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Travis English, P.E., Kaiser Permanente
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Paul Ninomura, Indian Health Service
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Heather Burpee, University of Washington Integrated Design Lab
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Jeremy Fauber, P.E., Heapy Engineering
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The current version of ASHRAE Standard 170 procludes natural ventilation in all spaces in healthcare facilities. This work-group suggests it should be allowed in most healthcare spaces, except for Operating Rooms, Procedure Suites, Sterile Core areas, Interventional Radiology or Cardiology Spaces, Airborne Isolation Areas, and Protective Environments. Natural or mixed-mode ventilation designs may offer some benefits. Among the most likely are energy reduction and enhanced occupant satisfaction. Less likely benefits may include enhanced indoor air quality and a more beneficial microbiome. When considering natural ventilation in health care, designers must fully address the fundamental challenges of space appropriateness, climate appropriateness, acoustics, security, and outdoor air quality. Projects implementing natural ventilation should anticipate commissioning challenges.
