GREEN MATTERS Emma Falck
Elevating IAQ W
e spend around 90% of our lives indoors. As urbanisation accelerates, buildings are becoming our new natural environment. This shift brings
Forward- thinking
organisations are no longer waiting for regulations – they’re
making clean indoor air a strategic priority. They understand that people are their
most valuable asset and that a
healthy, high- performing workplace starts with the fundamentals, including the air we breathe.
fresh urgency to the conversation about indoor air quality (IAQ) and its profound impact on our well-being, business performance, and economic value. Unsurprisingly, indoor air is often more polluted than outdoor air. Without proper ventilation and fi ltration, pollutants like carbon dioxide, volatile organic compounds, and fi ne particles accumulate, negatively aff ecting how we feel and perform. Addressing this often hidden issue is a health priority and a performance opportunity.
Healthy air unlocks human potential Clean, well-ventilated air is far more than a comfort feature; it’s a catalyst for productivity. When IAQ improves, people don’t just feel better, they perform better. Studies have consistently shown that employees in healthier indoor environments experience greater focus, make sharper decisions, and have higher energy levels. One landmark study found that occupants of green-certifi ed buildings demonstrated 26% higher cognitive function than those in conventional spaces.
Emma Falck, executive vice president, product, Siemens Smart Infrastructure Buildings, discusses how better indoor air quality drives economic value.
For employers, this translates into more engaged, more
eff ective teams and measurable business impact. Better air leads to clearer thinking, faster responses, and ultimately, to stronger organisational performance. Investments in IAQ consistently pay off . From reduced absences to stronger performance, the fi nancial benefi ts are well documented: ■ Improved air quality has been shown to enhance cogni- tive performance signifi cantly. Even modest reductions in indoor air pollutants can lead to faster decision-making and improved accuracy in knowledge-based tasks.
■ Healthier indoor environments help reduce sick days. Maintaining optimal temperature and humidity conditions supports respiratory health and overall well-being, translat- ing into fewer absences and higher employee satisfaction.
■ Recent research shows that IAQ upgrades can off er substantial fi nancial returns. Maintaining indoor humidity above 30% has been shown to reduce airborne infections and health symptoms, delivering benefi ts that outweigh the investment costs. Ultimately, high-performing workplaces are not only good for people, they’re also good for business. With today’s intelligent building technologies, it’s possible to
22 June 2025 •
www.acr-news.com
Download the ACR News app today
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52