As industrial progress clashes with environmental and health imperatives, the quality of indoor air is emerging as a silent yet profound crisis.  This issue is particularly acute within the confines of people’s workplaces, where the degradation of indoor air quality (IAQ) poses not just a challenge to comfort but also represents a critical concern for companies as well as public health. 

Current situation 

The World Health Organisation (WHO) indicates that PM2,5 levels (particulate matter that is 2,5 microns or less in diameter) are nearly five times above their guidelines, and this is unsustainable. It reflects a pressing need for proactive measures to mitigate the impact of poor air quality on societal health and economic productivity. 

The World Green Building Council (WorldGBC) reports that the building sector is responsible for 37% of energy-related carbon emissions and a host of other pollutant sources contributing to ambient pollution. 

It is clear that a sustainable built environment is vital in mitigating the global air pollution crisis. Monitoring indoor and outdoor air quality is a crucial first step. 

Local air quality  

The Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA) says that South Africa has had relatively good outdoor air quality and is well monitored, particularly in the major metropolitan areas.  

The South African Air Quality Information System reports on air quality with a user-friendly map and indicator key that allows the user to review the IAQ where sensors have been installed. Several pollutants are recorded and monitored with the aim to assist in addressing environmental links between air pollution and health, as well as the concentration of pollutants as an indicator of climate change.  

The National Ambient Air Quality Standards determine the thresholds for pollutants in order to protect health. 

Constitutional right 

South Africa has relatively good governance on maintaining healthy outdoor air quality, including policies, regulation and guidance. Despite a ruling by a South African court that clean air is a constitutional right, the enforcement and consequence of non-compliance is low.  

Awareness of the effects of poor air quality is also low, as well as general awareness about the importance of maintaining good air quality.  

Studies have consistently demonstrated the correlation between the air quality and workforce productivity.

Sources of pollution 

When considering the air quality, the focus is often on outdoor pollution from vehicles and factories. However, the air inside homes can be up to five times more polluted than outdoor air.  

The sources of air pollution in South Africa are diverse and complex. A multi-sectoral approach that potentially differs from region to region is required. Sources of air pollution include, amongst others: 

• Industrial emitters, where major industrial and chemical production occurs. 
• Vehicles. 
• Veld fires. 
• Mining. 
• Waste burning and the burning of fuels such as wood or coal for cooking or heating.  
• Inadequate ventilation. 
• Pollutants from cleaning products. 
• Pet dander. 
• Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted by furniture and building materials. 

Pollution levels are often the highest in low-income settlements, urban areas and areas close to large industries, with the highest levels of pollution frequently in vulnerable communities. 

Poor IAQ risks 

Common indicators of bad IAQ include noticing a musty or stale odour, experiencing frequent headaches or dizziness, feeling congested or having respiratory issues, or observing an excessive buildup of dust or mould.  

Studies have consistently demonstrated the correlation between the air quality and workforce productivity. Anecdotal feedback from building managers seems to support that good IAQ and control have a positive impact on people.  

Overall, the goal of air pollution control or air quality management is to protect people, both indoors and outdoors, from the harmful effects of air pollution and toxins. Cleaner air leads to fewer sick days, enhanced cognitive function and overall higher employee satisfaction. 

Measurement 

In 2019, the WorldGBC launched a global air quality in the built environment initiative, the Plant a Sensor Campaign. This aimed to mobilise businesses and organisations to measure and share real-time data on air pollution inside and outside buildings. The GBCSA participated in this initiative during the period of the Covid-19 pandemic.  

Monitoring air quality within buildings has not been common in most of South Africa’s buildings and is limited to higher-end commercial buildings that are typically certified.  

Green Star certifications and the GBCSA strongly support the creation of good IAQ and healthy places for work, both directly and indirectly.  

Rating tools support: 

New builds, interiors and to a lesser extent, existing building ratings tools reward projects for: 

• Monitoring the IAQ both for carbon dioxide levels and other pollutants typically found in an office environment. 
• Creating spaces that are thermally comfortable for occupants, while prioritising access to fresh air. 
• Reducing or limiting the use of materials with known toxins such as formaldehyde, while actively adopting mould prevention strategies. 
• Support the specification of low VOC paints, glues and adhesives, while adopting the use of materials that have been certified via a reputable third party. 

HVAC myth 

A common misconception is that heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems spread Covid-19 and are unhealthy. This is not factually true, but it is important to note that fresh air plays an integral role in air-conditioning systems.  

Ventilation dilutes and removes pollutants from indoors spaces, and a continuous supply of fresh air helps in optimising the effectiveness thereof. 

Solutions 

Advances in air purification technology, notably photocatalytic oxidation (PCO) and ultraviolet C radiation (UVC), offer promising avenues to combat indoor air pollution effectively.   

• PCO technology harnesses light to initiate a chemical process that purifies the air, effectively reducing pathogens and pollutants.  
• UVC technology employs a specific spectrum of ultraviolet light to inactivate airborne viruses, offering a potent defence against the spread of illnesses within enclosed spaces. 

Air-conditioning systems can also play a crucial role in purifying the air inside homes and offices. By filtering out dust, allergens and other impurities, aircons can help create a healthier indoor environment.  

These systems also control the temperature and humidity, which helps to prevent mould growth. 

Latest technologies 

• Some products generate sterilising ions that destroy bacteria and viruses, eliminate unpleasant smells and neutralise harmful substances, such as VOCs and formaldehyde. 
• Inverter technology enhanced by the introduction of active artificial intelligence (AI) technology analyses usage data and learns optimal patterns for use preference. 
• Wind-free technology, outdoor air-processing units (OAPs) and dedicated outdoor air systems (DOAS) help with comfortable cooling without a draft. 

Regulations and design 

• When selecting HVAC equipment, the capacity is very important to ensure the equipment is sized correctly. Over- or undersized equipment is detrimental to energy consumption.  
• Good building designs consider the orientation of the building, as this has a major effect on the HVAC capacity. The building envelope is also very important as this helps to control the indoor temperature and overall energy use. Selecting equipment that uses environmentally friendly refrigerants, which carry a high energy efficiency rating. 

Global institutes such as the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and local standards that fall under SANS help engineers and developers conform to the regulations when selecting products. 

Robust control 

Given that South Africans spend most of their work time indoors, the imperative for robust IAQ control measures is clear. It is more than a matter of compliance or convenience – it is a fundamental issue of public health, productivity and economic resilience.  

Constant collaboration, especially when drafting the original project requirement (OPR), helps ensure that all stakeholders are well informed on what the main goal of the project is. 

In the face of ongoing energy and pollution challenges, adopting advanced air purification technologies is a means to protect and enhance the health of the workforce and, by extension, the nation’s health. 

5 key messages from the GBCSA on IAQ: 

1. The need for more air quality monitoring, both indoors and outdoors. 

2. The need for access to air quality data to unlock conversations about its importance and impact. 

3. Air quality has a direct impact on health and productivity. 

4. Good ventilation needs to be prioritised within buildings and homes. 

5. The importance of starting with monitoring the air quality in one’s space with the goal to improve it, while using data but prioritising comfort. 

Issue: Providing good indoor air quality in homes and workplaces.  

Solution: The use of and improvement of HVAC efficiency offer benefits for both health and the bottom line. 

Full acknowledgement and thanks go to www.gbcsa.org.za, www.leepsolutions.co.za, www.lg.com/za, https://samsungair.co.za/ and www.worldgbc.org for the information in this article.