducing the risk of infection and preventing cross infection
The requirements include controlling the collusion of air and pollutants; controlling the exhaust backflow of kitchens and bathrooms; setting up effective water seals to reduce the risk of virus transmission through drainage pipes and stools; controlling the concentration of indoor particulate matter; optimising the building space and plane layout to enhance the effectiveness of natural ventilation; controlling air-conditioning system by zones; as well as well-designed site wind environment for dissipation of viruses and harmful gases.
4. Promoting and protecting the health of occupants
The requirements include: a controlled concentration of indoor air pollutants; limiting moisture condensation on inner surfaces to avoid the growth of pathogenic bacteria; ensuring water safety; setting sports and fitness venues to promote physical movement; as well as using Green building material with antibacterial functions.
5. Stabilising work and living environment during the epidemic prevention and control
Convenient public service facilities (supermarkets, vegetable markets, hospitals and other public service facilities) are provided.
For more information, please visit https://www.worldgbc.org/news-media/contribution-green-buildings-fight-against-covid-19.
