Health Building-9 key principles of a health

Health Building: Priva’s most recent white paper highlights the importance of emerging technologies for creating healthier workplaces, from better heating and lighting to building management systems.

Any business striving to improve should start the review process by considering the components of a sound structure. Dr. Joseph Allen’s team at Harvard University has just conveniently compiled these into the 9 Foundations of a Healthy Building: Air Quality, Dust & Pests, Lighting & Views, Moisture, Noise, Safety & Security, Thermal Health, Ventilation, and Water Quality.

It may feel overwhelming to take action in any of these areas. Fortunately, as the white paper demonstrates, modern technologies make it simpler than ever to establish and maintain a work environment that supports employees’ welfare.

It is to be expected that there will be a tendency toward improving air conditioning and filtration systems in the wake of a deadly respiratory infection. People will demand a strong and consistent supply of fresh air more than ever. But there are many other instances of wellness-related technology that can actually make a difference, from programmable heating systems that maintain comfortable temperatures all year round to tuneable LED lights that help with concentration.

Achieving healthier and more productive working spaces does not need to be as demanding as we sometimes imagine. With a clear plan of action, virtually any building can be made significantly healthier.

A Healthy Building: The 9 Foundations

These concepts can easily be implemented as retrofits to existing buildings, even though it will always be preferable to design a new healthy building from the “ground up.” We encourage everyone to become familiar with the 9 Foundations, which are covered in detail in Dr. Allen’s acclaimed new book, Healthy Buildings: How Indoor Spaces Drive Performance and Productivity. In light of current events, where the need to maintain clean working environments and fresh air supplies has become even more crucial,

1) Air caliber
The ‘foundation’ stipulates the use of low-emission building materials and the preservation of humidity levels between 30 and 60 percent.

2)Dust and insects
Utilize vacuums with high-efficiency filters, and keep surfaces spotless.

3) Views and lighting
As much natural light and/or bright, blue-enhanced illumination as you can.

4) Humidity
By performing routine checks on the roofs, plumbing, ceilings, and HVAC systems, you can prevent moisture or mold buildup.

5) Noise
Defend against outdoor noises and manage inside noise from things like machinery.

6) Protection and safety
Establish an emergency response plan and make sure all safety and carbon monoxide requirements are met.

7) Thermal health Comply with minimal thermal comfort requirements for humidity and temperature.

8) Air circulation
Due to recent incidents, many individuals are thinking about the requirement that users achieve or exceed municipal standards for outdoor air quality.

9) Water quality
Make certain that applicable national criteria are satisfied, which can need installing a purification system.

The study provides substantial background on the relationship between the working environment and performance to support these ideas. For instance, numerous studies, one of which was conducted at Harvard;

“have demonstrated that inadequate ventilation rates negatively impact cognitive function.”

Alert regarding absences

The number of working days lost to physical and mental disease had been a cause for concern for some time prior to the pandemic. In several nations, such as the Netherlands, where sick leave has affected as many as 47% of employees and costs businesses 11.5 billion euros a year (source: Dutch Green Building Council), absence rates have been high.

kinds of statistics

These kinds of statistics are largely responsible for the recent momentum in the workplace wellness discussion. There has been extensive research on the components of a healthy workspace, from preferences for air quality to levels of lighting that promote concentration. Additionally, there has been a growing understanding that modern technology. such as building management systems, and LED lighting,

Architectural features refer to a building’s recognizable or distinguishing aspects. Architectural characteristics include things like windows, columns, awnings, marquees, and fascia.

It’s a sure guarantee that these issues will receive even more attention in the post-pandemic environment. Because of hybrid working, employers will need to increase flexibility while maintaining safety standards. Employers who want their employees back in the workplace must demonstrate that they have taken steps to improve the environment and comfort inside. The businesses that continue to take this issue seriously will then have an edge in securing top employees in the long run.

office with chairs and desks
Case in favor of BMS
These more recent core building technologies undoubtedly offer advantages, but they might also present difficult challenges.

They especially signal the possibility of more expanded control features and higher levels of system data, which, although in theory highly helpful, could also be overpowering if not included in a larger control setup.

The importance of having a core Building Management System (BMS) has been more clear in this setting. A competent BMS enables the coordination and optimization of individual

air,

heating,

lighting,

and other systems

by serving as an all-encompassing control system. This not only helps to shorten the time spent working with various control systems.

But it also offers a quicker way to spot potential issues.

A BMS can assist a business in charting a course for continuing cuts in energy use and carbon emissions.

That’s because it enables Facilities Managers to quickly and easily discover the headline figures by combining data from many-core systems. On a daily basis, this aids in system optimization with respect to staff preferences and occupancy patterns. However, in the long run, it may play a crucial role in helping a business achieve its environmental objectives.

Recent requests for more official air quality validation from numerous research groups highlight the assumption that, over time, a BMS will enable businesses to demonstrate that they are delivering a healthy environment. This kind of information may also influence job applicants’ perspectives and aid in identifying which organizations draw in the greatest talent.

Our white paper presents a compelling argument for the latest generation of BMS being a huge asset in delivering the healthier workplaces that we are all starting to anticipate. especially given that these systems are simpler to install in both new builds and refurbishments.