Breathing: It's the first thing we do when we are born, and something so instinctive, we hardly notice it — yet the quality of the air we breathe can profoundly influence our daily lives. Consider the places you frequent most — your home, office, or favorite coffee shop. How often do you think about the Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) in these spaces? IAQ isn't just a matter of comfort; it's a vital aspect of our health, productivity, and overall well-being. Given that we spend around 90% of our time indoors, understanding and improving the air we breathe indoors is important to business and building owners.
High IAQ means fewer respiratory issues, better cognitive function, and even improved mental health. In a world where asthma, allergies, and COVID-19 are ever-present concerns, the air we breathe indoors can make all the difference. This is where green buildings come into play.
Green buildings are designed with sustainability and occupant health at their core, often achieving certification through programs like LEED and WELL. These certifications emphasize the importance of IAQ, recognizing it as a fundamental component of sustainable building practices.
Benefits of High Indoor Air Quality
As more people become aware of the benefits of IAQ, tenants are increasingly looking for spaces that ensure a healthy indoor environment.
Health Benefits of IAQ
The health benefits of maintaining high IAQ can be substantial, particularly in cities and areas known for poor outdoor air quality. Furthermore, experts expect average air quality to decline in the coming years, placing increased value on healthy indoor spaces.
Improved IAQ reduces respiratory issues and allergies, leading to fewer instances of asthma attacks and lower risks of cardiovascular diseases. This is an even greater concern for people with existing respiratory issues, who rely on indoor spaces as a refuge from external pollutants. Poor IAQ can exacerbate chronic illnesses and contribute to long-term health problems. Studies estimate that indoor air pollution is responsible for over 3 million deaths annually.
Enhanced IAQ also positively impacts mental health and cognitive function, creating environments where occupants can physically and mentally thrive. There is mounting evidence showing a link between air pollution and the risk of psychiatric disorders. This is even more impactful for children and young adults who are in a critical period of brain development.
Productivity Benefits of High Indoor Air Quality
High IAQ also boosts productivity, which is an important consideration for commercial tenants. In fact, studies show that good IAQ leads to up to a 4% increase in productivity and 61% higher cognitive function. Overall, employees perform better and exhibit higher concentration levels. Additionally, better IAQ results in fewer sick days and reduced absenteeism, enhancing workplace satisfaction and morale. This translates into tangible benefits for building owners and employers, who see lower turnover rates and higher tenant retention.
Common Indoor Air Pollutants
So, we know that indoor air quality is important, but what are the drivers of indoor air pollution? There are three main categories of pollutants:
- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): VOCs are compounds with high vapor pressure and low water solubility, so solids and liquids readily give them off. Many are human-made compounds found in building materials, furnishings, and household products. Acute and chronic exposure can cause headaches, dizziness, respiratory issues, and cancer.
- Particulate Matter: Particulate matter consists of tiny particles or droplets in the air (typically 2.5 to 10 microns in size — about the diameter of human hair) that can be inhaled into the lungs. These particles come from various sources, including dust, mold, smoke, and outdoor pollution. Acute exposure can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat, while chronic exposure can lead to more severe health issues such as respiratory diseases, cardiovascular problems, and even premature death.
- Biological Contaminants: Biological contaminants include microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi, as well as allergens like pet dander, pollen, and dust mites. These contaminants can originate from indoor and outdoor sources and thrive in areas with high humidity and poor ventilation. Acute exposure to biological pollutants can result in allergic reactions, infections, and asthma attacks. In contrast, chronic exposure can lead to more severe health problems, including chronic respiratory diseases and weakened immune systems.
How to Achieve Better Indoor Air Quality
Improving indoor air quality has three main components: reducing outdoor contaminants that enter a building, limiting the conditions for contaminants to thrive, and removing pollutants that inevitably do enter the building. Targeting each of these considerations requires a combination of strategies largely hinging on design choices and regular maintenance.
Sustainable Practices to Achieve High Indoor Air Quality
Utilizing sustainable practices is an essential component of maintaining high IAQ. One key approach is using low-VOC and non-toxic building materials and finishes. VOCs are often found in innocuous compounds like glue and paint. Choosing low-VOC alternatives can significantly reduce the indoor sources of VOCs.
A building envelope is the barrier between outdoor and indoor areas, making it essential to protect a building from pollutants entering. For example, cracks in the building foundation can provide a pathway for outdoor contaminants.
Furthermore, a tight building envelope promotes efficient mechanical ventilation. Combined with sustainably designed ventilation systems, airflow is increased, diluting pollutants and pushing them back outside. Another consideration is high-efficiency air filters and purifiers, including new UV technologies, which can remove contaminants from the air.
Green Building Design Strategies for IAQ
Design strategies that prioritize natural ventilation and air purification contribute to better IAQ. Incorporating windows, vents, and atriums into building designs can facilitate natural airflow, reducing the reliance on mechanical systems. Using green roofs and indoor plants can naturally purify the air by absorbing pollutants and releasing oxygen. Additionally, implementing smart building technologies to monitor and manage IAQ can provide real-time data and automatic adjustments to maintain optimal air circulation and air quality levels.
Role of Regular Maintenance in IAQ
Lastly, buildings must be maintained to ensure their systems continue functioning as designed. This ranges from regular cleaning, using walk-off mats to trap pollutants from people’s shoes, and regular inspections that balance and clean HVAC systems. Continuous monitoring and periodic testing of indoor air quality help identify and address issues promptly. Additionally, quickly repairing plumbing leaks and water damage prevents mold growth, which can significantly degrade IAQ.
Having a sustainable facilities maintenance plan is essential for facilitating these practices. They ensure a maintenance schedule, outline capital improvement plans for upgrades, and list appropriate low-VOC materials to use in the building. Simply, they ensure that the necessary actions are regularly taken to maintain high IAQ.
The Path to Healthier, More Sustainable Indoor Spaces
Maintaining high indoor air quality is vital for building occupants' health, productivity, and overall well-being. The benefits of good IAQ extend beyond health, impacting productivity and satisfaction, making it a critical consideration for building owners and designers. Furthermore, it is a core component for projects pursuing green building certifications, often a crucial part of a building owner's sustainability strategy.
At Emerald Built Environments, we specialize in green building design — from new certification to retrofits to ongoing maintenance. Reach out to learn how we can help you create healthier, more sustainable spaces. Let's work together to create environments where people thrive.
