Millions of people across the UK work in an indoor environment, whether their workplace is an office, a factory, or a public building. All of this commercial infrastructure allows for the completion of various essential tasks, where the cumulative effort of the country’s workforce contributes to everyday economic development.
As such, it is essential that indoor conditions are maintained to a high standard. Air quality, for instance, can quickly decline if it is not monitored properly, where this can have a major impact on the health and productivity of employees.
Many workplaces have ventilation technology installed to manage air quality. But some older systems have a poor energy efficiency rating, contributing to the carbon footprint of a workplace. Therefore, it is important to consider potential alternatives that can allow you to improve air quality without harming the environment.
Read on to find out more about some of the top eco-friendly methods for better indoor air conditions.
Key Causes of Poor Indoor Air Quality
The factors that impact air quality vary depending on the nature of the workplace in question. For instance, some industrial environments specialise in handling volatile chemicals, where their employees will have protective clothing and procedures in place to prevent the inhaling of toxic fumes.
In contrast, office workers and those working in public buildings will not have these protections, and as such indoor air conditions need to be monitored closely.
Some common causes of poor air quality include:
Inadequate Ventilation - If the air cannot circulate properly within a workplace, then this can cause a build up of carbon dioxide and an excess of moisture in the building. Over time, this will noticeably impact air quality.
Chemical Pollutants - Various everyday items can release harmful chemicals into the air. Some cleaning products and synthetic furnishings contain Volatile Organic Compounds, or VOCs, which can cause health issues in the workplace.
Mould & Mildew - Damp, poorly ventilated spaces will encourage the growth of mould, where harmful spores can be released into the air over time. Various mould types, for instance black mould, can harm human health and will need to be removed by a specialist.
Dust - Excess levels of dust can also impact air quality, especially as it accumulates over time. Without proper ventilation and cleaning, dust can trigger allergies and worsen asthma symptoms.
Humidity Levels - The right humidity level needs to be maintained in a workplace to create a comfortable environment. High humidity levels encourage the growth of mould and dust accumulation, whilst dry air can also cause health issues.
Impact of Low Air Quality in the Workplace
If any of these factors are in play within a building, then employees may start to notice various unpleasant symptoms as a result. Those with pre-existing respiratory issues are likely to notice that their symptoms are getting worse, whilst others may observe increased levels of fatigue, skin irritation, and poor psychological wellbeing.
If illnesses have been caused by airborne contaminants, then this may be considered a case of Building Related Illness, or BRI. As a result of this, employees could escalate complaints to senior management teams, or demand compensation.
Additionally, poor air quality impacts the strength and resilience of the entire workforce. Lots of sick days can be costly, where businesses may also begin to suffer from a reduction in productivity and a declining industry reputation.
Sustainable Methods to Boost Workplace Air Quality
Fortunately, there are numerous ways that poor air quality can be addressed, without harming the environment. Some simple methods to consider are discussed below:
Safer Cleaning Products
Whilst it is important for dust management and workplace ventilation to have a stringent cleaning routine in place, some cleaning chemicals can hinder this process by releasing VOCs into the environment.
VOC vapours are harmful not only to human health but also to the environment, especially if waste water run-off finds its way into local waterways and wildlife habitats.
To tackle this issue, companies can invest in VOC-free products, where these alternatives have been specially manufactured to reduce harm for indoor use. Organic, eco-friendly ingredients can help to ensure that the local environment and the indoor workforce is protected, whilst still ensuring that the building can be cleaned thoroughly.
Indoor Plants
A simple, cost-effective way to improve indoor air quality is to invest in some greenery. Indoor plants can work to clean the air through the processes of photosynthesis and respiration, extracting carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. Some plants can also work to absorb airborne pollutants and toxins, further reducing air quality issues.
Whilst plants in large numbers can have a big impact, one or two houseplants in a large office are not a substitute for an effective ventilation system, so it is important to use this strategy in conjunction with other methods.
Some of the best indoor plant species for better air quality include peace lilies, snake plants and spider plants. These green, leafy options are easy to look after and will improve the appearance of your workplace, in addition to boosting air quality levels.
Circulating Air
When it comes to improving indoor air quality, some of the simplest solutions are usually the most effective. Wherever possible, you should aim to circulate air in your building by keeping windows, air vents and doors open, so that airborne pollutants and particles can naturally filter outside.
Of course, this may not be possible in the winter months, or during periods of workplace closure, so you will need to consider additional ventilation methods to keep your building healthy all year round.
Out of Office Initiatives
Many workplaces offer specific initiatives and programmes that are designed to improve indoor air quality levels. For instance, encouraging employees to work from home on set days throughout the week can allow for the building to be fully ventilated and cleaned, making time spent in the office more productive.
Other companies may also wish to promote outdoor breaks and periods during which employees are encouraged to seek fresh air. This can help to keep health issues and allergies to a minimum.
Air Purifiers & Dehumidifiers
In addition to some of these low-cost strategies, you may also wish to invest in some of the latest technologies that are designed to combat poor air quality.
If you’re struggling with indoor dust or allergen levels, then an air purifier can help to tackle these issues directly. These machines extract and clean polluted air, releasing clean air back into the room. Importantly, air purifiers need to be maintained carefully to guarantee their effectiveness, where filters should be changed on a regular basis.
Alternatively, if your building is dealing with volatile humidity levels, then a dehumidifier can make all the difference. These machines work to reduce high moisture levels in the air, making it easier to tackle mould, dust mites and condensation. As with an air purifier, your dehumidifier should be emptied regularly according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Both of these options require electricity to run, which will result in higher energy consumption. This can be costly for a workplace, in addition to impacting sustainability efforts.
Fortunately, modern innovations have provided more eco-friendly alternatives. For instance, desiccant dehumidifiers use a desiccant wheel to remove moisture from the air, meaning they are quieter and more efficient than traditional models.
Eco-Friendly HVAC Systems
Many workplaces operate with the help of a Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning system, or HVAC. These installations manage indoor temperatures in addition to ensuring that air quality is kept at a suitable level. In particular, the ventilation system works to bring fresh air into the building, circling out carbon dioxide throughout the day.
But as with air purifiers and dehumidifiers, these systems require lots of electricity to run. Over time HVAC technology will become less and less energy efficient, costing your building greatly to achieve subpar results.
That’s why it’s so crucial to invest in the latest HVAC technology wherever possible, in order to boost energy efficiency and manage your environmental impact. Today, new HVAC systems come with smart thermostats and can utilise more sustainable refrigerants to heat and cool a building.
Additionally, you may also wish to power your system using solar or geothermal energy, further benefiting the environment.
Elite Renewables: Sustainable Air Quality Systems For Your Workplace
At Elite Renewables, we can provide you with the very best commercial air conditioning or heating installation for your building, whilst also ensuring that indoor air quality is maintained.
Our team can design and implement a bespoke HVAC system to suit your needs, where we work hard to offer environmentally friendly, end-to-end solutions.
Get in touch with us today to find out more about how we can support your business.
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