FMANZ offers compelling case for improving IAQ

The Facilities Management Association of New Zealand (FMANZ) has released a report that analyses the costs and benefits of improving indoor air quality (IAQ) in New Zealand. Titled “Time to clear the air”, the report presents a compelling economic case for improving IAQ, in terms of both health and productivity benefits.

Highlighting hidden costs

The report, undertaken by Sense Partners in collaboration with independent economist Shamubeel Eaqub, notes that poor IAQ is a hidden cost to people and businesses through transmission of illnesses and reduced productivity. According to the authors, many buildings in New Zealand do not meet existing air quality standards or they meet standards that are too low by today’s best-practice measures.

The study focused on classrooms and office buildings, where current standards and levels of compliance were believed to be relatively low and where the largest potential benefits were expected. It found that raising the outdoor air ventilation rate to 14 litres per second per person (l/s/p) to achieve a maximum indoor CO₂ concentration of 800 parts per million (ppm) would deliver significant benefits at relatively low cost.

The authors note that this would represent a significant improvement for more than 40 per cent of offices and schools in New Zealand, with total potential benefits in excess of $1bn due to reduced sickness and improved focus for building occupants.

Over a 10-year period, the report estimated:

• Total benefits between $776m and $1.15bn (net present value)
• A cost of between $108.7m and $124.9m
• Higher annual operating costs of between $9.7m and $10.3m
• A benefit to cost ratio (BCR) of as high as 4.6.

Dollars and sense

“The science on improved air quality indoors is clear,” says FMANZ CEO Jo Duggan. “Better air in our buildings means people are healthier and more productive, school attendance improves, and concentration levels and learning get a boost too.

“Some would say that these reasons alone are enough for New Zealand to set and implement higher standards for our indoor air.

“However, we wanted to quantify the economic impact too for Aotearoa, which until now has not been done.”

Duggan says that the research unveils a compelling economic case, on top of the scientific evidence.

“Improving the air inside our buildings is good for business, good for our children, good for our health and wellbeing, and good for our economy.”

The full report is available at the FMANZ website.

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