Breathing is essential, yet many of us rarely think about the quality of the air we breathe indoors. Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) plays a crucial role in our health and productivity, especially given that we spend about 90% of our time inside. For business owners and building managers, creating and maintaining healthy indoor air is not just beneficial but essential.

Why High IAQ Matters

Good IAQ supports better respiratory health, mental clarity, and even mental well-being. In today's world, where respiratory issues, allergies, and viruses like COVID-19 are significant concerns, high IAQ is a competitive advantage for businesses and buildings.

• Health Benefits: Clean indoor air can reduce respiratory issues, asthma, allergies, and cardiovascular risks. It also helps prevent mental health issues, as poor air quality has been linked to psychiatric disorders, especially affecting children and young adults.
• Productivity Boosts: Improved IAQ can enhance cognitive performance and lead to higher productivity, with studies indicating a 4% productivity increase and 61% improvement in cognitive function. Better IAQ also means fewer sick days, boosting workplace morale and retention.

Key Indoor Pollutants

Understanding common indoor pollutants is the first step to improving IAQ. Here are three major categories:

1. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): These are found in building materials, furnishings, and everyday products, and they can cause headaches, dizziness, and even long-term health risks like cancer.
2. Particulate Matter: Tiny particles from dust, mold, smoke, and outdoor pollution can cause respiratory irritation, cardiovascular problems, and chronic illnesses.
3. Biological Contaminants: Bacteria, viruses, fungi, pet dander, pollen, and dust mites can thrive in humid, poorly ventilated areas, leading to allergies, infections, and respiratory issues.

Strategies for Better Indoor Air Quality

Achieving and maintaining high IAQ involves controlling outdoor contaminants, preventing pollutant buildup, and removing indoor pollutants.

• Design and Building Materials: Choosing low-VOC materials and finishes for construction or renovation can significantly reduce harmful emissions. Sealing the building’s envelope (the barrier between indoors and outdoors) prevents external pollutants from entering, while proper insulation ensures efficient mechanical ventilation.
• Ventilation and Filtration: A well-designed ventilation system that includes high-efficiency filters can dilute indoor pollutants and improve air exchange, keeping air fresher. Advanced options like UV air purifiers can further remove contaminants.
• Green Building Elements: Using natural ventilation through windows, vents, and atriums, or adding green roofs and indoor plants, can improve air circulation and help filter pollutants naturally. Smart technologies can also monitor IAQ in real-time, automatically adjusting air systems as needed.
• Regular Maintenance and IAQ: To keep indoor air quality at its best, regular building maintenance is crucial. Routine cleaning, HVAC inspections, and repairs can prevent mold growth and improve system efficiency. Sustainable maintenance plans ensure a consistent approach, addressing IAQ issues through regular upkeep, testing, and capital improvements.

A Healthier Future with Better IAQ

Prioritizing high indoor air quality is essential for the health, comfort, and productivity of building occupants. For building owners and managers, focusing on IAQ is not only a valuable investment in occupant well-being but also a critical element of sustainable design. By incorporating thoughtful design, maintenance practices, and air quality improvements, we can create indoor environments where people can truly thrive.

Laura Steinbrink and Emerald Built Environments, a Crete United Company, help teams identify whole system visions for sustainability that create practical success for stakeholders. They use keen facilitation skills to move clients and project teams through difficult decisions by pinpointing what matters and exploring team knowledge for innovative solutions. Laura has directly participated in over 50 LEED projects nationwide, including BD+C, ID+C, O+M, C+C, ND, and Homes. She is the firm’s founder and managing member and continues to work with clients, helping them set and achieve sustainability goals and strategies. Recently, she's been busy leading the firm's E in ESG practice area, which supports sustainability strategy development, stakeholder engagement, GHG emissions reporting, and compliance frameworks, including TCFD and GRESB for large privately held companies.