Antimicrobials!

Yes, I Am getting this question as well! I am trying to let people know that providing a healthy environment for tenants to optimize human health should be the main focus, so focusing on indoor air quality, avoiding the six classes, providing daylight and biophilia. Curious as well how others are approaching this. Kristen

Also having this conversation and also focusing on topics like thinking about whether we are designing things that require touch when we could design that same thing to be touchless (in particular doors, faucets, soap dispensers, flush valves, etc...).  Hand washing is another area I've been giving a lot of thought to... I've never been sold on the ultra low flow lavs (0.35 gpm) as I am not convinced they can give a sanitary hand wash and would love input on the hygiene angle of these lavs - are there studies out there one way or the other about this?  And finally, our ventilation and filtration systems are obviously important, too.  We need to make sure we are all thinking about how air circulates through our buildings between filtrations. Easier to address with new designs, is there going to be a need to evaluate and redesign existing building's systems in light of COVID? Looking forward to hearing others on this thread.

ASHRAE will be publishing COVID-19 design guides on site for different building types this or next week. 

I've been using language along these lines to respond to requests for antimicrobials: Antimicrobials? Are NOT good for your health. They should NOT be in consumer products or fabrics or surfaces in your home and office. They do more harm in your endocrine system than they kill harmful germs in your environment. They have been identified as a contributor to the increasing problem of antibiotic resistance. They should be reserved for preparation of surgical settings, and you shouldn't be touching them. Then I tell them to check out the Six Classes video: https://www.sixclasses.org/videos/antimicrobials