The importance of good air quality in buildings

For several years now, indoor air quality (IAQ) and the well-being of occupants in buildings have been at the forefront of major concerns for employers and real estate managers. Studies have clearly shown that neglecting the management of indoor air quality can lead to increased absenteeism, decreased productivity, a decline in the health of occupants, and ultimately, higher building operating costs.

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Summary

The risks of poor air quality in buildings

Indoor air quality in buildings is a matter of crucial importance, primarily due to the risks it poses to human health. Occupants spend an average of 90% of their time indoors, whether it be in homes, offices, schools, or hospitals. Consequently, exposure to poor indoor air quality can have health consequences, including:

Health Risks:

• Respiratory Irritation: Exposure to indoor pollutants such as tobacco smoke, fine particles, or chemicals can lead to respiratory irritation, resulting in symptoms like coughing and sneezing.
• Allergies and asthma: Allergens, mold, and dust mites present in indoor air can trigger allergies and worsen symptoms in asthmatics, affecting the occupants’ quality of life.

Serious Health Issues:

• Chronic Respiratory Diseases: Prolonged exposure to poor indoor air quality can contribute to the development of chronic respiratory diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
• Increased Cardiovascular Risk: Studies have shown that indoor air pollution can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases, including heart attacks and strokes.

In addition to health effects, poor indoor air quality in buildings can also lead to significant costs for businesses and property owners. More frequent employee sick days, decreased productivity, and health-related disputes among occupants can have a substantial impact on financial results. Furthermore, in many countries, there are strict regulations concerning indoor air quality, which means that non-compliance can result in substantial fines.

Factors influencing indoor air quality

To understand how to ensure good indoor air quality, it is essential to identify the sources of pollution that can negatively impact this quality. The interior of a building can contain various pollutants such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), fine particles, carbon monoxide (CO), formaldehyde, and more.

These pollutant emissions can originate from chemicals, cleaning products, construction materials, and furnishings, as well as outdoor air pollution or a lack of adequate ventilation systems. Modern buildings, especially smart buildings, are designed to be energy-efficient, which can sometimes lead to the accumulation of pollutants indoors.

Solutions to improve air quality

Fortunately, there are numerous solutions available today to improve indoor air quality in buildings. From smart ventilation to the use of high-quality air filters and real-time air quality monitoring, the options are diverse.

Meersens specializes in environmental monitoring and offers innovative solutions for measuring, analyzing, and enhancing indoor environments. With tools such as modeling, air quality sensors, and Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), we simplify the tracking of indoor air quality data in buildings with the aim of optimizing the health and well-being of occupants.

Impact on sustainability and corporate social responsibility

Improving indoor air quality not only benefits the health of occupants but also contributes to building sustainability and corporate social responsibility..

Environmental Sustainability:

Enhancing indoor air quality can reduce the need for energy-intensive air conditioning and ventilation systems, which helps decrease energy consumption and associated greenhouse gas emissions. By using efficient air purification systems and optimizing building design to promote natural airflow, dependence on non-renewable resources can be reduced.

Corporate Social Responsability:

Companies that invest in healthy indoor environments demonstrate their commitment to the well-being of their employees and customers, which is an important aspect of corporate social responsibility for organizations. They contribute to creating more pleasant and safer environments for those who use them, which enhances their brand image and competitiveness in the market..

Future trends and regulations

As awareness of indoor air quality continues to rise, emerging trends such as the increasing demand for “healthy” buildings and stricter regulations are expected. It is essential to stay informed about these developments to remain competitive and ensure compliance.

💡Good to know: The indoor air quality regulations for Public Establishments (ERP – Établissements Recevant du Public) are evolving in 2023. Launched in 2013, the Grenelle 2 law (articles L. 221-8 and R. 221-30 and following of the environmental code) was modified in December 2022 with the aim of improving indoor air quality in establishments hosting sensitive populations in 2023 (Decree no. 2022-1689 and no. 2022-1690 of December 27, 2022).

Indoor air quality is a crucial aspect of building design and management in today’s real estate, smart buildings, sustainable cities, and corporate social responsibility (CSR) context. Health risks, potential costs, and the benefits associated with good indoor air quality make this topic a priority for businesses and property owners. By investing in air quality solutions, they can enhance the health of their occupants, strengthen their social responsibility efforts, and contribute to the sustainability of their buildings. It’s time to pay increased attention to indoor air quality for the well-being of all.

Take advantage of the power of Meersens’ Environmental Intelligence now!

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