Make IAQ part of your ESG, says Erik Boyter – (c) PressConnect
Organisations need to ensure workers’ wellbeing, but they need to do so in a low-carbon way, with everything fed into a structured ESG plan.
Unfortunately, many organisations are either superficially or inconsistently approaching ESG delivery. While ‘E’ (environmental) and ‘G’ (Governance) tend to be well covered, ‘S’ (Social) can get left behind – and this is precisely the pillar under which worker wellbeing sits.
Poor indoor air quality (IAQ) falls under that ‘Social’ umbrella and has been a longstanding, debilitating issue in the commercial office setting. Known to have detrimental health effects on building occupants, it can negatively impact a business and its workforce.
A badly ventilated environment with increased CO2 or CO1 levels will trigger headaches, rashes and stress, potentially exacerbating serious underlying health conditions. If not immediately addressed, the detrimental effects of poor air quality can also lead to an increased chance of having a stroke or being diagnosed with lung cancer.
Natural ventilation offers the neatest all-round solution. By using the most up-to-date, low-energy smart technology to regulate the flow of fresh air into and out of a building, this approach to treating poor air quality is also environmentally sustainable. Importantly, these systems can deliver on each pillar of your ESG strategy, as the low-emission, health-promoting and compliance-supporting option.
Natural ventilation can also dovetail with a wider, systems approach to achieving a healthy, wellbeing-centric workspace. For example, when specified alongside a fabric-first structure, it can enhance thermal performance, reducing the need for carbon-intensive mechanical HVAC.
Ultimately, guaranteeing good IAQ will have a positive impact on the bottom line, allowing employees to breathe easier in the knowledge they are working in a low-risk, safe and secure environment.