As sustainability and health-conscious design has gained momentum, architects and designers are redefining priorities to include indoor air quality alongside aesthetics and energy efficiency to match building owners’ and occupants’ expectations. This shift reflects a deeper understanding of how indoor air quality impacts health, productivity, and overall well-being. The recent pandemic has only magnified the importance of clean indoor air.

Healthy Air Is Crucial for Health and Productivity

Research led by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health reveals the profound impact of indoor air quality on employees’ cognitive function and productivity within office environments. The one-year study involved participants from various fields across six countries, such as engineering, real estate investment, architecture, and technology.
Findings showed that increased concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and lower ventilation rates (measured through carbon dioxide (CO2) levels) were linked to slower response times and reduced cognitive accuracy in various tests. The observed cognitive impairments occurred at PM2.5 and CO2 concentration levels commonly found in indoor environments.

Evolving Standards for Green Buildings

In response to the growing awareness of the critical link between indoor air quality and well-being, green building certifications have adapted to incorporate stringent air quality standards. LEED v5 emphasizes continual assessment of indoor air quality, while the WELL standard prioritizes indoor air quality management as a core concept. RESET™ Air, a pioneering certification program, mandates continuous monitoring of key pollutants to ensure optimal air quality.

Applying Key IAQ Considerations When Designing Spaces

When striving to enhance the Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) of your designed spaces, keep the following considerations in mind:
1. Approach IAQ as thoughtfully as you would the visual and auditory impacts of the spaces you are designing.
2. Understand what areas may have poor IAQ and elevated levels of CO2 by including indoor air quality sensors to continuously monitor and provide insightful data.
3. Be conscious to include air remediation solutions that meet the spaces’ occupancy and usage expectations.
4. Utilize standards to determine safe and optimal levels of PM2.5.

Leverage IAQ Professionals’ Insights

Understanding how all the complexities of each spaces’ ecosystem can affect IAQ can quickly become overwhelming. Factors such as heating, cooling, and ventilation systems, building construction, and building age as well as factors outside of the building’s envelope such as geographic region, contaminants can all influence indoor air quality. Utilizing a comprehensive air assessment to analyze the indoor air quality requirements for a building can help recommend the optimal solutions. Collaborating with an IAQ expert provides clarity in meeting standards and designing an appropriate indoor air quality plan, which includes selecting suitable monitoring devices and remediation units. Fellowes offers comprehensive assessments, including a complimentary IAQ assessment, to help you understand the IAQ in your spaces and find the right solutions for your project.

Ensure your spaces are not only visually stunning but also conducive to health and productivity. Contact Fellowes today to optimize indoor air quality and elevate your commercial space designs.