Return to Campus

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend a layered approach to mitigating exposure and spread of COVID-19. Appropriate ventilation of indoor spaces is one part of a layered approach, but there is little evidence to suggest that COVID-19 is spread through heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems[1].

Cal/OSHA requires the District to evaluate how to maximize ventilation with outdoor air and install the highest level of filtration efficiency compatible with existing ventilation system[2]. While data are limited and the research is ongoing, the District’s Facilities Planning, Maintenance and Operations division is taking precautions and measures to ensure the safety and comfort of staff, faculty students, and visitors to campus.

Here, the focus is on HVAC and naturally ventilated spaces. All the spaces in the District have adequate ventilation, either using mechanical ventilation or natural ventilation. In addition, the District has met Cal/OSHA requirements by enhancing ventilation, air flow, and filtration in the buildings. 

The appendices that follow include:

• The number of every building on each campus for reference
• The vintage, or period of most recent modernization, of the mechanical or natural ventilation system
• The type of ventilation provided
• The level of filtration provided
• The type of mechanical heating or cooling provided
• The condition of the mechanical system where one exists
• The most recent preventative maintenance provided to the mechanical system

Each point listed above is described in more detail for context and reference within a full brief prepared by the Facilities Team:

• Report Regarding Buildings Ventilation  
• Appendix A: Cañada College HVAC Systems  
• Appendix B: College of San Mateo HVAC Systems  
• Appendix C: Skyline College HVAC Systems  

You can also view a briefing video of the District's buildings' air handling systems.