What makes a healthy building?

In this whitepaper:

1. Introduction
2. Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)
3. Occupancy comfort control
4. Water quality
5. Building design and operational features
6. Other factors
7. In summary

1. Introduction

The concept of a healthy building has gained significant attention in recent years as people have become more aware of how their built environments impact safety, health and well-being.

Whereas much of the focus is on residential buildings the ability of the internal environment to enhance the physical, mental, and emotional health of its occupants is equally applicable. Especially as, with the workplace becoming more dynamic, users are asking for greater reassurance and employers’ environments conducive to an agile, but safe, healthy and productive space.

No single element of our building environments makes them healthy, rather it is a combination of physical conditions, management, processes, control and communication that contribute to the whole.

Equally how these are delivered has a considerable knock-on effect to wider environment concerns and so can also be linked to ESG/sustainability initiatives too. So, what are the elements you should be considering in making your building healthy?

2. Indoor air quality (IAQ)

Indoor air quality is a crucial component of a healthy building and poor IAQ has been attributed in the past to ‘sick building syndrome’ and other concerns including respiratory issues and allergies. Although over the nearly 40 years we have been monitoring building environments such incidences are rare in our experience and where occurring usually down to a physical failure, maintenance or equipment issue.

Primarily IAQ can be considered in terms of levels of dusts/particulate material, microorganisms and gases. Some of these will be constituents of outside air brought into the building and other generated internally. Factors influencing IAQ including:

• Ventilation - Good ventilation helps dilute potential indoor pollutants and provides a clean source of air to occupants. Mechanical ventilation systems need to be well specified and maintained and their operation considered from an environmental perspective (recirculation, heat/energy recovery) as well as the occupants. Natural ventilated premises have less control over localised outdoor air quality and so strategic use of windows and vents is required to maintain optimum air quality as far as reasonably practicable.
• Air filtration - The specification and use of good quality air filtration plays a key role in removing pollutants from the air. Operationally box, bag and panel filters to varying degrees of efficiency (e.g. High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters, activated carbon filters) can be deployed to good effect, with the options also dependent on the system you have. Filters can be used inside the building for locally recirculating air systems as well as on the main plant. Regular maintenance of HVAC systems is essential to maintaining good IAQ.
• Pollutant control - As well as dusts and microorganisms, indoor air pollutants can include carbon dioxide formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, radon, and VOCs (emitted from for example furnishings, paints, varnishes and cleaning products). Specific environments, such as workshops and laboratories, can also introduce pollutants as part of their operation. To reduce exposure, appropriately risk assess these areas and as needed introduce controls, e.g. isolating processes, local extract ventilation, substituting chemical and solvents for use low-VOC or zero-VOC materials, allowing new furnishings to ‘off gas’ in a well-ventilated space prior to use.

3. Occupancy comfort control

Historically, the localised indoor environment for workplace occupants is often one of the most contentious areas of building management (temperature, draughts, noise, etc.). With increases in agile space and multiple users now potentially working in multiple areas of the building, it needs careful management. Areas to cover:

• Thermal comfort - maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature is essential for productivity and well-being. A healthy building will have an efficient heating, ventilation, natural or forced air ventilated) that maintains optimal temperature and humidity levels. Depending on your systems, operation and of course the season, ideally temperature should be maintained in a range of between 21°C and 23°C.
• Humidity control - Excess humidity can lead to mould growth and respiratory problems, while low humidity can cause, static, dryness and irritation (particularly eyes, mucosal membranes and skin). Ideal indoor humidity levels should be maintained between 40%-60% for comfort and health.
• Airflow/air movement - A healthy building will have a well-balanced ventilation introducing fresh air and extracting stale, thereby reducing pollutants in the workplace. The distribution of the air should also be balanced to recognise the style of occupancy and eliminate as far as possible draughts and ‘dead spots’.
• Noise - Noise pollution can negatively impact concentration, stress levels, and overall well-being. A healthy building should consider space planning to minimise noise disturbance by separating ‘high-traffic/noisy areas’ from quiet zones and as needed soundproofing measures such as acoustic panels, carpets, and noise-reducing windows. Identifying areas where sound may have a detrimental effect on hearing and managing them accordingly is also of course essential.
• Lighting - A well zoned, well illuminated workspace benefits all users, with the lighting equipment, levels and controls matched to the activities being carried out. Different tasks can require different levels of lighting, although in every case it should be safe and comfortable. Recognising the benefits of natural daylight exposure is important, these can include improved mood and better sleep, it also helps regulate the body clock.

4. Water quality

In most modern buildings water is extensively used in everything from drinking and catering to, heating, chilling, sanitation, hygiene, cleaning and irrigation. Having clean and safe water is therefore fundamental to a healthy building.

