University building ventilation systems

The University of Calgary is committed to ensuring clean and safe air as part of our efforts to maintain a healthy campus community.

Building ventilation (HVAC) systems are designed to circulate fresh air safely throughout university buildings. They are continually monitored, and adjustments are made as needed, to ensure optimal efficiency.  

Health Canada and the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) have established air-quality parameters for indoor (non-industrial) environments. These standards are used as best practices throughout the industry and used to guide our practices on UCalgary campuses.

About the data

Air system type indicates the type of air system used within the building. Blended recirculated air indicates buildings that use a ventilation system that blends outdoor air with recirculated air. Outdoor air refers to systems that use 100% outdoor air for ventilation.

Some of our newest buildings have been specifically designed to use natural ventilation methods to reduce the number of air exchanges while maintaining peak air quality. These designs may include windows that automatically open and close at key times to intake fresh air or other features to decrease the need for power sources to be used to circulate air.

Air change rate per hour (ACH) means how many times the total air volume of the space has been exchanged.

Filter type uses the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) scale, which measures the effectiveness of air filters. Filters with higher MERV values capture a greater percentage of smaller particles from the air that passes through the filters.