Solar power undoubtedly plays a significant role in helping society move towards a greener future. However, there is a long road ahead before we can truly consider our air clean.
This is especially relevant for those who work in commercial buildings. This point was highlighted by an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) report. The report notes that some pollutants are often twice to five times higher indoors. Considering that Americans spend about 90% of their time indoors, the significance of maintaining clean air in commercial buildings becomes clear.
In this article, we look at some innovative clean-air initiatives that are helping us “breathe easier” in commercial buildings.
The Importance of Clean Air in Commercial Buildings
The quality of the air circulating in commercial buildings is not something we often think about. However, poor-quality air can have a major impact on the health and well-being of the occupants. Polluted air can contribute to various health issues, from mild discomforts like headaches and fatigue to more severe conditions such as respiratory infections and cardiovascular diseases.
The health and safety of the occupants have to be the most important benefits of striving for a healthier indoor environment. However, they aren’t the sole benefits. Here are just a couple of the other major advantages of high indoor air quality in commercial buildings:
Economic Benefits
Clean indoor air can have significant economic benefits for employers. For instance, research conducted by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health has shown that improved indoor air quality can significantly impact cognitive function and productivity. For instance, one study found that better air quality in office environments led to enhanced cognition - including improved decision-making, concentration, and memory.
Ultimately, employee health should always be the top priority. However, companies are more likely to invest in such schemes if they also promote a healthier bottom line.
Impact on Building Value
Clean air initiatives also contribute to the overall value of a commercial building. Buildings with superior air quality are increasingly sought after by tenants and buyers who prioritize health and well-being.
For instance, properties that achieve green building certifications, such as LEED certification, often command higher rental rates and have lower vacancy rates. According to a report by MIT’s Real Estate Innovation Lab (RELL), commercial buildings with advanced air quality management systems are seen as more valuable in the real estate market.
The RELL study found that healthy buildings can command rents between 4.4% and 7.7% higher than nearby non-certified buildings.
Clean Air Initiatives for Improving Air Quality
Improving the air quality in commercial buildings varies from building to building. A range of factors, such as the age of the building, materials used in construction, and any existing certifications, will all impact how the task is tackled.
However, most initiatives will require implementing sustainable practices and technologies.
Modern HVAC System
Modern heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) are a central component of any clean air policy.
These systems are designed to regulate temperature, filter out pollutants, and ensure proper air circulation. Upgrading to a modern HVAC system can significantly improve indoor air quality, making it an essential initiative for any commercial space.
· Efficient air filtration: Modern HVAC systems have high-efficiency filters that capture a wide range of airborne particles, including dust, pollen, and microbes.
· Smart controls: Advanced HVAC systems feature smart controls that monitor and adjust air quality in real-time, ensuring optimal ventilation and pollutant reduction.
· Energy efficiency: Upgraded HVAC systems are often more energy-efficient, reducing both environmental impact and operating costs while improving air quality. When combined with solar panels for commercial buildings, upgrading an HVAC system can help to achieve carbon-neutral goals.
Air Quality Sensors
Ensuring the air is clean in a commercial building can be tricky. Many common pollutants, such as CO2, are invisible and virtually odorless, making detection all but impossible without the correct equipment.
This is where air quality sensors are invaluable. These innovative devices continuously monitor the levels of various pollutants and provide real-time data. This enables building managers to act immediately when air quality dips below acceptable standards.
· Continuous monitoring: Sensors provide 24/7 monitoring of pollutants such as carbon dioxide (CO2), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and particulate matter (PM2.5). Air quality sensors in commercial buildings are essential for improving the health and well-being of the occupants.
· Data-driven decisions: The real-time data collected by these sensors allows building managers to make informed decisions about ventilation adjustments and other air quality measures.
· Preventive maintenance: Early detection of air quality issues through sensors can help in addressing potential problems before they escalate, leading to better overall indoor air quality.
Green Building Standards
Ensuring a commercial property meets green building standards is another critical initiative. Certifications such as Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) set stringent guidelines for air quality, encouraging the use of non-toxic materials and sustainable practices.
These standards help keep the air clean and add value and overall sustainability to the building.
· Low-emission materials: Green building standards promote the use of low-emission paints, sealants, and building materials, reducing the presence of harmful VOCs in indoor air.
· Enhanced ventilation: Standards like LEED emphasize proper ventilation strategies, ensuring a constant flow of fresh air and minimizing the buildup of indoor pollutants.
· Certification benefits: Achieving certifications like LEED can increase a building's marketability, attracting tenants who prioritize health and sustainability.
Current Challenges in Achieving Clean Air
Despite the availability of advanced technologies and green building certification schemes, there are still challenges to address. These can range from financial constraints to the complexity of the existing building or its infrastructure.
Key challenges that can arise include:
· Complex building designs: Modern commercial buildings often feature intricate designs with large open spaces, varying room sizes, and multiple floors, making it challenging to maintain uniform air quality throughout the entire structure.
· Cost of implementation: The upfront costs of upgrading HVAC systems, installing sensors, and adhering to green building standards can be prohibitive, especially for older buildings or smaller businesses. It may be worth exploring whether US Government initiatives to boost the solar industry can offset some of the initial investment.
· Lack of awareness and regulation: There is still a significant gap in awareness among building owners and managers about the importance of air quality, compounded by a lack of stringent regulations or guidelines specifically addressing indoor air quality in commercial spaces.
In highly complex situations, a phased implementation can help to gradually improve air quality without overwhelming resources, allowing for adjustments and optimizations at each stage.
Breath Easier: Initiatives for a Breathable Future
Indoor air quality is a bigger problem than many of us realize. According to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), the potential health consequences include cancer, heart disease, respiratory diseases, and cognitive deficits.
While implementing clean air initiatives can present challenges, the benefits far outweigh the obstacles. A clean air policy will help protect occupants' health, boost productivity, contribute to a sustainable future, and ultimately improve the bottom line.
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