IAQ
A call to action: I
Matthew Maleki, Carrier’s indoor air quality champion, discusses recent BESA event fi ndings and calls for robust government legislation to guide developers in creating healthier buildings.
Matthew Maleki, Business Development Manager & IAQ Specialist for Carrier.
With up to 80% of our time spent indoors, Carrier
believes the urgency for action is undeniable.
ndoor air quality (IAQ) has profound implications on public health, building performance and economic sustainability. However, despite increasing evidence linking poor IAQ to health risks, there is still an urgent need for meaningful government intervention. Findings from the recent Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) event make one thing clear: the new UK government has a short window to act, and failure to do so will have long-term consequences for the health of our population, economy and the quality of our buildings. Now is the time for the new government to legislate actionable solutions and establish best practices through technology, such as sensors to monitor IAQ and ventilation effi ciency, that provide the best trade-off between energy costs and air quality. Countries like Sweden, France and Ireland already lead with independent oversight frameworks ensuring high standards through inspections tied to energy performance. The UK risks falling behind without adopting similar measures. A unifi ed approach is crucial and getting it right locally can set global benchmarks and ensure healthier, more effi cient buildings for the future.
IAQ and health
It is well documented that the consequences of poor IAQ extend far beyond common symptoms such as allergies or asthma. According to expert speakers at the BESA event, 10,000 deaths each year are attributed to respiratory illness, cardiovascular disease and cognitive decline, exacerbated by chronic exposure to polluted indoor environments. Pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and fi ne particulate matter (PM2.5) often concentrate indoors at levels up to eight times higher than outdoor air. Reports, such as the 2022 study from the Air Quality Expert Group to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Aff airs (DEFRA) show prolonged exposure to VOCs and particulates can damage the liver, kidneys and central
18 April 2025 •
www.acr-news.com
nervous system and lead to systemic infl ammation, cognitive impairment and neurodegenerative diseases. Some VOCs are known or suspected carcinogens. Even minor increases in PM2.5 levels have been shown to signifi cantly impair cognitive performance and long-term brain health. Carrier supported the Impact of Green Buildings on Cognitive Function (COGfx) study conducted by Harvard’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health, which explored the eff ects of indoor air pollution on mental and physical health through three related studies. These examined the impact of ventilation and fi ltration on cognitive function in a lab setting across six countries globally. Lab results showed that cognitive function scores were 61% higher in green buildings with low VOCs compared to conventional buildings and an impressive 101% higher in enhanced green buildings with both low VOCs and improved ventilation. Furthermore, improving IAQ in large residential complexes,
offi ces, schools, cinemas and healthcare facilities can reduce disease transmission, lower absenteeism, and mitigate sick- building syndrome. Better air quality supports a healthier economy by reducing NHS strain and enhancing workplace productivity.
With up to 80% of our time spent indoors, the urgency for action is undeniable. Although current statistics might sound alarming, clear government legislation and preventative measures can improve the outlook. Even small changes in the way we manage and maintain our indoor environments can make a signifi cant impact on occupant wellbeing.
A framework for change
Despite sharing many commonalities, all buildings are unique in their specifi c requirements. Clear legislation would have a broad positive impact, providing much-needed guidance amidst the vast array of available options and helping developers make informed choices. Without a regulatory framework, the lack of direction leaves many unsure of the
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Government legislation must prioritise IAQ
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