SAGE EMG guidance on ventilation and COVID-19
On 23 October 2020, the UK Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) published an Environmental and Modelling Group (EMG) paper on the Role of ventilation in controlling SARS-CoV-2 transmission. This paper examines public and workplace settings. Ventilation in domestic environments was covered in the Scientific Pandemic Influenza Group on Behaviours (SPI-B) and EMG paper, MHCLG housing impacts paper published on 10 September 2020.
[edit] Highlighted recommendations
The paper includes guidelines for better ventilation and indoor air quality in buildings, and introduces proactive measures that should be taken as facilities management teams prepare for employees to return to the workplace.
Recommendations include:
- Developing a risk mitigation plan to weigh up the consequences of opening windows to minimise the spread of infection against thermal discomfort, energy cost, noise disruptions, security and health and wellbeing impacts from exposure to pollutants.
- Identifying parts of the building that have poor ventilation rates (less than five litres per second per person or more than 1500ppm CO2) and prioritise them for remediation.
- Increasing ventilation in areas where there is a greater chance of virus transmission (either through greater concentration of employees or activities that occur in those areas).
The guidance was updated on 23 December 2020 to reflect the more aggressive variant of COVID-19 that was identified in the UK in late 2020.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Back to the workplace: are you prepared?
- Coronavirus and the construction industry.
- Designing HVAC to resist harmful microorganisms.
- Facilities management.
- Health performance indicators in the built environment.
- IAQ developments accelerated by COVID-19 pandemic.
- Ventilation and control of COVID-19 transmission.
[edit] External resources
Featured articles and news
Gregor Harvie argues that AI is state-sanctioned theft of IP.
Many resources for visitors aswell as new features for members.
Using technology to empower communities
The Community data platform; capturing the DNA of a place and fostering participation, for better design.
Heat pump and wind turbine sound calculations for PDRs
MCS publish updated sound calculation standards for permitted development installations.
Homes England creates largest housing-led site in the North
Successful, 34 hectare land acquisition with the residential allocation now completed.
Scottish apprenticeship training proposals
General support although better accountability and transparency is sought.
The history of building regulations
A story of belated action in response to crisis.
Moisture, fire safety and emerging trends in living walls
How wet is your wall?
Current policy explained and newly published consultation by the UK and Welsh Governments.
British architecture 1919–39. Book review.
Conservation of listed prefabs in Moseley.
Energy industry calls for urgent reform.
Heritage staff wellbeing at work survey.
A five minute introduction.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson apprentice award
Showcasing the very best electrotechnical and engineering services for half a century.
Welsh government consults on HRBs and reg changes
Seeking feedback on a new regulatory regime and a broad range of issues.
CIOB Client Guide (2nd edition) March 2025
Free download covering statutory dutyholder roles under the Building Safety Act and much more.