Challenging HVAC industry conventions

This presentation challenges entrenched HVAC industry norms, questioning the adequacy of current ventilation definitions and their role in ensuring good indoor air quality (IAQ). By examining the fundamentals of the physiology of breathing and the mechanisms of aerosol transmission, it scrutinises the assumption that standard ventilation equates to acceptable IAQ and advocates for a future with more stringent IAQ standards.

It posits that a deep understanding of HVAC system nuances can lead to innovative, intelligent solutions that not only challenge traditional conventions, but also significantly enhance IAQ, fostering healthier indoor environments. 

About Patrick

Patrick Chambers, Affil.AIRAH, is Associate Director and Mechanical Project Technical Lead/Australian Discipline Leader at Scantec Australia. Patrick brings technical expertise from a diverse range of projects, sectors and geographies, with specific specialisation in hospitals/healthcare, indoor air quality, and airborne infection control. As the Building Services Discipline Leader for Stantec Australia, Patrick champions the standardisation and optimisation of design process workflows, collaboration, thought leadership and innovation across the discipline.

Patrick’s background in scientific research brings a renewed perspective to building engineering design, and he is actively involved in academic research programs with universities in Queensland. Patrick is a member of the AIRAH Infection Control and Operating Theatre Practices STG and an industry advisor for the government-funded "Making Australia Resilient to Airborne Infection Transmission" research project.