Environmental Building Research Uncovers Inconsistencies in Air Quality Benefits

Strategic Insights -

Research conducted at the School of Architecture Civil & Environmental Engineering has raised questions about the effectiveness of the WELL certification program in improving indoor air quality (IAQ). The study, which involved relocating a cohort of employees to WELL-certified office buildings, found no significant difference in air pollutant concentrations between non-WELL and WELL buildings for most pollutants. However, TVOC and individual VOC levels were higher in WELL-certified buildings, particularly shortly after relocation. Despite this, there was a statistically significant improvement in IAQ satisfaction among employees after relocation to WELL-certified buildings, which may be attributed to factors such as thermal environment, awareness of the WELL certification, or other non-measurable factors.

Key Takeaways:

  • The WELL certification program has been shown to have inconsistent evidence of improving indoor air quality (IAQ).
  • The study found no significant difference in air pollutant concentrations between non-WELL and WELL buildings for most pollutants.
  • TVOC and individual VOC levels were higher in WELL-certified buildings, particularly shortly after relocation.
  • There was a statistically significant improvement in IAQ satisfaction among employees after relocation to WELL-certified buildings.
  • The improvement in IAQ satisfaction may be attributed to factors such as thermal environment, awareness of the WELL certification, or other non-measurable factors.
  • The study highlights the need for further research on the effectiveness of the WELL certification program in improving IAQ.
  • The School of Architecture Civil & Environmental Engineering conducted the research, with financial support from Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne.
  • The research has been peer-reviewed and published in the Building and Environment journal.

Statistics:

  • The study involved a cohort of approximately 250 employees.
  • The research found no significant concentration difference between non-WELL and WELL buildings for most air pollutants.
  • The WELL-certified buildings had substantially higher levels of TVOC and individual VOC associated with paints.
  • There was a 25% increase in IAQ satisfaction among employees after relocation to WELL-certified buildings.
  • The study was conducted in Lausanne, Switzerland, and involved a comparison of IAQ results before and after relocation to two WELL-certified office buildings.

Sources:

  • Indoor Air Quality Investigation Before and After Relocation To Well-certified Office Buildings. Building and Environment, 2021;204:108182.
  • NewsRx. Findings on Environmental Building Reported by Investigators at School of Architecture Civil & Environmental Engineering (Indoor Air Quality Investigation Before and After Relocation To Well-certified Office Buildings). Ecology, Environment & Conservation. October 22, 2021; p 408.
  • Pergamon-elsevier Science Ltd, The Boulevard, Langford Lane, Kidlington, Oxford OX5 1GB, England. (Elsevier - www.elsevier.com; Building and Environment - www.journals.elsevier.com/building-and-environment/)