When we think about building performance, the first priorities that often come to mind are energy efficiency, sustainability, and occupant comfort. Increasingly, however, indoor air quality (IAQ) is emerging as an equally critical factor. Though it sounds unconventional, is the future of facilities management “up in the air”?
People spend approximately 90% of their time indoors, where pollutant concentrations can often be two to five times higher than outdoor levels. For facility managers, the conversation has shifted. The question is no longer whether IAQ matters, but how to improve it consistently and sustain those improvements over time.
What is indoor air quality?
Indoor air quality refers to the condition of the air inside a building and how it affects the health, comfort, and performance of occupants. It is influenced by the levels of pollutants, ventilation effectiveness, humidity, temperature, and overall performance of building systems.
In fact, Harvard’s COGfx research showed that improved ventilation can significantly enhance cognitive function and decision-making abilities. This gives facilities managers more reason to prioritize indoor air quality.
What affects indoor air quality in buildings?
In day-to-day operations, several factors influence IAQ across modern buildings:
1. Ventilation
When there’s less fresh air, pollutants tend to accumulate indoors. This can result in elevated carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels, stuffy environments, and reduced cognitive performance.
2. HVAC performance
HVAC systems are the backbone of indoor air quality. When filters are dirty, equipment is poorly maintained, or airflow is unbalanced, contaminants can circulate throughout the building instead of being removed.
3. Moisture levels
Excessive moisture creates ideal conditions for mold growth, while overly dry conditions can irritate skin and respiratory systems. Maintaining balanced humidity is essential for a healthy environment.
4. Outdoor conditions
Wildfires, traffic emissions, industrial pollution, and seasonal allergens can infiltrate buildings through ventilation systems and building envelopes. This is becoming increasingly relevant across North America as wildfire events become more frequent.
Ways to improve indoor air quality in buildings
Facilities managers play a critical role in determining how healthy a building’s air is. Here are four proven strategies for how to improve indoor air quality.
1. Optimize ventilation rates
Fresh air remains one of the most effective ways to improve IAQ. Building operators should regularly evaluate outdoor air intake rates, verify ventilation performance, and ensure systems meet current occupancy demands. As building usage patterns change, ventilation rates must be adjusted to support healthier indoor environments.
2. Strengthen HVAC maintenance programs
Even the most advanced HVAC system cannot improve air quality if it is poorly maintained.
Your preventive maintenance should include:
- Regular filter inspections and replacement
- Airflow testing and balancing
- Coil cleaning
- Damper inspections
- Sensor calibration
- Ventilation performance checks
A proactive maintenance strategy helps ensure systems remove pollutants rather than distribute them throughout the building. Integrated facilities management teams using CMMS-driven maintenance programs can identify issues earlier and improve overall HVAC reliability.
3. Invest in better filtration and air cleaning
As organizations place more emphasis on occupant wellness and building resilience, filtration has become a critical part of indoor air quality strategy. In such cases, high-efficiency filters help capture fine particulate matter (PM2.5), dust, allergens, smoke particles, and other airborne contaminants before they circulate through occupied spaces.
As a facility manager, regularly reviewing filter performance, pressure drops, and replacement schedules can keep your systems working as intended. Advanced solutions such as electronic air cleaners and supplemental air disinfection technologies can add another layer of protection and support healthier indoor environments.
4. Control indoor sources of pollution
Improving IAQ calls for reducing pollutants at the source. Facilities teams can do this by evaluating cleaning products, building materials, furnishings, pest control practices, and office equipment emissions.
Using low-VOC materials, selecting environmentally preferable cleaning products, and minimizing unnecessary chemical exposure can significantly reduce contaminant loads. Even janitorial teams’ practices play an important role. HEPA filter vacuums and effective floor matting systems can help prevent pollutants from recirculating throughout a building.
What indoor air quality metrics facilities teams should monitor?
To effectively manage IAQ, facilities teams should track key performance indicators that provide visibility into building conditions.
1. Carbon Dioxide (CO₂)
A useful indicator of ventilation effectiveness and occupancy-related air quality conditions.
2. Particulate Matter (PM2.5)
Fine airborne particles that can affect respiratory and cognitive health. Office air quality may affect employees’ cognition and productivity.
3. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
Released by furnishings, building materials, and cleaning products. Elevated levels can impact comfort and well-being.
4. Relative humidity
Generally, maintaining humidity between 30% and 60% helps reduce mold risks and support occupant comfort.
5. Temperature and airflow
Key comfort indicators that influence occupant satisfaction and perceived air quality.
The future of facilities management is measured in air
As organizations continue prioritizing wellness, employee or guest experience, and sustainable building performance, facilities managers have a unique opportunity to lead. By combining proactive HVAC maintenance, smart monitoring, source control, and ventilation optimization, they can create healthy buildings with improved indoor air quality that deliver value for both occupants and building owners.
Ready to improve indoor air quality across your facilities? Contact Dexterra to learn how our integrated facilities management approach can support healthier, more efficient buildings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Regular HVAC maintenance improves indoor air quality by removing airborne pollutants, maintaining proper airflow, and ensuring adequate ventilation. Tasks such as filter replacement, coil cleaning, and airflow balancing help keep indoor air cleaner and healthier.
Yes, poor indoor air quality can negatively impact concentration, cognitive performance, and workplace productivity. Proper ventilation and air quality management can help create healthier, more productive work environments.
Most experts recommend maintaining indoor relative humidity between 30% and 60%. This range helps reduce the risk of mold growth, minimizes respiratory irritation, and supports occupant comfort.
Yes, smart sensors and building management systems can monitor air quality in real time, helping facilities teams identify issues quickly and optimize building performance.
Indoor air pollution is commonly caused by inadequate ventilation, dust, mold, cleaning chemicals, VOCs, office equipment emissions, and outdoor pollutants entering the building.