Mazen Jamal

With over two decades of experience in the built environment, he brings a wealth of knowledge from his global endeavours in sales within the property technology sector, including utilisation, occupancy detection, and indoor air quality monitoring. His journey has spanned various continents, offering him a unique perspective on the diverse motivations and adoption reasons across different markets, from North America to Asia and the Middle East.

During a recent episode of the "Air Quality Matters" podcast, Mazen discussed the evolving landscape of smart buildings and environmental monitoring. His insights reveal an industry at a crossroads, particularly in how buildings are being designed and maintained post-COVID to enhance health and safety standards.

The Rise of Healthy Building Certifications

The onset of COVID-19 catapulted the importance of healthy buildings, driving demand for certifications that assure the public of a building’s health standards. These certifications became a symbol of safety and trust, influencing decision-making from retail choices to hotel accommodations. However, as Mazen pointed out, the urgency to maintain these standards has waned post-pandemic, with many questioning the economic benefits of pursuing such certifications if they do not directly impact the bottom line.

Addressing Air Quality Beyond COVID-19

The real challenge now is to redefine the value of indoor air quality beyond the pandemic. Despite the significant health risks associated with poor indoor air, the fundamental drivers for maintaining good air quality have not changed. We spend a vast majority of our lives indoors, making it imperative to address the air we breathe within these environments.

Mazen highlights the competitive nature of the air quality industry against more immediate concerns such as the energy crisis in Europe. This competition often relegates air quality to a secondary concern, underscoring the need for a shift in how its benefits are perceived and valued.

Legislative Actions and Market Adoption

One potential path forward is through more stringent legislative measures that mandate air quality monitoring in public spaces. This approach could normalize the integration of air quality measures as standard practice, much like fire safety systems in buildings today.

Furthermore, Mazen suggests that increasing the adoption of air quality systems could be achieved by incorporating them into the basic infrastructure of new buildings, akin to standard features like air conditioning or fireproof doors. This integration could significantly reduce resistance to initial costs and promote a wider acceptance as part of the building’s essential design.

The Role of Big Industry Players

Mazen also touches on the influential role of major industry players like Johnson Controls, Honeywell, and Schneider Electric. These companies have the capacity to integrate smart building technologies more seamlessly and could drive widespread adoption through their extensive involvement in building infrastructure projects globally.

Future Outlook and Personal Implications

While technological advancements and regulatory frameworks progress, the key to the widespread adoption of smart building technologies lies in demonstrating their direct benefits to health, productivity, and, ultimately, the bottom line.

This discussion sheds light on the ongoing challenges and opportunities within the smart building industry, urging a closer look at how we value and implement technologies that enhance the places where we live, work, and play. As the industry evolves, the focus should remain on improving quality of life through smarter, healthier building practices that benefit everyone.