Page 48 - RC2020-EDGEMagazine_SummerEdition
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How significant of a role will HVAC systems now play to   become in adhering to federal or local social distancing
          combat airborne transmission/spread of illnesses? What   requirements?
          is needed to address this?
                                                               Occupancy Safeguards
          How will an increased use of sensors especially those   Occupants are looking for reassurance that the facility
          related to indoor air quality, humidity, occupancy, viral etc.   and working spaces are as safe as possible. A trusted
          help in monitoring both facility and occupant hygiene? What  environment is imperative.
          role will infrared and other diagnostic and identification
          capabilities play in order to limit the spread of infection?  What are the new Essential Safety Measures (ESMs)?
                                                               What measures need to be taken to be assured that
          What are the implications of restarting equipment and   the building has been thoroughly cleaned/sanitized on
          systems safely? What new costs are anticipated and   a regular basis and what new protocols are needed,
          required to follow the new reality? What does proactive/  ensuring it remains that way? How do we instill
          preventative maintenance look like now?              confidence?

          Building Regulation/Liabilities                      What will be the square footage and amount of enclosed
          As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to unfold, there are   space required per person? How will it vary by building
          already a number of coronavirus-related court cases filed   type (i.e., commercial office, school, assisted living,
          over a range of different claims. What steps are needed to   retail)? For space that is not occupied, are the new
          minimize litigation for building owners?             requirements for maintaining conditions different?

          What new regulations, building codes and compliance   How do we address a staggered occupant work
          regulations will now be required? Will health screenings   environment and social distancing requirements? What
          be required to enter a building? If so, what new privacy   measures will we have to take now or in the future to
          regulations will need to be met?                     promote social distancing?

          And, what about pandemic insurance?                  Cybersecurity
                                                               Cybersecurity and its importance have risen to a new
          Should there be a government-provided financial incentive   level, especially with the continuation of the remote
          program to assist in upgrading our facilities to meet the   workforce. In a matter of a short time, the built
          new the challenges of a pandemic? If yes, how do we take   environment changed from a connected network to
          advantage of it?                                     a distanced entity. While cybersecurity will always
                                                               continue to be an issue, COVID-19 has created
          If a building viral illness/wellness rating becomes manda-  increased vulnerabilities and more opportunities for
          tory, how will we handle it and how will we ensure we are   ransomware attacks, malware, online intellectual
          meeting the requirements? What happens if we do not?   property theft and phishing attempts. What new
          How important will tracking building occupancy       measures should be taken?


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