Improve Indoor Air Quality

Air quality is fast becoming one of the biggest concerns for businesses. People are increasingly becoming aware of the harmful effects of poor indoor air quality both at home and in the work place. As a result employees are demanding businesses make improvements to the working environment, and in particular improve indoor air quality.

A recent survey revealed that almost 70% of office workers believed poor indoor air quality in their workplace negatively impacted their productivity and well-being. Furthermore, a third were also concerned that it was damaging their health (Ref 1).

It is not just individuals who are concerned about the devastating effects that poor indoor air quality can have on employee health. The government, NHS and industry associations are also calling for immediate action to rectify the situation.

The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) is the UK’s main trade association for the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) industry. BESA have clearly demonstrated their support of the introduction of new guidelines and regulations which aim to improve indoor air quality in new and existing buildings.

As discussed in last week’s blog post, ‘New Air Quality Planning Laws’, BESA recently held a conference dedicated to improving indoor air quality. In attendance were leading building organisations as well as government officials. Therefore demonstrating the importance of this topic.

London’s deputy mayor Shirley Rodrigues said “indoor air quality is now a priority consideration in the city’s review of planning laws and a crucial part of its Environment Strategy”. She went on to advise how new guidelines and legislation could be implemented in the near future to help improve indoor air quality in new buildings.

It is therefore important that business owners and facilities managers begin considering measures to improve indoor air quality in the workplace, in order to ensure compliance with future guidelines.