MAINTENANCE & REFURBISHMENT Beyond air quality – optimising IEQ
Stuart Smith, commercial director at Zehnder Group UK examines the challenge of optimising indoor environmental performance in modern homes
O
ur homes are designed to be safe spaces. Places that we feel comfortable and relaxed in, whether it is at work, rest or play. Yet in recent times, our homes
have had to work harder than ever to keep up with changes in our lifestyles, the cost of living and the strive to become more sustainable. The challenges have gotten greater and as an industry we need to be adaptive to them. What we don’t often realise however, is that
currently too many of our homes are actually working against the people who live in them.
Those that are built to meet modern standards
are designed to be more energy efficient, airtight and better insulated than ever before – and retrofit projects are going the same way. But behind closed doors, occupants are often left dealing with stale and toxic air, condensation issues and unbalanced thermal comfort as a result that all contribute to an uncomfortable indoor environment - and one that could be damaging occupant health. The complex puzzle of our surrounding
environment is shaped by a combination of factors including what we breathe, feel, hear, and see. These factors are all part of what’s known as Indoor Environmental Quality
(IEQ), a standard that combines air quality, temperature, humidity, lighting and acoustics. Attention to IEQ when designing a new build
or retrofit project is essential. In every build, we need to go beyond siloed thinking and understand how all these factors interact to shape the way a space feels, performs and supports those living in it. Buildings are becoming more complex and as a result, so are the challenges that come with creating homes that are not just energy efficient, but also comfortable to live in. Therefore, as an industry, we need to take a joined-up approach, no longer tackling each of these elements in isolation.
Looking beyond air quality alone
Indoor air pollution remains one of the most significant environmental risks to human health, yet it is still widely misunderstood. Our research shows that 42% of UK residents are unaware that air pollution in buildings could be harming their health – and a quarter say they have always assumed that the air inside is safe. Yet what they don’t realise is that through everyday activities such as cooking and cleaning, harmful particulate matter and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are released into the air. Without effective ventilation, these pollutants build up, and with the increased levels of insulation get trapped, reducing air quality and seriously affecting our health and wellbeing. However, air quality is just one part of the equation. Temperature, light, sound and humidity levels all play a role in how spaces support our health, productivity and mood too. We’ve all experienced walking into a room and sensing something feels “off”. Maybe it’s a flickering light which could cause eye strain or a poorly ventilated room that can lead to headaches, fatigue or a lack of focus. A draught can also trigger muscular tension and if you then add noise pollution or inconsistent temperatures, suddenly the space becomes a source of stress, rather than sanctuary. Individually, each issue may seem minor, but together they can have a profound effect. In a place that should feel safe, poor indoor environmental quality can become a hidden source of discomfort or stress. To create high-performing homes that
are also healthy, we need smarter systems working together. But achieving this balance requires thoughtful design, advanced
18 BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER AUGUST 2025 Read the latest at:
www.bsee.co.uk
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