Air quality, be it indoor or outdoor, is equally critical. People spend approximately 90% of their time indoors, especially in urban areas. Multiple studies have established that indoor pollutant levels are often two to five times higher than outdoor levels, elaborates Vikas Saxena, CEO, Caleedo-Digitizing Possibilities
Investing in IAQ management enhances occupant health, workplace quality and also delivers a direct return on investment (RoI).”
– Vikas Saxena
Indoor air pollutants are categorized into three groups:
• Chemical Pollutants (including“ carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds, ozone, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide).
• Physical Pollutants (including particulate matter – PM1, PM2.5, PM10, aerosols, heavy metals, and radon).
• Biological Pollutants (including bacteria, viruses, fungi, mold, and dust mites).
Such pollutants can adversely impact occupants’ health and productivity. Short-term effects include respiratory issues such as coughing, sneezing and shortness of breath, as well as headaches, fatigue, drowsiness, and reduced cognitive performance. Allergic reactions like skin irritation or eye discomfort may also occur in susceptible individuals. These effects are often linked to the duration of exposure, with symptoms improving or disappearing once the person leaves the building. This phenomenon is classified as Sick Building Syndrome (SBS).
Long-term health effects are caused by exposure to specific contaminants in a building, categorised under Building-Related Illness (BRI). These include chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cardiovascular issues and increased cancer risk.
Impact on Workplace Productivity
Air quality also affects cognitive abilities leading to difficulty in concentrating, decreased mental performance, and impaired decision-making. This, in turn, results in increased absenteeism, reduced work efficiency, and lower overall productivity in the workplace.
Investing in IAQ management enhances occupant health, workplace quality and also delivers a direct return on investment (RoI).
Benefits of IAQ Management
Implementing effective IAQ monitoring and management systems safeguards occupant health while also offering tangible financial benefits for building owners and businesses, including studies show that optimized IAQ can improve cognitive performance and productivity of employees by 6-10%. Resultantly, lower absenteeism and medical claims reduce overall healthcare expenses for businesses. Further, tenants are willing to pay premium rents for healthier environments, enhancing marketability and maintaining consistent income streams for property owners. Smart IAQ systems optimise HVAC operation, reducing energy consumption by up to 30%, particularly in large commercial buildings. Adhering to IAQ regulations helps avoid potential fines and enhances brand reputation.
Real-world estimates suggest that businesses may recover their investment within one to two years through these benefits.
India’s Regulatory Framework
India’s regulatory framework is still evolving, but several guidelines provide a foundation for IAQ management in commercial buildings:
• National Building Code (NBC) of India, 2016: Specifies ventilation requirements, air exchange rates, and relative humidity levels (40-70%) to prevent mold growth.
• Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC): Encourages energy-efficient HVAC systems that balance ventilation with energy use.
• ASHRAE 62.1: Widely used for ventilation standards in Indian commercial buildings to ensure occupant health and comfort.
While these codes provide valuable benchmarks, there is a growing need for mandatory IAQ compliance frameworks in India.
Common IAQ Issues & Technology
In India, commercial buildings often exceed recommended limits due to poor ventilation, high occupancy, and the ingress of outdoor air pollution. These include PM2.5, CO2, VOCs, carbon monoxide (CO), and high relative humidity (RH).
Key advancements enable monitoring and management through real-time data collection, analysis, and automation.
• IoT-enabled sensors track pollutants such as PM2.5, VOCs, and CO2, displaying data on centralized dashboards for facility managers
• AI-powered platforms analyze trends and forecast potential IAQ issues, enabling proactive intervention
• Platforms integrate with HVAC systems to adjust ventilation and filtration automatically based on air quality readings
• Automated reports simplify compliance with standards and support ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) commitments
• Smart systems balance IAQ needs with energy efficiency, reducing costs without compromising health
Improving IAQ in existing commercial spaces without significant structural changes is achievable through:
• Upgrading Filtration Systems
• Optimizing and regularly maintaining HVAC systems
• Installing air purifiers with activated carbon and HEPA filters for targeted pollutant removal
• Enhancing ventilation to improve air exchange
• Using dehumidifiers or humidifiers to maintain relative humidity between 40-70%
• Controlling pollutant sources by opting for low-VOC paints, adhesives, and furniture
• Deploying real-time monitoring through IoT-based IAQ systems to identify problem areas and implement timely corrective action
• Introducing indoor plants such as snake plants and peace lilies to improve IAQ naturally
The future of IAQ in India lies in leveraging technology, strengthening regulatory frameworks, and prioritizing occupant well-being in building design and operations.