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Cost avoidance and productivity in owning and operating buildings
1College of Architecture and Urban Studies, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg 24061.
Occupational Medicine (Philadelphia, Pa.)
|October 1, 1989
Summary
Poor indoor environmental quality in buildings significantly impacts health and productivity. Cost-effective solutions can improve occupant well-being and economic performance.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Building Science
- Health Economics
Background:
- The indoor environment significantly affects occupant health, comfort, and productivity.
- Existing building stock often exhibits suboptimal environmental controls.
- Economic implications of poor indoor environmental quality are substantial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the economic consequences of inadequate environmental control in buildings.
- To propose strategies for enhancing health and productivity through cost-effective indoor environmental management.
- To analyze the current state of buildings regarding occupant health and comfort.
Main Methods:
- Characterization of the existing building stock's environmental control capabilities.
- Analysis of micro- and macroeconomic costs associated with building ownership and operation.
- Review of literature on indoor environmental quality and its impact.
Main Results:
- Unacceptable environmental control leads to significant economic losses.
- Cost-effective interventions can yield substantial improvements in health and productivity.
- Building performance varies widely, impacting occupant well-being.
Conclusions:
- Improving indoor environmental quality is an economically viable strategy.
- Targeted interventions can mitigate the economic burden of poor building environments.
- Further research is needed to optimize cost-effective control strategies.