If we are all to be truly productive, if we are to create an environment where people can prosper and excel, we also need to create an environment where everyone feels safe and well.
And while ‘healthy building’ is a recently coined phrase, the philosophy of having a place that supports the physical, psychological, and social health and well-being of people is not new, indeed one would hazard a guess it was just as important when we lived in caves as it is today, albeit for slightly different reasons.
In today’s world the requirement is much less about being protected from sabre toothed tigers and more about just how much time we spend indoors. Indeed, one study suggests that Brits spend around 92% of their time inside. A statistic one can imagine increasing during and even post pandemic.
Like all concepts in their infancy, healthy building can mean different things to different people. For some it is the development of environmentally responsible buildings, while for others it is seen more to do with human wellbeing and performance. According to Joseph G. Allen and Ari Bernstein of the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health there are 9 Foundations of a Healthy Building: ventilation, air quality, thermal health, moisture, dusts and pests, safety and security, water quality, noise, and lighting and views.
At Edge, we are focusing our efforts on four key areas: air quality, thermal health, ventilation and moisture control.
When it comes to healthcare environments, clearly the health of the building takes on an extra significance – by definition the visitors or residents of such facilities are unwell and more susceptible to further complications or illness. There is of course also a duty of care to protect staff, keeping them happy, healthy and productive.
There are a number of advantages healthcare managers can expect from a healthy building – from wellbeing and productivity improvements to reduced environmental impact and cost savings. Below we explore some of the benefits in more detail…
Improving Health and Well-being
Healthy buildings prioritise the health and well-being of the people inside them by promoting good indoor air quality, reducing exposure to pollutants and incorporating elements that enhance physical and mental well-being. This leads to better occupant health, reduced absenteeism, improved productivity, and enhanced overall satisfaction from a patient and professional perspective.
Enhanced Indoor Air Quality
Healthy buildings prioritise clean indoor air. Air filtration and the control of contaminants minimises the presence of allergens, pollutants, and airborne pathogens, leading to the mitigation of risks such as respiratory illnesses, allergies, and other health issues.
Increased Productivity and Performance
A healthy indoor environment can significantly impact the productivity and performance of occupants by enhancing cognitive function, concentration, and overall work performance. Employees in healthy buildings often experience fewer distractions and have higher job satisfaction.
Enhanced Resilience and Preparedness
Everyone should have a backup plan and healthy buildings often incorporate features that enhance resilience and preparedness in the face of emergencies or natural disasters. This will include efficient emergency response plans, and improved infection control measures.
Infection Control
Healthcare acquired infections are always a significant concern . Cleaner air and better ventilation together with other infection prevention measures can minimise the risk of cross-contamination and infection.
At Edge, we believe our combination of experience, expertise and leading-edge equipment ensures we create optimum working environments where buildings are protected and the people residing in them feel happy, productive and healthy. Our portfolio of air quality, thermal health, ventilation and moisture control services combine to deliver healthier buildings. We deliver you more, so you can deliver more. To find out how we can give you a building health check contact Simon Darby on 01527 390662 or email Simon.Darby@edge-equipmenthire.co.uk
