20.10.2020, 10:40
Clearing the Air
SSE Enterprise’s distributed energy business is set to improve indoor air quality (IAQ) in mechanically ventilated buildings by utilising bipolar ionisation.
Independent studies have highlighted the effectiveness of the process which releases charged atoms that attach to airborne pathogens in decreasing concentrations of contaminants in indoor air, lowering the risk of respiratory infections and creating a far healthier breathing experience. Bipolar ionisation is widely regarded as the most effective internal air purification solution, ofering distinct advantages over competing options including UV-C, electrostatic precipitation and needlepoint ionisation.
As many economies enter a difficult winter period with a vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 still to be released, the need to reassure employees and customers of a safer working environment is crucial, particularly at a time when flu outbreaks may become common.
SSE Enterprise has secured an exclusive deal covering the UK and Ireland to sell and install the product range of Swiss company, ionair, into buildings including offices, airports, shopping malls, care homes, hotels and sports facilities. ionair AG is an ackowledged global leader in the development, production and distribution of energy-saving IAQ solutions.
Poor IAQ also correlates with low productivity, allergies and general illness. More seriously, chronic exposure to airborne pollutants is linked to respiratory diseases like flu, asthma and lung cancer. Furthermore, evidence is emerging that persistently low air quality is associated with increased risk of dementia.
Kostas Papadopoulos, Head of Smart Cities Solutions Development at SSE Enterprise, says: “We have decided to back this tried and tested technology, working with a high quality manufacturer, not only because we truly believe that it is superior to all other air purification options currently on offer, but also because the pilot installation in one of our offices in England has demonstrated a dramatic improvement across several air quality metrics.
“We are approaching that time of year where coughs and colds begin to surface, so we want to help our customers reduce the risk of infection in their buildings. It is important that any return to work is as safe as possible. We want this technology to provide reassurance to businesses and their employees that they are working in a healthier indoor environment, known to improve well-being, productivity and comfort.”
ionair’s air quality system has been demonstrated to reduce odours by around 50 per cent, germs, bacteria, fungi and pollen by more than 95 per cent, fine particles by 30 per cent to 50 per cent, and several other airborne pathogens by more than 90 per cent. It can also be easily retrofitted into a building’s existing air handling unit to provide continuous monitoring of improvements in air quality.
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