Investing in clean air for business success

As a business owner, you may think that investing in clean air is just an added expense. But if you’ve read up about air pollution and how it affects you, you’ll know how important clean air is for peoples’ wellbeing, productivity, performance, and peace of mind. This article explores the reasons why you should consider clean air in your business and why it’s worth investing in.

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Clean air provides a positive ROI

Let’s get straight to the point. Many businesses are hesitant to invest in air purification services due to perceived cost, but, in fact, clean air is proven to have a positive ROI (Return On Investment). A study conducted by Harvard professors demonstrated that for every dollar spent on improving air quality, businesses can see a return of $6-$14 in higher productivity, reduced absenteeism, and decreased healthcare costs. Clean air can also lead to a reduction in errors and accidents, which can save businesses from expensive insurance claims.

The “other” ROI: avoid the Risks of Inaction

We’ve just seen that investing in clean air does have a positive ROI. But there’s more.

There’s another ROI you should quantify: the Risk of Inaction.

How much would it cost to your company NOT investing in clean air?

Let’s start with some stats

Now, the more intuitive part, as we’ve probably all experienced it. In an average-sized meeting room without adequate ventilation, three people can cause CO2 to reach a level that affects their cognitive function in just 45 minutes.

So you might already be experiencing some cognitive losses that lead to economic losses in your company.

We often see the competitive landscape as a chess match. Just sticking to the subject of chess, a new study by researchers at MIT found that even a modest increase in air pollution resulted in a 2.1% increase in the probability that players made mistakes and a 10.8% increase in the magnitude of the mistakes made.

Let’s now consider some facts

• If your people get sick, your operations will stop

• Your employees could be currently working with decreased productivity

• If they feel they work in an unhealthy workplace, absenteeism would increase

• Pure air quality affects people's mood: low employee morale results in lower engagement and performances

• Clean air, when deaths from pollution are increasing, could be the new, modern welfare and result in better talent attraction and retention (especially when it comes to younger generations)

• Energy costs? The US Environmental Protection Agency found that a ventilation upgrade from CAV to VAV can achieve annual energy savings of 10% to 21%

It’s clear that your biggest enemy is not the cost of air purification, but the cost you’d incur if you don’t do anything about indoor air pollution.

The curious case of healthy buildings

What is a Healthy Building?

If you think about it, for the last 40 years, we have designed buildings keeping in mind all the factors besides public health, resulting in what we call a sick building era.

On the other hand, imagine a building that prioritises human health and performance: That's a Healthy Building.

According to Joseph Allen, an associate professor of exposure-assessment science at the Harvard School of Public Health, a healthy building is designed with a health-first mindset, that results in a lot of advantages, also on the economical side.

On the contrary, a healthy building is one that is designed and operated in a way that optimises human health and performance. This includes factors such as indoor air quality, lighting, thermal comfort, and acoustics.

How a Healthy Building can result in better economic performance

A healthy building can improve worker health and performance by reducing the risk of illness and injury, improving cognitive function, and increasing productivity. Studies have shown that indoor air quality, for example, has a significant impact on decision-making and performance. CogFX studies (a series of studies linking air quality to cognitive functions) found that the cost to achieve healthier building ventilation standards is in the order of tens of dollars per person per year. At the same time, the benefits are estimated to be in the order of $6,000 to $7,000 per person per year.

A Harvard study suggests that Green-certified buildings generate a +26% increase in cognitive ability and a 30% reduction in illness-related absences. Quality of air, light, environment as a whole has strong reflections on the performance of the modern worker.

Future proofs your business with clean air

There is also another dimension to consider. Let’s move beyond the cost side and look at different sources of competitive advantages. Here’s where clean air can help.

• Enhanced customer experience: consumers increasingly prioritise businesses that align with their values, including environmental and health concerns. Investing in clean air improves the customer experience, cultivates brand loyalty, and sets your business apart from competitors.

• Brand reputation: a strong commitment to clean air and sustainability enhances your brand's reputation, making it more attractive to stakeholders and positively impacting long-term success.

• Productive dialogue with regulatory authorities: proactively investing in clean air demonstrates your commitment to environmental responsibility, opening doors for productive engagement with regulatory authorities.

The bottom (or top) line

Prioritising air purification services can have a profound impact on both your top and bottom line.

It creates a healthier work environment, boosting employee satisfaction, engagement, and retention. It also positions your business as environmentally responsible, attracting eco-conscious customers and top talent.

Clean air is crucial for navigating future challenges, ensuring the well-being of your workforce, and keeping up with market demand and regulations. By investing in air purification, you demonstrate resilience and adaptability, paving the way for long-term success.

It’s not an extra cost, it's a wise business decision. It benefits your employees' well-being, productivity, and the future of your business.

Download our White Paper today to uncover the strategic importance of investing in clean air and unlock its potential benefits for your organisation.

Together, let's breathe cleaner air and build a brighter future.