New Research Quantifies Value of Increased Productivity from Improved IAQ
Study shows there is no longer a tradeoff between energy efficiency and IAQ
WASHINGTON — A new study finds that doubling the ventilation rate in typical office buildings can be reached at an estimated annual energy cost of between $14 and $40 per person, resulting in as much as a $6,500 equivalent in improved productivity per person per year. When energy-efficient technologies are utilized, the study found the energy costs to be even lower, with a minimized environmental impact of approximately 0.03 additional cars on the road per building.
The research, titled “Economic, Environmental and Health Implications of Enhanced Ventilation in Office Buildings,” was conducted by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health’s Center for Health and the Global Environment, SUNY Upstate Medical, Syracuse University, and Carrier. The study was supported by United Technologies Corp. and its UTC Climate, Controls & Security business, a leading provider of HVACR systems, building controls and automation, and fire and security systems.