This week, we continue to explore Dr. Joseph Allen’s “Five Fundamental Shifts Laying the Foundation for the Healthy Buildings Era,” as presented by Joseph Allen, Associate Professor at Harvard; Director, Harvard Healthy Buildings Program. This week is on the transformative shifts in building health, and it’s clear that air quality has taken center stage. The conversation has evolved beyond simple disease avoidance to a holistic view of what makes a healthy building. Today, more people are making air quality a priority.

BuildingLens has led with air quality by bringing AirLens to the market already.

Impact on Building Management and Public Health

The shift in ventilation policy has led to a broader discussion about indoor air quality (IAQ) and its impact on how well people can think and solve problems (i.e. cognitive function). One international study showed a direct link between IAQ and cognitive abilities, even at CO2 levels well below the “adequate” standard. This finding shows how even buildings meeting current standards could be better.

Beyond CO2, particulate matter (PM2.5), typically a concern for outdoor air quality, has been shown to affect cognitive function indoors as well. It’s not enough to consider just the air outside; the air we breathe at our desks, within the walls of our buildings. PM2.5 impacts our mental processing and overall health no matter where we are.

The socio-political challenges of the day demand healthy indoor spaces to maximize cognitive abilities. BuildingLens creates indoors spaces where health and creative solutions can emerge.

The Business Case for Healthy Energy-Efficient Buildings

The shift towards healthy buildings isn’t just a public health need. It is also a smart business decision. Studies have shown that investments in IAQ can lead to much clearer thinking. This amounts to a major financial gain per person and business. Also, healthy buildings command higher rents. Dr. Allen estimates the societal benefits to be around $20 billion for the economy.

Healthy buildings are acutely vital for high-risk populations, who are often the most impacted by health-related work and income losses. This is why BuildingLens is committed to serving these communities. We know the profound benefits that healthy buildings offer to society and businesses alike.

Towards a Healthier Future

With the mounting evidence, it’s clear that a paradigm shift is underway. BuildingLens is at the front of this movement, integrating advanced sensor technology and analytics to ensure our buildings not only meet but exceed the new benchmarks for health and efficiency. By doing so, we contribute to a global movement towards environments that support our health, our work, and our planet.

Join the awareness paradigm shift and visit our resources page to learn more about the many benefits of healthy buildings.