Administration

Building Ventilation Assessment Status

As part of UCLA’s ongoing commitment to maintaining healthy indoor air quality, this webpage outlines the current status and updates regarding ventilation systems in campus buildings. Originally developed during the COVID-19 pandemic to address airborne spread of the virus, our focus has shifted to also include addressing the impact of wildfire particulates, smoke, and ash on indoor air quality. 

• Single Occupancy Offices (without dedicated ventilation) 
  Most of these spaces have already been allocated a portable HEPA air purifier. If your space has not, you may submit an evaluation request.
• Multiple Occupancy Offices 
  Most of these spaces have already been allocated a portable HEPA air purifier. If your space has not, you may submit an evaluation request.
• Conference Rooms 
  Most of these spaces have already been allocated a portable HEPA air purifier. If your space has not, you may submit an evaluation request.
• General Assignment and Departmental Classrooms  
  Most of these spaces have already been allocated a portable HEPA air purifier. If your space has not, you may submit an evaluation request.
• Single Occupancy Offices (with dedicated ventilation) 
  No portable HEPA air purifier is required when one person is in the office.

Updated Ventilation Goals

Campus building ventilation systems are assessed based on their ability to manage airborne contaminants effectively. Our strategy now incorporates wildfire-related air quality concerns while continuing to ensure systems perform adequately for general air quality control.

Filter Standards and Performance

• MERV 10 and Above: Many campus buildings utilize MERV 10 filters, which are fully adequate for capturing larger particulates such as ash and smoke-related debris from wildfires. While these filters may not meet the ASHRAE standards recommended for capturing smaller particles like viruses (typically MERV 13 or higher), they are effective for addressing fire-related air quality concerns.
• MERV 13 to 15 Filters: These filters are installed in many newer or upgraded campus buildings. They are designed to capture a wide range of airborne contaminants, including smaller particles in addition to ash and smoke-related debris from wildfires as described above, ensuring high air quality in classrooms and offices.
• HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) Filters: True HEPA filters (equivalent to MERV 16 or higher) are installed in specialized environments such as healthcare facilities and laboratories. In other spaces with older ventilation systems, portable HEPA filtration units are deployed to provide supplemental air cleaning.

Wildfire Preparedness Measures

Given the increased risk of wildfire smoke impacting indoor air quality, the following measures have been implemented:

1. Portable HEPA Units: Buildings with older ventilation systems, such as Royce Hall, are supplemented with Medify portable HEPA air purifiers. These units effectively capture fine particulates from smoke and ash, compensating for systems with lower-rated filters.
2. Routine Filter Maintenance: Filters are inspected and replaced based on pressure differentials and routine schedules (every 18–24 months or sooner if needed). This ensures optimal filter performance without unnecessary replacements.
3. Ongoing Evaluations: Older building systems are continually reviewed for potential upgrades to meet evolving air quality standards. UCLA prioritizes health and safety in all modernization projects.

Clarifications on Filter Effectiveness

• Fire Particulates and Ash: MERV 10 filters effectively capture the larger particles associated with smoke and ash from wildfires. This ensures a safe indoor environment even in buildings with older ventilation systems.
• COVID-19 Mitigation: MERV 13 or higher filters are recommended for capturing smaller, virus-sized particles. Where existing systems cannot accommodate these filters, portable HEPA units provide an equivalent level of protection.

Commitment to Air Quality

UCLA remains dedicated to maintaining healthy indoor environments for all students, faculty, and staff. Whether addressing concerns related to wildfire smoke or other airborne contaminants, we continue to adapt and improve ventilation systems to meet the highest safety and performance standards. 

Please visit the UCLA AirQual dashboard which provides measurements from sensors strategically installed around campus and offers more accurate readings of current conditions than other local/city sensors across the region. 

Please visit the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) FAQs webpage for additional details about air filtration systems.