Productivity & Health

Occupant satisfaction decreases exponentially with decreasing outside airflow rates. Most buildings do not operate at levels specified by ASHRAE 62. As a result, it is common for occupant dissatisfaction levels to exceed 50%. Measure and control minimum outside airflow rates with Ebtron thermal dispersion airflow measuring devices.

Acceptable IAQ Can Improve the Owner’s Bottom Line

Typically if one person in an office space gets sick, other occupants will get sick. How many times have people in your office complained about headaches and fatigue? It is reasonable to assume that at least one sick day a year per person can be associated with inadequate ventilation and poor IAQ. As you can see, the costs are staggering.

Productivity Studies Show Benefits of 3% to 20%

There are a number of productivity studies showing performance losses of 3% to 20% as a result of poor IAQ. In one ASHRAE Applications study, 42% of workers dissatisfied with IAQ were associated with a 5% loss in productivity. Since most buildings do not operate with recommended ASHRAE outdoor airflow levels, it is common for occupant dissatisfaction levels to reach 42%.

Productivity Gains are Significant

A 5% loss in productivity has a tremendous cost impact. Reducing this impact can have an equally substantial benefit. Unfortunately the benefits associated with improving IAQ are not always obvious, and a rapid return on the investment may not be apparent. For those reasons, the benefits are often overlooked and under appreciated. Unlike temperature control problems, IAQ problems are not usually as obvious; but this is changing. Public awareness and knowledge of IAQ issues is increasing rapidly.

Productivity or Energy

Compare the percentage of salaries and wages to total energy costs. Energy is a very small part of building operating costs - yet owners and engineers focus much of their attention and resources on energy. We are not suggesting that energy be wasted, however owners should recognize the overwhelming potential financial benefit that can result from providing acceptable IAQ.

Even a small increase in productivity will quickly compensate for additional expenses for providing proper ventilation.“Due to the proliferation of mold in buildings, sound moisture management should take precedence over energy cost savings, according to a position document from the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE).” Released 5/18/05.