400,000 European deaths linked to air pollution spark urgent call for ESG integration of indoor air quality
Photo by Josh Beech on Unsplash
In the wake of a global pandemic and an ever-growing emphasis on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles, the importance of indoor air quality (IAQ) has surged to the forefront of corporate consciousness. As the world grapples with the devastating impacts of COVID-19 still three years after the start of the pandemic, businesses are increasingly recognising the pivotal role of IAQ in safeguarding public health. The pandemic has managed to raise awareness about indoor environmental quality as a result of its widely spread impact all around the world.
At the same time, the European Environment Agency released its Air Quality Report in 2020, highlighting an alarming fact: 400,000 deaths happen every year in Europe that can be directly attributed to poor air quality. ESG reporting, to which 4 in 5 UK SMEs contribute, currently refers primarily to outdoor air quality, which areas such as carbon footprint and compliance with international standards. But many believe that IAQ should also become a major element of ESG reporting.
In the UK only, 440,000 workers suffer with exacerbated health conditions as they are exposed to dangerous levels of airborne pollution indoors. The corporate world needs to rapidly connect IAQ with their ESG initiative, not only in an attempt to reduce environmental impact but also in order to target and improve the indoor air quality.
COVID & indoor air quality awareness
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about significant changes in the way businesses operate. But it has also contributed for the first time to a new heightened awareness about the quality of air workers breathe indoors. Businesses of all sizes have been forced to reckon with the implication of poor IAQ on the health of their employees and customers at each coronavirus peak in 2020 and 2021, leading to loss of productivity, increased infection rate, loss of revenue, and lockdowns.
As the virus spreads through respiratory droplets, maintaining clean and well-ventilated indoor spaces became paramount in reducing the risk of transmission. Yet, three years after the start of the pandemic, businesses are already reverting to pre-COVID IAQ measures, having seemingly forgotten the profound shift in indoor air quality monitoring and its direct connection to public health.
ESG Reporting & IAQ
ESG represents a much-respected framework for evaluating a company’s commitment to sustainable and responsible business practices. IAQ is beginning to emerge as a critical component of ESG tracking and monitoring. Safeguarding health may be one aspect of IAQ. But, the pandemic has demonstrated the influence of IAQ on social responsibility, sound governance practices, and the necessary implementation of environmental stewardship inside the workplace.
It appears evident that companies prioritising IAQ monitoring as part of their ESG initiatives will not only be protecting public health, but also enhancing their operations, investability, reputation, and overall minimising indispensable regulatory risks.
The impact of indoor air quality
Global Action Plan’s report, Every Breath We Make shows a study that approximately 440,000 UK workers with pre-existing health conditions susceptible to exacerbation by poor IAQ continue to be exposed to alarming levels of airborne pollution inside their workplace. The situation is far from unique to the UK, with similar concerns echoing across Europe and beyond.
Poor IAQ can lead to a non-negligible range of health consequences, from exacerbating respiratory issues like asthma to contributing to long-term chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular problems. Furthermore, the impact on business operations is tangible and can’t be ignored anymore, ranging from increased absenteeism to reduced productivity.
Identifying the sources of IAQ problems
The root causes of IAQ problems in the business world are multifaceted. Experts have been rising the alarm about ineffective and outdated regulations. The Health & Safety Executive’s Regulation of 500 airborne hazards fails to acknowledge that permitted levels of indoor pollution are too high for some substances.
Updated research on the impacts of polluted and toxic indoor air has not been part of previous regulations. The UK indoor workplace air quality standards permit much higher concentration levels of PM10 compared to outdoor AQ threshold.
The need for essential metrics for IAQ control
Incorporating comprehensive metrics in IAQ control is paramount in businesses. Two crucial elements need to be closely monitored as part of IAQ ESG reporting, namely air moisture level and airborne particles. High humidity levels decrease air circulation, creating an environment where harmful particles linger in the air. Experts suggest a future of IAQ management driven by IoT solutions and real-time AI monitoring and response. From tracking hydrometer sensors data — for clarity what is a hygrometer is explained here — to managing automated air purification and ventilation solutions, the development of smart and automated IAQ control systems powered by AI is on the horizon.
There is a growing call for strict IAQ regulations and control as part of ESG standardised reporting and metrics. In the wake of AI’s popularity, it would make sense for businesses to use AI as a driving control factor, not just for IAQ but also for their entire ESG reporting.
