We entered 2021 with a new and heightened understanding of the importance of consistent hygiene and clean air. It’s now top of mind when we venture out in public and welcome friends and family into our homes. Easing back into normalcy has been a slow breath of relief, but it is becoming clear that many enhanced sanitation practices are here to stay to preserve the health, safety, and well-being of our communities.

Advancing health, performance, and satisfaction in indoor spaces

Cleanliness has always correlated with a feeling of health and safety. Communities and businesses have long understood this and put measures in place to help put people at ease. Over the years, many concepts have been scientifically proven and embraced, enhancing health and increasing comfort and productivity in the workplace.

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The pandemic accelerated the need for these and other solutions that create smarter, healthier spaces – not only to provide peace of mind, but also to support social distancing, air purification, and hygiene efforts.

 

The rise of indoor air quality 

One area that has received the greatest amount of attention recently – for good reason – is indoor air quality (IAQ). Scientists and public health experts have determined that the primary route of transmission for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, is through the air. 

While indoor air quality has been a discussion among forward-thinking organizations for years, the need to protect people from this disease and help control the spread has brought it into the spotlight for everyone, from the smallest office environments to the biggest businesses in the world.

As scientists came to understand the nature of COVID, the World Health Organization (WHO), U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and Public Health Agency of Canada, as well as other leading health authorities, began to recommend strategies for indoor air purification to protect people. In its guidance, the CDC strongly recommends portable air purifiers and ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) as ventilation strategies. 

“Use portable high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) fan/filtration systems to enhance air cleaning (especially in higher risk areas such as a nurse’s office or areas frequently inhabited by people with a higher likelihood of having COVID-19 and/or an increased risk of getting COVID-19). ” – US CDC, Ventilation in Buildings Guidance

“Use ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) as a supplemental treatment to inactivate SARS-CoV-2 when options for increasing room ventilation and filtration are limited.” – US CDC, Ventilation in Buildings Guidance

Challenges that businesses face 

In 2020, companies were crippled by the abrupt need to pivot workplace dynamics and business models for the safety of employees and changing consumer demands. The unpredictability of worldwide recovery efforts only amplified these challenges by disrupting cross-collaboration, company culture, and the unmatched benefits of a team-oriented atmosphere. 

Businesses are eager to progress back to their more familiar structure. However, employees and patrons have a new awareness of the dangers of airborne pathogens. COVID-19 is not the sole reason for hesitancy to leave home; surveys indicate that aggravated seasonal allergies and the transmission of colds, influenza, and other illnesses are also significant concerns.

Another growing concern is the current labor shortage and an impending war for talent. With remote work now a reality, employees are looking to their employers to provide more flexible work options and better conditions. In light of apprehension to return to the workplace, many people are also feeling empowered to switch to jobs and even industries in order to better meet their expectations for safety and well-being. In fact, a recent Ambius survey of 3,000 workers found that 60 percent would be willing to take a lower-paying job in order to work in an environment with better air quality, hygiene levels, and more hygiene-aware colleagues.

Would you accept a lower-paid job for better air quality/hygiene levels and more hygiene-aware colleagues?

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Solutions to create smarter, healthier spaces 

The prioritization of overall cleanliness and healthy indoor air quality is key for a smooth transition into our post-pandemic future. Customers and employees need to feel safe inside. Companies that choose to proactively address these fears can differentiate themselves as the employment landscape rapidly evolves. 

 Businesses are working to retain and attract top talent in a variety of ways such as: 

  • Establishing new configurations for desks and seating 
  • Providing flexible work options 
  • Increasing sanitation practices 
  • Reducing occupancy levels throughout the workplace
  • Creating wellness-inspired spaces to boost well-being 

Supporting these efforts with clean air technology is an impactful next step.

 

How VIRUSKILLER™ is different 

VIRUSKILLER™ is a revolutionary clean air technology that effectively deactivates 99.9999% of viruses on a single air pass*, monitors air quality, and purifies the air in indoor spaces of all sizes, uses, and traffic levels. This innovative solution from Ambius offers multiple benefits, allowing you and the occupants of your spaces to breathe easier. 

Real-time protection from airborne pathogens

VIRUSKILLER™ provides unrivaled performance against viruses, bacteria, mold, and fungi, taking down airborne pathogens and contaminants through a combination of triple filtration and its patented UV-C Reactor Chamber technology.

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By deactivating 99.9999% of viruses on a single air pass*, VIRUSKILLER™ outperforms standard air purification units. This graphic illustrates this concept. If 1 million virus particles enter a standard air purification unit with 99.95% effectiveness, 500 virus particles will still re-enter the air after passing through. In contrast, VIRUSKILLER™  provides maximum protection by deactivating 99.9999% of viruses within the same 1 million particles. This means that only a single virus particle re-enters the air, substantially reducing the likelihood of cross-infection. 

Supplementing HVAC systems 

Most HVAC systems are not designed for contaminant control, but instead to cool and heat the air and provide comfort. In fact, these ventilation systems can actually aid in the transmission of illness by spreading air from room to room. Freestanding air purifiers can help provide the contaminant control needed, working alongside your HVAC unit, to thoroughly purify air as it flows through a space. 

Indoor air quality monitoring

As we continue into the future, air quality will remain an important factor in indoor spaces. Just as we track the weather, people are more empowered to understand the differences between good and bad air quality and use data to inform their decisions. VIRUSKILLER™ monitoring displays help alleviate concerns by providing immediate feedback about indoor air quality conditions while illustrating real-time improvements.

Consultative, full-service solution 

Ambius offers a full air purification range to meet any of your business needs. Each unit comes backed by the consultative, full-service approach that Ambius is known for. Our hygiene experts will identify and recommend ideal equipment sizing and positioning for superior benefits in your spaces. Our monthly service checks and routine maintenance, which includes routine filter and Reactor Chamber replacement, reduce your operational burdens and ensure delivery of uncompromising clean air performance in the most cost-effective manner.

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Staying ahead by implementing indoor air quality solutions

As the world slowly emerges from the shadow of the pandemic, the cautionary practices that we have depended on will now become a permanent part of our daily lives. Members of the public will continue to look for reassurance that they are safe each time they enter an indoor environment. 

Prioritizing air quality just as much as company culture or overhead can help businesses establish a positive reputation and retain the loyalty of customers and employees. It can also help safeguard against future business downturns, as scientists predict another pandemic may occur within the next decade. Businesses that fully embrace these comprehensive public health solutions will not only be better equipped to respond to future challenges but will also be happier and healthier in the long run. A wellness-inspired future built on eco-building and biophilic design has always been on the horizon. Now, indoor air quality propels us forward as we work to achieve a more balanced, joyful, and sustainable reality for all.

*When independently tested against Coronavirus DF2 a surrogate for Coronavirus, Adenovirus, Influenza and Polio, the unit was found to kill 99.9999% of viruses on a single air pass.