Brazil. The built environment has an important role to play in building a healthier and more sustainable world. This is becoming even more apparent due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Harmonizing occupational health, energy efficiency and thermal comfort provides stronger, healthier organizations as well as better buildings.
As an example, the Burmann 32 Building, in São Paulo (SP), opted for the VAV diffusers of AirFixture, a brand represented by Dannenge International, with an area of 70 thousand square meters, on the 28 floors of the building. Floor-mounted VAV diffusers (UFAD) intelligently control the air supply based on the temperature demand of the occupied space and provide excellent ventilation for increased occupant comfort and health. The project, which includes a public terrace, cafeteria, corporate spaces and a theater with capacity for up to 500 occupants, received LEED Platinum certification from GBC (Green Building Council) Brazil.
According to the technical director of Dannenge International, Ricardo Cherem de Abreu, the application of ground insufflation, by concept, saves energy, both because it requires less power for ventilation, and because it works with higher temperatures in the insufflation of air, which allows higher temperatures in the cooled water and better yields in the water cooling system. It also allows for a healthier environment, where aerosols and particles are ejected from the occupancy zone, as well as allowing for more individualized temperature control. However, for this potential to materialize, it is necessary to work with the right equipment.
"As always when we worked with floor air distribution systems, it was a great satisfaction to participate in the Birmann 32 project. We have always had excellent results when applying the complete systems of AirFixture, a company that works exclusively with this concept, with hundreds of successful installations around the world. The B-32 is an example of a sustainable building, and the quality and flexibility that a floor air distribution system can offer weighs heavily. I'm sure this is the best option to get a really healthy work environment, even more so if we associate insufflation through the floor with an active air purification system, such as RGF Environmental's photo hydroionizer, effective in controlling air pollution, in its direct path, from person to person, "he is a person-to-person." says Cherem.
According to Michael J. McQueeny, P.E.Leed AP, president and CEO of AirFixture, along with Rafael Birmann and Renato Silva, the company began work on Birmann 32 in 2013. The project was in the initial planning phase.
"AirFixture manufactures air conditioning systems for class A commercial buildings throughout Brazil and Birmann 32 wanted to have the best system to provide visibly better air circulation with greater comfort, opting for the floor air distribution system (UFAD) from the initial design, as it had already specified the raised floor for maximum flexibility. This system has been chosen by several office towers and corporate campuses around the world. With a project by Raúl Almeida, from Teknika, VAV floor diffusers with thermostatic control were installed. The project was substantially completed in 2020. Surprisingly, more projects than ever are considering UFAD systems with floor insufflation directly into people's breathing zones. These systems have been shown to provide cleaner air in the office space and 75% less airborne particulate matter. All this while offering great efficiency and greater comfort and productivity."
