The Dollars and Sense of Indoor Air Quality: Measuring the Financial Impact of IAQ Products
Indoor air quality (IAQ) influences the health and productivity of building occupants. Products designed to improve IAQ, such as advanced filtration systems, ventilation controls, and air purification devices, represent an investment for building owners and managers. Evaluating the financial impact of these products involves assessing both direct costs and indirect benefits. This article explores methodologies for measuring the financial benefits of IAQ product investments, providing frameworks for understanding their return on investment. Historical approaches to building management often prioritized energy efficiency and structural integrity, sometimes overlooking the subtle but pervasive effects of poor IAQ. However, growing awareness of health and productivity links has shifted this perspective. The business case for improved IAQ rests on the understanding that healthier, more comfortable occupants are more productive and less prone to absence. This translates into tangible...