Indoor Air Quality: Insights from Francesca Brady, CEO of Air Rated
CEO and Co-Founder of AirRated an indoor air quality (IAQ) certification company -
Francesca is an advisory member for the Camden Clean Air Initiative, the BREEAM Health and Wellbeing technical group, and a member of the International WELL Building Institute's Covid-19 Taskforce. A rising star in air quality in many ways including on the Forbes 30 under 30 list in 2021 for her work with Air rated.
With a Masters in Environmental Geoscience specialising in indoor atmospheric chemistry she was a Co-Founder and Formerly Head of Research for Air Rated before taking on the role of CEO in 2020.
Since then she has been dedicated to promoting and educating audiences from all walks of life about the importance, benefits and management of good indoor air quality.
Francesca's insights into air quality, especially in indoor environments, offer a fascinating look into where this crucial aspect of our lives is heading.
The Importance of Labeling Indoor Air Quality
She highlighted the growing significance of labelling buildings for air quality, similar to how energy performance is labelled. Though not mandatory, this practice is increasingly becoming a standard for conscientious building owners. It's a critical step towards transparency because indoor air quality directly impacts health and well-being. Moreover, Francesca predicts that air quality labelling will become as common and expected as energy performance certificates (EPCs).
We discussed how building standards like LEED and BREEAM incorporate air quality into their parameters. Initially, these were minimal, but there's a growing trend towards making air quality a more significant aspect of these standards. This shift is a response to the increased understanding of air quality's impact on human health. Importantly, Francesca noted that certifications like Fitwell seek expertise from the air quality industry to enhance their guidelines, signalling a collaborative future for building health standards.
The Impact of COVID-19 on Air Quality Awareness
Our conversation then turned to the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on air quality awareness. Francesca believes the pandemic was a double-edged sword for air quality awareness. On one hand, it fast-tracked awareness among the general population and businesses. Conversely, it led to some knee-jerk reactions and investments in air quality measures that could have been more effective. Looking forward, Francesca feels that the pandemic's real benefit was in highlighting the economic benefits of good air quality, particularly in terms of productivity and health.
She underscored that the decision-making around air quality improvements in businesses comes down to economic benefits. It's not just about operational efficiency but also how it affects employee productivity and health. She emphasised the need to tailor the narrative depending on the audience - whether it's finance, marketing, HR, or operations - since the benefits of air quality resonate differently with each department.
We touched upon the role of Human Resources in the conversation about indoor air quality. Francesca noted that HR departments could be more engaged, possibly due to a lack of understanding of the value of good air quality to employee health and productivity. This gap suggests an educational opportunity in the industry.
The Financial Implications of Air Quality
Francesca mentioned the disproportionate impact that staff costs have on a business's bottom line compared to energy costs. This illustrates the high return on investment that businesses can achieve by improving indoor air quality, considering its direct impact on staff productivity and health.
Air Rated’s Approach to Air Quality Certification
Air Rated's approach to air quality in buildings includes creating accessible pathways for all types of buildings. They focus not only on the operational aspects of air quality but also on the health and well-being of occupants. Their certifications and assessments provide valuable data to building owners, allowing them to make informed decisions about air quality improvements.
Looking ahead, Francesca envisions a future where air quality labelling is as standard and expected as energy performance labelling. She foresees regulations mandating such labelling, given its significance in human health and productivity. For Air Rated, the goal is to continue leading the charge in air quality certification, expanding its influence, and advocating for healthier indoor environments across the globe.