A world-first research project that tested air circulation in an empty CBD office building has revealed that “displacement ventilation air conditioning” can reduce COVID-19 transmission by more than 80 per cent.

The aptly acronymed BREATH study (Building Retrofit for Efficiency, Air Quality, Thermal Comfort and Health) assessed changes to ventilation systems that could both decrease airborne virus transmission and reduce energy consumption in office buildings.

It was the first time a team had looked at the issue simultaneously from an energy-use and infection control perspective. In a three-month period, University of Melbourne researchers assessed three different ventilation systems in a vacant CBD building: displacement ventilation air conditioning (which supplies air from floor level), in-ceiling air filters, and natural airflow through open windows.

In recent years office building managers have increasingly made efforts to reduce COVID-19 transmission by opening windows to maximise ventilation, however the move can increase energy consumption, increase costs, and compromise comfort. The research, as a result, aimed to provide publicly available findings to show building owners, tenants and partners how best to improve their workplaces.

The project found that while all three systems reduced the potential transmission of COVID when compared to standard ceiling-based air conditioning, displacement ventilation air conditioning was the most effective and energy efficient system tested. It could reduce COVID-19 transmission by 83 per cent while also reducing energy consumption by 20 per cent.

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