The Link Between Indoor Air Quality and Performance

We understand the importance of Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) and its impact on health, productivity, and overall building performance. Today, on Clean Air Day, we delve into the statistics and insights about the essential role of IAQ in building certifications and the broader implications for real estate and occupant well-being.

The Role of IAQ in Performance

Indoor Air Quality is a cornerstone of building health, significantly influencing occupant health and productivity. Studies have consistently shown that poor IAQ can lead to a range of health issues, including respiratory problems, headaches, fatigue, and exacerbation of allergies and asthma. These health concerns directly affect workplace productivity, increasing absenteeism and reducing overall efficiency.

Here are some compelling IAQ statistics:

• Residential Buildings: There's a growing market willingness to pay a premium for health-promoting environments. Residential properties that can demonstrate superior IAQ are not only enhancing occupant health but also commanding higher market values.
• Industrial Sector: During the COVID-19 pandemic, industrial and manufacturing facilities saw a staggering 60% turnover in employees, largely due to health-related concerns, including poor IAQ. By improving air quality, these facilities can reduce turnover rates, enhancing productivity and operational stability.
• Office Spaces: 75% of employees now expect their employers to provide health-promoting environments. Offices with superior IAQ can attract and retain talent, fostering a more productive and satisfied workforce.

IAQ and Building Certifications

Indoor Air Quality is a critical component of many building certification programs, including Fitwell, WELL, and LEED. These certifications emphasize the creation of environments that promote health and well-being, with IAQ being a key performance indicator.

• Fitwell Certification: Fitwell's new V3 standard, which includes strategies specifically addressing climate adaptation and IAQ, helps buildings achieve optimal health performance. This certification process evaluates a range of IAQ factors, from ventilation systems to the use of low-emitting materials, ensuring that certified buildings provide safe and healthy indoor environments.
• WELL Certification: The WELL Building Standard places a strong emphasis on air quality, requiring stringent measures to reduce indoor pollutants and enhance ventilation. WELL-certified buildings are recognized for their commitment to creating spaces that prioritize occupant health.
• LEED Certification: The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification includes IAQ credits that focus on improving ventilation, reducing indoor pollutants, and ensuring the use of healthy building materials.

Enhancing IAQ for Better Performance

Improving IAQ involves a combination of strategies that can be implemented across different types of buildings:

1. Ventilation: Ensuring adequate ventilation is crucial. This includes using HVAC systems that provide fresh outdoor air, maintaining proper humidity levels, and using air purification systems to remove contaminants.
2. Low-Emitting Materials: Utilizing materials and products that emit low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) helps reduce indoor air pollutants. This includes choosing paints, adhesives, and furnishings that are certified for low emissions.
3. Regular Maintenance: Regularly maintaining HVAC systems, replacing filters, and ensuring that ventilation systems are functioning efficiently can significantly improve IAQ.
4. Monitoring and Control: Implementing IAQ monitoring systems can help track air quality in real time, allowing for immediate adjustments to ventilation and air purification systems as needed.

On this Clean Air Day, it's essential to recognize the pivotal role of Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) in creating healthy, productive, and high-performing buildings. As environmental consultants at RiskCheck, in collaboration with our sustainability division, GreenCheck, we are committed to helping our clients achieve superior IAQ through evidence-based strategies and comprehensive building certifications. By prioritizing IAQ, we can ensure that buildings not only meet regulatory standards but also enhance the well-being of their occupants, ultimately unlocking greater value and performance.

For more information on how we can help improve your building's IAQ and achieve certification, please contact us at RiskCheck or visit our website.

Together, let's make clean air a priority and enhance the environments where we live, work, and thrive.