Exploring the Frontier of Healthy Buildings
In the latest episode of "Air Quality Matters," I talked with Tyler Smith, Vice President of Healthy Buildings at Johnson Controls.
Tyler's extensive experience, spanning 18 years in engineering and building management systems, offers an intriguing perspective of how buildings can significantly impact energy efficiency and indoor air quality.
Tyler shared his insights on how the COVID-19 pandemic has shifted the corporate world's perspective on healthy buildings. He emphasised the critical role that indoor air quality plays in ensuring the safety and well-being of building occupants. One key takeaway was the potential risk of society's short memory, particularly post-pandemic. Tyler stressed the importance of maintaining the momentum in prioritising healthy building environments.
We explored the proactive steps that multinational corporations are taking towards improving their buildings' environments. Tyler highlighted the importance of global and regional building standards, such as the WELL, which oversees an impressive expanse of over five billion square feet of space. He shared his vision of a future where practices promoting healthy indoor environments become integral parts of building codes, making them more universally applied and adhered to.
Our discussion looked into the business implications of healthy buildings. And that we might lose sight of the significant lessons learned from COVID-19, especially regarding the cost implications of employee health and absenteeism. Despite these challenges, Tyler's optimism stands out. He spoke about the potential for education and the development of compelling business cases to promote the adoption of healthy building practices.
One of the most interesting aspects of our conversation was the intersection of data, health outcomes, and energy savings in the realm of building management. Tyler elaborated on the challenges in quantifying health improvement outcomes compared to the more straightforward metrics of energy savings. He pointed out the sensitive nature of health data and the complexities involved in its use. Nevertheless, he envisioned a future where such data could effectively validate health-related building investments.
As we delved into the role of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) criteria in shaping the healthy buildings landscape, Tyler talked about the growing importance of the 'S' component, focusing on social impacts. This aligns perfectly with Johnson Controls' efforts to create healthier work environments.
Tyler emphasised the immediacy of what smart buildings offer, not in the distant future, but right now. These buildings, equipped with a vast network of sensors and advanced analytics, redefine our interaction with our environments. As Tyler walked us through a hypothetical journey in a smart building, it was intriguing to see how these spaces are no longer passive structures but active participants in our daily routines.
“Imagine a building that recognises you, adjusts its environment to suit your needs, and constantly works to ensure your safety and comfort. This is the reality of today’s smart buildings.”
The role of data is central to this transformation. With sensors collecting information and cloud technologies facilitating data exchange and insights, buildings are becoming more responsive and efficient. But what stands out is how these advancements translate to tangible experiences for the occupants. From anticipating your arrival to optimising air quality and temperature, smart buildings cater to the human element, enhancing productivity and well-being.
Our conversation also touched on the concept of buildings as 'safe havens', particularly relevant in external environmental threats like wildfires or pollution events. Smart buildings, with their advanced environmental controls, offer a sanctuary, ensuring the health and safety of their occupants.
However, the reality of the current building stock poses challenges. Many existing structures are far from these ideals, lacking modern systems and maintenance. This is where creating accessible and cost-effective solutions for healthier buildings becomes crucial. As Tyler pointed out, even simple steps like installing air quality sensors can kickstart the journey towards healthier buildings.
Another aspect we discussed was the impact of the hybrid working model on the concept of healthy buildings. The shift to working from home presents new challenges in ensuring healthy living spaces. The lack of control and variability in residential environments calls for focusing on education and providing tools to enhance indoor environments, bridging the gap between commercial and residential spaces.
Tyler shared his vision for the future of healthy buildings intertwined with emerging technologies like AI. Integrating AI with building management systems opens up exciting possibilities, from optimising energy consumption to enhancing health and safety protocols.