Providing better indoor environmental quality brings economic benefits.

Author(s) : FISK W., SEPPANEN O.

Summary

This paper summarizes the current scientific evidence that improved indoor environmental quality can improve work performance and health. The review indicates that work and school work performance is affected by indoor temperature and ventilation rate. Pollutant source removal can sometimes improve work performance. Based on formal statistical analyses of existing research results, quantitative relationships are provided for the linkages of work performance with indoor temperature and outdoor air ventilation rate. The review also indicates that improved health and related financial savings are obtainable from reduced indoor tobacco smoking, prevention and remediation of building dampness, and increased ventilation. Example cost-benefit analyses indicate that many measures to improve indoor temperature control and increase ventilation rates will be highly cost effective, with benefit-cost ratios as high as 80 and annual economic benefits as high as USD 700 per person.

Details

  • Original title: Providing better indoor environmental quality brings economic benefits.
  • Record ID : 2009-0335
  • Languages: English
  • Subject: Environment
  • Source: Clima 2007. WellBeing Indoors. Proceedings of the 9th REHVA World Congress [CD-ROM + Abstract book].
  • Publication date: 2007/06/10

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