Benefits of Air Quality Management
The selection of an appropriate range of air quality management solutions can deliver significant benefits, notably:
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social and economic benefits, for example:
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less respiratory and other sick building/stress related illness
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less sick days taken by workforce/population (and subsequent higher productivity)
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less need for healthcare expenditure
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environmental benefits, for example:
- improved air quality
- better management of resources
- emissions to air often arise from, for example, inefficient equipment
- increased amenity value of development
Typical Practice
A - Openable windows/air intakes located adjacent to sources of external pollution
B - Synthetic carpets can release toxins with VOCs
C- Furnishing and finishing products such as paints release VOCs
D - NOx emissions from boilers
E - Office equipment, such as photocopiers and printers release VOCs
Good Practice
A - Houseplants can improve air quality
B - Building is sealed on any side adjacent to sources of external air pollution, including traffic, exhaust from porcesses or building services, etc
C - Specification of low solvent content fixtures and fittings reduces the levels of VOCs, for example water based paints and varnishes and avoid chipboard and particle board in furniture
D - Openable windows in orientations away from pollution
E - Reduced NOX emissions from high efficiency boilers
F - Large scale office equipment separate from main working area. and appropriately ventilated
G - All internal areas adequately ventilated