Indoor Air Quality: From Challenges to Solutions for Smarter Building Management

Indoor air quality (IAQ) significantly affects occupant health and productivity in commercial buildings. While outdoor pollution gets substantial attention, indoor air often carries higher concentrations of harmful pollutants. Addressing IAQ requires regulatory action, research, and practical building solutions.

The Scope of the Problem

IAQ-related health issues are increasingly recognized as a critical public health concern. According to the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA), nearly 1.5 million children in the UK live in damp homes, a number that has doubled since the COVID-19 pandemic. 

In response, Awaab’s Law was introduced in the UK, requiring landlords to address unsafe housing conditions within strict timeframes. David Frise, BESA’s CEO, emphasizes, “Understanding and investing in IAQ solutions is crucial to addressing this growing health crisis.”

Regulatory Gaps in Indoor Air Quality

Unlike outdoor pollution, indoor air remains largely unregulated. The Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) highlights the need for:

1. Inventories of Indoor Emissions: Tracking pollutants such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and particulate matter.
2. Research and Collaboration: Encouraging interdisciplinary partnerships to advance IAQ solutions.
3. Mandatory Targets: Prioritizing IAQ in regulatory frameworks to ensure long-term improvements.

Financial priorities often take precedence without systemic action, perpetuating harmful indoor conditions.

Practical Solutions for IAQ

Improving IAQ requires comprehensive building strategies. Adam Taylor, Chair of BESA’s Indoor Air Quality Group, stresses the importance of whole-building approaches, stating, “Individual products must be part of integrated solutions that include proper design, installation, and maintenance.” Key measures include:

• Optimized Ventilation: Properly installed and maintained systems, such as mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR), can mitigate pollutants. However, many systems fail due to poor installation or lack of maintenance.
• Humidity Control: Maintaining indoor humidity between 30%-50% prevents mold and dust mites.
• Continuous Monitoring: IAQ sensors provide real-time data, enabling proactive adjustments to maintain healthy air.

BESA’s “Guide to Mould and Damp” is a vital resource for landlords seeking to address IAQ challenges effectively.

Public Awareness and Advocacy

Public campaigns are essential in raising awareness of IAQ’s health impacts. Rosamund Kissi-Debrah’s advocacy following her daughter Ella’s death from asthma exacerbated by air pollution has brought attention to the urgent need for action. Her efforts have inspired calls for stronger IAQ regulations, particularly in schools, hospitals, and care facilities.

National initiatives like Clean Air Day and industry podcasts such as BESA’s Behind the Built Environment highlight the importance of improved ventilation and building management.

Insights from Sustainability Unveiled

A 2024 episode of the Sustainability Unveiled podcast explores how IAQ improvements align with sustainable building practices.