During the coronavirus pandemic, Kinnelon High School in Kinnelon, New Jersey, looked for solutions to ensure ongoing sanitizing in shared learning spaces that would also improve overall indoor air quality. When federal funding became available under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, the school installed hybrid UV-C air purifier and whole-room disinfection fixtures with embedded occupancy sensors in classrooms, cafeterias, and shared learning spaces.

During the day, air filtration is done when the sensors signal a space is occupied. The air-purifier elements of the fixtures combine HEPA, high-intensity UV-C, and active carbon filtration to perform the ASHRAE-recommended two or more air changes per hour to improve air quality and reduce pathogens. At night, automated, chemical-free disinfection of the air and surfaces occurs in unoccupied spaces throughout the school.

Avenues World School – New York Campus in New York City is recognized in the Germicidal Ultraviolet (GUV) Systems for Energy Savings and Improved Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) category. The school installed GUV luminaires across its campus to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and other airborne infectious diseases. Upper-room luminaires were installed in the cafeteria, corridors, gym areas, choral classrooms, and theater. Whole-room far UVC luminaires were installed in all classrooms. One assessed classroom was found to deliver between 0.9 and 4.6 equivalent air changes per hour (eACH) while only using 15 watts. The upper-room GUV installation in the cafeteria was found to deliver at least 12.5 eACH while using 386 watts.   

When Los Angeles County’s Department of Parks and Recreation deployed air disinfection systems in its offices, it prioritized sites with high employee density and frequent in-person interaction with the public. Using UV-C light, the systems neutralize harmful airborne microorganisms in real time in occupied spaces.

When occupants breathe, cough, sneeze, or speak, the warmer air expelled rises to the disinfecting zone by natural and HVAC airflow. In turn, the natural and HVAC airflow recirculates the disinfected air back to the occupied area. While HVAC systems in office environments typically provide two to four air changes per hour, this UV-C system provides at least a dozen, replacing contaminated air with disinfected air roughly every five minutes, significantly reducing employees’ and the public’s exposure to airborne pathogens.

This upper-room technology saves approximately 90% in energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions versus clean air delivered through HVAC systems alone. The savings is largely due to eliminating the energy required to turn over large volumes of air, replacing filters, and contending with hazardous waste and non-recyclable materials.

Utica University in Utica, New York, is recognized in the Germicidal Ultraviolet (GUV) Systems for Energy Savings and Improved Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) category. The university installed upper room GUV technologies in key areas of the campus to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and other airborne diseases. This technology was installed in 56 classrooms, weight rooms, locker rooms, and the campus health center waiting room and exam rooms. 

COVID-related absenteeism has cost US employers an average of $1 Billion per week since the pandemic began. Concern about the spread of infections in the workplace has driven many building operators to increase outside air ventilation at a significantly increased energy cost. Recent research from Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and others finds that well-designed germicidal UV systems can be more effective and far more energy efficient than increasing ventilation to prevent the spread of airborne illness. The Better Buildings Lighting Systems Technology Research Team shared insights on germicidal ultraviolet radiation and its impact on both energy use and airborne pathogens. PNNL’s Lighting Research Engineers Gabe Arnold presented the latest research on GUV technology and how it compares to other methods of indoor air disinfection. Additionally, continuing from the last Lighting Systems Technology Research Team meeting in June, attendees can provided input on how DOE resources can provide the most valuable impact.

UV lighting has become a hot topic with the pandemic as a means to disinfect buildings and surfaces from viruses and bacteria. Mark Lien, Industry Relations Manager of the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES), presents on germicidal ultraviolet (UV) lighting. Mark separates some of the facts from fiction and highlights key safety considerations in applying this beneficial technology. There's also an update on two new DOE lighting initiatives: the Integrated Lighting Campaign, and the IoT-Upgradeable Lighting Challenge.

Germicidal ultraviolet (GUV) air treatment has been used in settings like hospitals for decades, and GUV became a hot term during the COVID-19 pandemic. But what is GUV, how is it being used, and how can it make for healthier buildings?