Indoor Environmental Quality

What Is Indoor Environmental Quality?

Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) refers to the conditions inside a building that significantly impact an occupant's experience of that space. It includes physical aspects, such as air quality, temperature, acoustics, and lighting, as well as aesthetic elements, like outside views and natural light. IEQ can impact an occupant's physical health and mental well-being, making it an important consideration when designing a commercial building.

Key Elements of Indoor Environmental Quality

There are four key elements of IEQ that every organization should keep in mind when designing or retrofitting a building:

1. Indoor air quality (IAQ) focuses on ventilation and airborne contaminant control. Common pollutants include secondhand tobacco smoke, combustion byproducts, radon, molds, allergens, carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), bacteria, asbestos, carbon dioxide, and ozone. Some are easily avoided with prohibition, while others require mitigation or prevention.
2. Thermal comfort refers to the sensation of being warm or cool in an indoor space. Temperature, air flow, and humidity play roles in thermal comfort. An efficient HVAC system is critical to achieving optimal thermal comfort for your building's occupants.
3. Acoustics include background noise, sound insulation, and an occupant's ability to clearly hear their cohorts speaking to them. Acoustics can be managed in a variety of ways, from adding texture to walls and using quieter HVAC technology to playing white, pink, or brown noise to mask distracting sounds and aid in concentration.
4. Lighting involves having the right amount and type of light, considering brightness, color temperature, and distribution, to support visibility and productivity. Access to daylight and views is also important to help with occupant health (circadian rhythms) and mental wellness. Some frameworks include aesthetics as a part of lighting, while others consider it a separate element.

Who Sets Indoor Environmental Quality Standards?

Several organizations have set standards and guidelines for IEQ.

• American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE): ASHRAE Standard 62.1 is a widely recognized standard for indoor air quality that aims to minimize health risks associated with indoor pollutants. It also published a free Indoor Air Quality Guide that is referenced by the Environmental Protection Agency.
• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): The EPA provides educational resources, grants, and general guidelines for commercial buildings, schools and more.
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA): OSHA's General Duty Clause requires employers to provide a workplace free from recognized hazards, including poor air quality. It also published a guide to "Indoor Air Quality in Commercial and Institutional Buildings."

What Are the Benefits of Good IEQ in Commercial Buildings?

Optimizing your building's indoor environmental quality can lead to several positive outcomes for your organization:

• Improved health and well-being: Good IEQ lowers symptoms associated with sick building syndrome by mitigating pollutants and moisture.
• Enhanced productivity and performance: Better air quality, thermal comfort, lighting and acoustics support concentration and cognitive performance.
• Reduced absenteeism: Improved comfort and pollutant control can reduce time away from work.
• Occupant satisfaction and retention: Retaining tenants and building users improves the value of a commercial building.
• Organizational outcomes: IEQ improvements in offices, retail outlets, and schools are linked to enhanced engagement, customer experience and business performance.