Clearing the Air: The Vital Role of Proper Ventilation for Facility Managers

Indoor air quality (IAQ) is no longer a behind-the-scenes issue—it’s becoming a critical topic for facility managers everywhere. From schools to office buildings, proper ventilation plays a vital role in protecting the health of occupants and optimizing building performance.

But what exactly does “proper ventilation” mean, and how can you monitor and improve air quality in your facility? Let's dig into the insights shared by Lisa Greenfield, National Indoor Air Quality Specialist with Erlab USA, during a recent podcast discussion.

Why Indoor Air Quality Matters

Did you know we spend 90% of our time indoors, yet indoor air can be 2-5 times more polluted than outdoor air—sometimes even 100 times more?

Factors like poor ventilation, moisture buildup, and contaminants contribute to this hidden threat. Whether it’s carbon dioxide (CO2), mold spores, or airborne particles, these pollutants can quietly diminish cognitive function, trigger respiratory issues, and reduce overall comfort and productivity.

Lisa’s own experience exemplifies the importance of indoor air quality. After years in education, she developed severe asthma caused by mold and poor ventilation in her work environment. “When you’re sick, life gets harder,” she noted, explaining how her health challenges led her to explore the impact of air quality on human well-being. Her takeaway is clear—good air quality isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity.

Common IAQ Challenges Facility Managers Face

Whether you manage a school, office, or manufacturing site, IAQ challenges may vary depending on your building’s age, design, and purpose. Lisa highlighted some of the most common problems:

• Outdated Infrastructure: Old buildings often house leaky roofs, ancient HVAC systems, and poor ventilation, creating a perfect storm for air quality issues.

• Moisture Problems: Moisture trapped in spaces without proper airflow can lead to mold, which, contrary to popular belief, doesn’t need to be “black mold” to cause harm.

• Overcrowding: Enclosed spaces with high occupancy generate elevated CO2 levels, reducing air quality and cognitive abilities.

• Radon Exposure: Radon gas, a silent and odorless carcinogen, is often overlooked despite being the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. This is especially common in buildings with basements or those located in radon-prone areas.

Tools for Assessing IAQ

The first step toward cleaner air? Understand your current situation. Facility managers can monitor air quality through a variety of tools and solutions:

1. IAQ Monitors

Modern IAQ monitors track real-time data on pollutants, CO2 levels, and even humidity. These devices can uncover hidden problems and help you assess ventilation effectiveness.

1. ASHRAE 241 Guidelines

While not a regulation, ASHRAE 241 provides helpful recommendations for ventilation to prevent the spread of infectious aerosols—a significant wake-up call brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.

1. Poppy Systems

Lisa introduced a novel solution called Poppy, a company providing comprehensive ventilation assessments. Their system evaluates whether your building is over- or under-ventilated and identifies areas for improvement.

By leveraging these IAQ tools, you can diagnose problem areas and prioritize action steps to improve air quality swiftly.

Proactive IAQ Maintenance

To proactively stay ahead of IAQ issues, facility managers should implement regular monitoring and maintenance schedules.

• Perform Routine System Checks

Schedule inspections of your HVAC and filtration systems every three months to ensure optimal performance. Regularly clean or replace filters to maintain air circulation.

• Monitor Ventilation

Keep an eye on air exchange rates in various areas of the building. Best practices include ensuring fresh outdoor air dilutes indoor pollutants effectively.

• Address Moisture Problems

Watch for signs of mold or moisture, such as condensation or a musty smell. Employ dehumidifiers in problem areas and fix leaks promptly to prevent mold growth.

• Educate Building Occupants

Encourage occupants to report any signs of poor air quality, such as strange odors, stuffiness, or recurring health issues.

How to Identify a "Sick Building"

The term “sick building” refers to environments where poor air quality is negatively affecting the health of occupants. Signs include a higher-than-usual number of respiratory illnesses, lethargy, or even chronic asthma or allergic reactions among staff.

Facility managers can mitigate sick building symptoms by:

• Conducting IAQ assessments with professional services.

• Implementing building automation systems that monitor air quality in real time.

A Success Story

Lisa shared a memorable experience where a school struggled with recurring respiratory problems among students and faculty. Upon investigation, they discovered issues with their old HVAC system and undetected mold growth in hidden corners. After upgrading the system, improving ventilation, and addressing the mold problem, the school not only reported improved health outcomes but also better attendance and focus among students.

Small Changes, Big Impact

Sometimes, IAQ improvements require significant updates, but even small changes can go a long way:

• Add portable air purifiers in smaller, isolated spaces with high foot traffic.

• Introduce plants known for improving air quality, like peace lilies or snake plants.

• Replace carpets, which can trap allergens, with hypoallergenic flooring.

The Business Case for Better Air Quality

Beyond the health benefits, improving indoor air can enhance productivity, reduce absenteeism, and create a more comfortable environment for tenants, employees, or guests. For facility managers, the return on investment is two-fold—meeting sustainability goals while protecting occupant welfare.

Final Thoughts

Proper ventilation and IAQ monitoring are no longer optional in managing facilities; they’re essential. Clean air directly impacts our health, productivity, and comfort. For facility managers, prioritizing air quality isn’t just about compliance; it’s about fostering environments where people can thrive.

A good plan of action to follow is to make sure you are using a professional commercial cleaning company that is CIMS-Green Building Certification. With a certified company, you’ll be sure to have a trusted partner in keeping your building consistently clean and customer focused.

Reach out to OpenWorks if you’d like to chat about clean buildings and how we can partner.

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