ASHRAE Taps Weidner for Epidemic Task Force
Robert Weidner, PE, LEEP AP, CxA
Bringing 38 years of expertise and dedication to creating healthy and sustainable spaces, Gannett Fleming’s Mechanical Practice Leader Robert Weidner, PE, LEEP AP, CxA, will serve on The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE’s) Epidemic Task Force.
The ASHRAE Epidemic Task Force works to deploy technical resources to address the challenges of current and future epidemics related to the effects of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems and disease transmission in indoor environments. The task force’s primary role is to provide building owners, facility operators, government agencies, and the public with building readiness guidance and mitigation strategies to support COVID-19 recovery.
Weidner has worked tirelessly throughout the COVID-19 crisis to educate and inform others about bipolar ionization (BPI), a little-known, 50-year-old virus-fighting electronic air cleaning technology.
“Most indoor spaces were not designed with HVAC systems to control the risk of viruses like you might see in a healthcare setting,” said Weidner. “We’re operating from an old playbook, and there are technologies like BPI that can significantly improve indoor air quality and help people feel comfortable and safe in their indoor work environment.”
Weidner is actively involved with ASHRAE, where he also serves as the Research Committee chair and as a member of the TC 9.10 Laboratory Systems Committee. He has resolved complex mechanical challenges for a diverse range of clients and champions new technologies to move the industry forward, enable financial savings, and increase sustainability.
