In today’s world, the quality of the air we breathe has become a top concern. The COVID-19 pandemic has heightened awareness of airborne pathogens and the importance of maintaining a safe and healthy indoor environment. However, even beyond the pandemic, there are numerous factors that can affect the quality of the air we breathe, including pollution, allergens, and volatile organic compounds. Unfortunately, in the United States, there is little regulation when it comes to indoor air quality, and occupants of buildings often have limited insight into whether the air they breathe is truly safe.

However, advancements in technology are changing the game and making the invisible visible. Indoor air-quality sensors are emerging as a solution to monitor air quality in real-time and provide valuable data to optimize energy use and attract health-conscious tenants and employees. Architecture and design firms, such as Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (S.O.M.), have been at the forefront of adopting these sensors, recognizing their potential to enhance occupant well-being.

S.O.M., an architecture and design firm located in Lower Manhattan, installed indoor air-quality sensors in their office during the pandemic. Little did they know that these sensors would prove invaluable during the unprecedented wildfire smoke event that affected New York City in June. As smoke from the wildfires engulfed the city, S.O.M. employees witnessed the sky turn from hazy blue to an eerie gray. However, inside their office, the air-conditioning system circulated cool air, and the large screens displayed reassuring messages: “Indoor Air Quality is Very Good.”

Tracking IAQ With Real Time Data

The air-quality assessment was based on real-time data gathered by the sensors, which tracked various pollutants, including fine particulate matter commonly found in wildfire smoke. The installation of these sensors during the pandemic now proved to be a wise decision, as they provided concrete evidence of a safe indoor environment during the air-quality emergency caused by the wildfires. S.O.M. could confidently inform their employees that it was safe to work in the office.

The use of indoor air-quality sensors goes beyond addressing immediate crises like the pandemic or wildfires. It provides valuable long-term benefits by creating a healthier and more productive environment. Studies indicate that good indoor air quality can alleviate asthma symptoms, reduce absenteeism, and even improve cognitive function. Additionally, optimizing ventilation systems based on real-time sensor data can lead to significant energy savings. By delivering fresh air precisely when and where it is needed, rather than running ventilation systems at maximum capacity continuously, companies like S.O.M. can save on energy costs while maintaining a healthy indoor environment.

IAQ Challenges 

However, there are challenges to wider adoption of indoor air-quality sensors. The nation’s aging infrastructure and lack of regulations regarding indoor air quality pose obstacles to improvement. While the pandemic has sparked interest in sensor technology, there is a concern that this interest might fade now that the emergency phase has ended. Additionally, the interests of employers, workers, and building owners may not always align, making it difficult to implement sensors in more buildings.

To overcome these challenges, new standards, policies, and incentives may be necessary. Mandatory air-quality inspections or tax credits for building owners who improve indoor air quality could encourage wider adoption of sensor technology. Moreover, investing in the maintenance and improvement of air-handling infrastructure is crucial to maximizing the benefits of indoor air-quality sensors.

Indoor air-quality sensors are revolutionizing the way we approach air safety in office environments. With the ability to monitor real-time air quality, these sensors provide valuable data that can optimize energy use, attract health-conscious individuals, and ultimately create safer and more productive workplaces.

The case of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (S.O.M.) demonstrates the effectiveness of indoor air-quality sensors in addressing immediate crises. During the unprecedented wildfire smoke event in New York City, S.O.M. employees could rely on the sensors’ data to confirm the safety of their office environment. This highlights the importance of implementing such sensors during the pandemic, as they proved to be invaluable assets in times of air-quality emergencies.

Beyond crisis situations, indoor air-quality sensors offer long-term benefits. Numerous studies have shown that good indoor air quality can alleviate symptoms of respiratory conditions like asthma, reduce absenteeism, and even enhance cognitive function. Moreover, optimizing ventilation systems based on real-time sensor data can lead to substantial energy savings, providing financial incentives for companies to invest in these technologies.

However, challenges remain in the wider adoption of indoor air-quality sensors. The nation’s aging infrastructure and lack of regulations pose obstacles to improvement. Maintaining air-handling infrastructure and implementing necessary upgrades are crucial steps in maximizing the benefits of these sensors. Additionally, aligning the interests of employers, workers, and building owners can be a complex task, requiring new standards, policies, and incentives to encourage widespread adoption.

Forward Thinking Firms Leading The Way

Nevertheless, forward-thinking firms like S.O.M. view indoor air-quality sensors as a catalyst for innovation. They see their office as a laboratory for learning, using the data collected to make informed decisions when designing future buildings. By continuously evaluating and improving their indoor environments, these firms strive to create safer, healthier, and more sustainable spaces for their employees and clients.

Indoor air-quality sensors are transforming the way we approach air safety in office spaces. With their ability to provide real-time data, these sensors empower companies to create healthier work environments, optimize energy consumption, and respond effectively to air-quality emergencies. As the importance of indoor air quality continues to gain recognition, it is essential to overcome challenges and implement these technologies widely. By doing so, we can ensure that employees have the peace of mind and confidence to breathe easy in their workplace, both during times of crisis and in everyday life.