• Drinking water - Drinking water provision can take many forms form direct mains to various dispensers, and vending machines. All need to be properly managed, with effective cleaning regimes in place to maintain water quality.
• Legionella - All water systems need to be suitably and sufficiently assessed and controls as appropriate in place to minimise the risks associated with Legionella for building occupants and potentially others.
• Process water - Water used in processes from heating and chilling and humidification to equipment supply can undergo change as well as be chemically treated. The treatment chemical used as well as the systems themselves all need careful management if they are to remain safe and effective.
• Efficient water use - Sustainable water management systems, such as rainwater harvesting, greywater recycling, and low-flow fixtures (to reduce water waste), while providing environmental benefit also need to be properly managed if they are to contribute positively to the health of the building too.

5. Building design and operational features

The physical building itself can also play a major role in in both good environmental management and user health, safety and wellbeing. There is a myriad of aspects, some of which are:

• Design - A healthy building should accommodate all occupants, regardless of age, ability, or mobility. Adopting good and thought-out design principles can ensure inclusivity and comfort for everyone. Office layouts and designs that incorporate open spaces, collaborative zones, and quiet areas can effectively balance teamwork and individual focus. Break areas and social spaces, such as comfortable lounges, recreational zones, and dining areas can foster relaxation and greater employee engagement.
• Ergonomic workspaces - Properly designed furniture, such as adjustable desks and chairs with lumbar support, reduces the risk of musculoskeletal disorders. Exploring initiatives such as standing desks and active seating options can also encourage movement and improve posture and productivity.
• Accessibility features - Buildings should make sure vertical and horizontal transition are readily accessible for all users, by where practicable including, for example, step free access/ramps, suitable doorways, manifestations, good contrast of surfaces and appropriate lift access. Clear signage and wayfinding benefits everybody and helps create a more inclusive environment.
• Biophilic design - Biophilic design integrates natural elements into the built environment to improve aesthetics and occupant well-being. This could include incorporating plants, water features, and/or nature-inspired textures and colours into the workplace. Green walls, indoor gardens, and rooftop vegetation are other options in use.
• Green spaces and outdoor access - Connecting occupants to nature improves mental health and well-being. Healthy buildings should include access to outdoor spaces such as terraces, gardens, or parks. Rooftop gardens and community green spaces encourage relaxation, social interaction, and physical activity.
• Building materials - The choice of construction materials significantly impacts occupant health and environmental sustainability; an example of a negative effect they can have would be asbestos (which in itself need to be properly assessed and managed). Specifying and using safe materials, for example that emit low or no VOCs (see previous). Use of more natural and organic materials, such as wood, bamboo, cork, and wool, as alternatives to synthetic materials, offers environmental as well as user benefits. Well-insulated buildings reduce energy consumption while maintaining a more stable indoor temperature. The use of high-performance windows, thermal mass materials, and smart thermostats can contribute to energy-efficient thermal comfort.

6. Other factors

Other factors that have a positive effect on creating a healthy building can include

• Workplace policies and culture - Inclusive and appropriate policies (i.e. health and safety, inclusivity, work arrangements) augmented with support, for instance, wellness and employee assistance programmes and giving days can help promote, health, safety and wellbeing, as well as contribute to the overall job satisfaction and retention of employees.
• Smart technology - Integrating smart building technology can improve health and energy efficiency through automating and optimising processes. These do need to be carefully considered and targeted to deliver the information you need to help effectively manage your building.
• Building lifecycle considerations - Sustainable buildings consider the entire lifecycle, from construction to demolition. Initiatives such as modular construction and deconstruction techniques can minimise waste and allow materials to be reused or repurposed. Equally, eco-friendly and low carbon footprint building materials can help reduce environmental impact while ensuring structural durability.
• Workplace monitoring - Instigating a programme of independent, accredited monitoring of your workplace environment covering aspects such as IAQ, occupant comfort and water quality, will provide the evidence you need to support your building management. It provides you and your building users with the reassurance that your building is safe and healthy.

7. In summary

A healthy building is more than just a structure, it is an environment that supports the physical, mental, and social well-being of the occupants and models good environmental practises.

By actively pursuing these aims, architects, designers, building owners, employers and building managers can create spaces that promote health, productivity, and sustainability.

Assurity Consulting is the UK’s leading independent consultancy specialising in workplace health, safety and environmental solutions. As your partner in compliance management you will reap the benefit of our more than 35 years’ experience of helping customers across a range of different sectors – manage their compliance responsibilities as effectively as possible. If you need any help with your health, safety or environmental compliance, or if you would like more information on the services Assurity Consulting offer, please get in touch.

DOWNLOAD PDF