Having a comfortable and safe work environment is a top priority for all businesses. Especially in the wake of Covid-19, many office spaces need essential environmental updates to mitigate the transmission of viruses and bacteria. Learn how to keep your workforce healthy, happy, and productive by improving the air quality in your workspace.
In this article, you will learn about the importance of Indoor Environment Quality (IEQ) and how your business and employees can greatly benefit from improving air quality standards.
What is Indoor Environmental Quality?
Indoor Environment Quality (IEQ) comprises of the conditions in a building and how they affect the people inside of them. These conditions include air quality, lighting, temperature, and ergonomics. Improvements to IEQ enhance its occupants’ quality of life, health, and productivity and financially improve the resale value of the building.
IEQ goals mainly center around creating comfortable, productive environments for those within it and minimizing the risk of health problems while at work. With the effects of the global pandemic still in action, we can clearly see why this initiative is even more important than it previously was.
Benefits of green building
Ensuring there is excellent IEQ is a key part of sustainable and efficient building practices. Check out some of the benefits of having a green building below:
Global environment
Through modern building designs that incorporate ventilation systems, energy-efficient lighting, and effective temperature control, more eco-friendly buildings, known as green buildings, are being established. According to the most recent IPCC report, buildings contribute to almost 40% of global energy-related CO2 emissions. Therefore, green buildings play a positive role in benefitting the global environment.
Employees’ health and well-being
Many people have health issues related to poor environments or living situations. A significant way this can be improved is through clear air and exposure to fewer toxins and pollutants. By adding air purifying systems to buildings, companies are prioritizing the quality of the air their workforce breathes. Many offices are built in older buildings with subpar ventilation, and a high-quality air purifying system can significantly improve the indoor air quality. Air filtration systems will eliminate odors, VOCs, pathogens, and particles from the air. Your workers deserve to breathe in fresh air and enjoy the many health benefits this will bring.
Work productivity
These essential health benefits coincide with improvements to work productivity levels. Improving indoor air quality can reduce absences and work hours being affected and reduced by asthma, respiratory allergies, depression, and stress. A happier and healthier workforce is certain to be more productive and innovative.
Financially sustainable
Alongside higher productivity, which increases the value of a company, green buildings are an investment that’ll pay off quickly. They are built using durable materials and are energy efficient, often with onside renewable generators. Therefore, they cost less in upkeep, bills, and waste.
Green building air quality
With the average American spending 90% of their time indoors, it is recommended to find ways to reduce exposure to pollutants and toxins, which are more of a risk when indoors. There are multiple sources of indoor air contaminants which are very common in both homes and offices:
- Building materials such as paints, adhesives, and furniture that may emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
- Mold from moisture in building materials
- Cleaning materials
- Radon or methane off-gassing from the soil below the building
- Factory pollutants and chemicals used in laboratories and hospitals
- Viruses and bacteria from other inhabitants
The best way to prevent indoor contaminants is by eliminating them through proper air filtration. The EnviroKlenz Air System Plus is a sophisticated and reliable system that will improve the air quality in your office. Our stand-alone unit has a system approach to give establishments the cleanest air possible. The system is composed of an air cartridge that contains a patented earth mineral technology, a medical-grade HEPA filter, and UV-C lights for germicidal destruction. By using our system, your office will be rid of harmful dust, particulates, allergens, odors, and pathogens.
