Lucian Anghel, Timepal Romania and Facilities Management Services: The health and well-being of occupants in office buildings

Lots of natural light, intelligent lighting systems, better thermal comfort and increased indoor air quality are three crucial aspects of improving the health and well-being of the occupants of a building.

Even in a pandemic we have colleagues who spend time inside an office building, and the impact of how building systems are designed and maintained on human health is well documented. The way the office space is built can contribute to the health of the occupants and, hence, to attracting and retaining tenants for building owners.

Strategies to improve standards can be incorporated into existing buildings, either at low cost or at high cost, from optimizing indoor air quality to building management system (BMS).

Of course, there are environmental benefits that come from upgrading existing buildings, including by potentially reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Traditionally, construction has focused on space and operational efficiency, which has often been neglected to create a healthy environment for building occupants. As shown by the World Green Building Council report, “Health, Welfare and Productivity in Offices”, regular business operating expenses, staff costs account for 90% of the total, and rent and energy for 9% and 1% respectively. This breakdown shows that investing in health-supporting building systems helps attract tenants to a building.

Due in large part to an understanding of how they can benefit from building facilities, two certification schemes have been launched in recent years that promote health and well-being in a building. The WELL Building standard and the Fitwel certification system provide complete frameworks for new and old buildings.

In 2016, three major characteristics of the buildings that contribute to wellbeing were identified: indoor air quality, better lighting and increased thermal comfort. A closer look at the first two reveals many opportunities to improve existing buildings.

1. Indoor air quality

‘Sick building syndrome’ is caused by a building or an enclosed space with poor air quality or poor lighting. Symptoms include throat irritation, respiratory problems, nose problems, allergies, headaches, body aches, lack of concentration and fever. The World Health Organization estimates that up to 64 million employees are at risk of suffering from “sick building syndrome”.

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. about 30 percent of new and refurbished buildings have poor indoor air quality (IAQ). Studies in the field show that more than 75% of the time, poor indoor air quality is related to the HVAC system.

Effective and well-designed HVAC strategies can promote health and well-being in an existing space through better indoor air quality. New construction projects should invest in better HVAC design, including dedicated outdoor air systems, natural ventilation, radiant systems, displacement ventilation systems, IAQ sensors and other strategies that can not only promote better IAQ , but also save energy and provide increased thermal comfort.

The challenge is for existing buildings that have old systems. Replacing the HVAC filter is one of the least expensive ways to improve indoor air quality, and one of the easiest changes building owners and managers can make to meet occupant requirements for a healthier work environment.

According to a study by Harvard on green buildings, better indoor air quality can increase productivity by 11% per employee per year.

2. Lighting systems

Light is essential for the perception of color, shape and texture. It is also very important for human health, because it regulates our wake cycle (circadian rhythm). In the workplace, daylight increases productivity and concentration. Although designers and engineers have developed electric lighting systems that are correlated with circadian rhythm, the most important aspect for health is natural lighting and optimization of facades.

We spend about 90% of our time indoors and in most existing buildings, daylight does not provide enough lighting to support the circadian rhythm of the occupants. That is why the correct calibration and operation of lighting systems can increase the visual comfort of the occupants and the experiences of using the building spaces.

An interactive lighting management strategy not only gives building occupants the flexibility to control lights tailored to their needs, but gives them the opportunity to control their environment, leading to greater satisfaction.

About the company Facilities Management Services

The founder of the company, dipl.ing. Lucian Anghel, has experience in the operation and maintenance of buildings, amounting to more than 3,000,000 square meters in Romania. The experience gained over 15 years of facility management has led to the creation of this firm by which customers benefit from a national provider of operating and maintenance products and services based on an innovative business model and new technologies. The FMS team has over 15 years of experience in facility management and technical assistance. The company’s technical services offering include: technical maintenance of buildings, monitoring and water treatment in closed circuits, energy management and efficiency, maintenance and electrical works. The company also offers non-technical services such as cleaning, snow removal, DDD, landscaping and concierge. Find out more about us on: www.tfms.ro.