Why IAQ Matters in Commercial Buildings

Why Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Matters in Commercial Buildings

Indoor air quality is more than just compliance with standards and regulations – it’s a fundamental element of human health, comfort, and performance. For commercial buildings, where occupants spend extended periods indoors, IAQ directly influences cognitive function, employee wellbeing, operational efficiency, and overall quality of life. It shapes how people feel, how they work, and how businesses perform.

According to the World Health Organization, humans require a consistent supply of oxygen to sustain normal brain and body functions, with atmospheric air containing about 20.9% oxygen by volume. Scientific studies also indicate that even slight deviations in air composition – particularly elevated carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels or indoor pollutants – can impair concentration and alertness. OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) notes that indoor CO₂ levels above 1,000 parts per million (ppm) can start affecting mental performance, while the World Green Building Council (WGBC) highlights that people spend approximately 90% of their time indoors, reinforcing how vital indoor air quality is to maintaining proper oxygen levels and general wellbeing.

What is IAQ?

Indoor air quality (IAQ) refers to the condition of air inside a building, particularly in terms of its cleanliness, pollutant levels, humidity, and ventilation. If IAQ is poorly managed, it can lead to respiratory issues, fatigue, absenteeism, and increased risk of disease transmission, while silently diminishing productivity and staff morale.

Significance of IAQ in Commercial Buildings

Several major studies and government agencies highlight the crucial role that indoor air quality plays in commercial environments. The impacts span health, cognition, productivity, and even economic performance:

Safe Work Australia: Health & Legal Implications

Safe Work Australia outlines that poor IAQ – caused by contaminants such as dust, gases, and volatile organic compounds – can result in both short and long-term health effects including asthma, headaches, eye irritation, and even long-term chronic illness. They emphasise the legal obligation of building owners and employers to control airborne hazards under Work Health and Safety (WHS) Act.

OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration, US): IAQ and Worker Performance

OSHA emphasises that poor IAQ is often linked to symptoms such as fatigue, cognitive fog, and general discomfort. These symptoms not only reduce comfort but also lead to increased absenteeism and decreased job satisfaction. OSHA recommends regular monitoring of carbon dioxide levels, which, when elevated, indicate insufficient ventilation.

Harvard and Syracuse Universities: The “COGfx” Study

A landmark study known as the COGfx Study, conducted by researchers from Harvard and Syracuse Universities, revealed that employees working in buildings with better IAQ performed 61% better on cognitive tasks compared to those in conventionally ventilated spaces. The same research also found that increasing ventilation rates led to economic benefits significantly outweighing the cost – around US$6,500 in increased productivity per employee annually.

World Green Building Council: Health, Wellbeing & Productivity in Offices

A report by the World Green Building Council (WGBC) titled “Health, Wellbeing & Productivity in Offices” shows that improving IAQ and reducing carbon dioxide levels in office spaces can boost productivity by 8–11% and lower absenteeism by more than 30%.

PMC Public Health Studies: Sick Building Syndrome & Ventilation

A meta-analysis published by PubMed Central (PMC) found that poor IAQ contributes to the development of Sick Building Syndrome (SBS). SBS leads to symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and respiratory issues – all of which significantly affect workers’ comfort and cognitive focus. The report also mentions the increased risk of airborne disease transmission in inadequately ventilated buildings, as highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Why It’s a Smart Investment

When commercial buildings invest in regulating IAQ, the return is not only healthier, happier people but also measurable economic advantages. Businesses benefit from increased staff productivity, reduced absenteeism, and stronger workplace satisfaction. Governments gain from lower public health burdens and environmental compliance. Property managers and developers enjoy higher building valuation, longer lease durations, and stronger tenant retention. Simply put, investing in indoor air quality is an investment in people, performance, and long-term property value.

Challenges and Recommendations

However, many modern building practices – especially those designed to increase energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions – have introduced new challenges. Today’s construction standards, such as those in the National Construction Code (NCC), encourage airtight buildings to reduce thermal losses. While this approach is beneficial for reducing energy costs, it limits the natural exchange of indoor and outdoor air, which can result in a buildup of pollutants, carbon dioxide, and moisture. In this context, mechanical ventilation plays a critical role. Systems like Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERVs) have become essential for maintaining optimal indoor air quality while still meeting energy performance goals. ERVs enable buildings to precondition fresh incoming air using energy from the stale exhaust air-minimising energy loss while improving ventilation. Recognised and recommended by both the NCC and global standards such as ASHRAE, ERVs are a practical, sustainable solution for balancing IAQ with energy efficiency in modern commercial buildings.

Indoor air quality is not just a design consideration or regulatory requirement – it is a cornerstone of occupant health, building performance, and business success. As more research continues to link air quality to occupant’s wellbeing (physical, physiological, and mental health) and productivity, commercial building owners, designers, and HVAC professionals must take IAQ seriously. By incorporating smart ventilation strategies and prioritising air quality as part of a holistic building plan, we create safer, healthier, and more productive environments – now and into the future.

References:

How Office CO₂ Levels Can Affect Cognitive Performance – Glamour