In today’s digital age, it’s vital to ensure the health and longevity of properties. Since we spend most of our time indoors, building quality has a direct impact on our well-being. “Sick Building Syndrome” (SBS) is a major concern, causing health issues due to poor indoor conditions. As awareness of SBS grows, there’s increasing demand for healthier buildings. Construction companies and real estate developers worldwide notice that this trend is affecting global real estate markets, as both investors and occupants are prioritizing buildings that provide healthier environments.
In this Q&A article, PlanRadar Regional Sales Lead for APAC, MENA and Central Asia Vitaly Berezka and ASEAN Regional Lead Avtandil Mekudishvili explore some of the key concepts, issues and solutions to Sick Building Syndrome.
Read more in PlanRadar’s eBook ‘How to solve Sick Building Syndrome’ here.
How prevalent is SBS in commercial real estate and office buildings globally? What are the financial and health impacts of SBS on building owners and occupants?
Avtandil Mekudishvili:
Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) presents various symptoms for occupants, like headaches, respiratory problems, fatigue, and emotional distress. It has been reported in 57% of office buildings, 31% of university labs, and 23-41% of university administrative buildings. Often overlooked, these symptoms are linked to factors such as poor ventilation, high indoor pollutants, and moisture.
In the ASEAN region, tropical weather and high temperatures can also play a significant role. Excess moisture encourages mold growth, causing respiratory issues and allergies. Proper cooling and insulation measures are crucial for maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures – these problems not only impact occupant health, but also reduce building productivity and can lead to property devaluation and loss of rental income.
SBS affects up to 60% of workers in new or renovated buildings due to off-gassing and pollution from new materials. Dust, smoke, and volatile substances worsen indoor air quality, especially if ventilation is poor. Up to 20% of buildings worldwide may foster conditions that lead to SBS, so addressing these physical and environmental factors is vital for improving occupant health and maintaining property value.
How does poor indoor air quality contribute to SBS, and what are the most common pollutants found in affected buildings? How have building materials, particularly in newly constructed or renovated spaces, been linked to SBS?
Vitaly Berezka:
Indoor air quality plays a critical role in Sick Building Syndrome by concentrating pollutants that cause discomfort and health issues. Frequently encountered pollutants include carbon dioxide, formaldehyde from furniture and finishes, and airborne particles like dust and fibers. In new or recently renovated buildings, off-gassing from construction materials like insulation, flooring, and sealants releases chemicals that degrade air quality. Without proper ventilation or air purification systems, these toxins accumulate, which can lead to symptoms of SBS like headaches, fatigue, and respiratory irritation. It’s vital for construction projects to address air quality from the design stage by selecting low-emission materials and ensuring proper ventilation systems are in place.
What proactive steps can ASEAN developers and facility managers take to reduce the risk of SBS in both new and existing buildings?
Avtandil Mekudishvili:
A key step to preventing Sick Building Syndrome is ensuring thorough ventilation and air exchange in all buildings, both new and existing. This involves not only installing advanced HVAC systems but also integrating real-time air quality monitoring to identify potential issues early. Facility managers should also conduct regular inspections for mold, moisture, and pollutant buildup, while developers can choose sustainable, low-VOC materials during construction.
For new buildings, developers should focus on incorporating sustainable materials with low chemical emissions and designing layouts that optimize natural airflow. In existing buildings, facility managers should prioritize frequent HVAC inspections, moisture control, and air quality testing to detect any early signs of SBS. Furthermore, implementing a comprehensive building health strategy that includes education for occupants on proper ventilation practices can significantly reduce the risk of SBS over time.
How can digital solutions, like air quality monitoring systems, help detect and prevent SBS in real-time? How do data-driven insights from smart building technology influence decisions to enhance air quality and occupant health?
Vitaly Berezka:
Real-time air quality monitoring systems offer an essential tool in preventing Sick Building Syndrome, as they enable constant surveillance of indoor environments. These digital tools provide continuous feedback on air quality conditions, identifying harmful substances before they reach critical levels, and alerting facility managers to issues before they affect occupants. With data-driven insights, smart building technologies can automatically adjust ventilation rates, humidity control, and temperature settings to create a healthier indoor environment. This proactive approach not only prevents SBS symptoms but also helps facility managers make informed decisions about energy use and long-term maintenance strategies, optimizing both health and efficiency.
How do ASEAN construction firms and real estate developers view the investment in technology for preventing SBS? Are there cost-benefit analyses?
Avtandil Mekudishvili:
We are seeing that construction firms and real estate developers are approaching technology investments for SBS prevention with an increasingly strategic mindset, considering both upfront costs and long-term benefits. From a cost-benefit perspective, the initial outlay for smart building systems, such as air quality sensors and advanced HVAC controls, is justified by reduced risk of tenant complaints, lawsuits, and health-related productivity losses. Additionally, many developers also see a clear marketing advantage, as buildings designed with health, sustainability and occupant wellness in mind can command higher rents and attract premium tenants.
Healthier buildings also lead to improved tenant satisfaction, reduced turnover, and fewer lawsuits related to poor indoor conditions. Cost-benefit analyses show that investing in preventive technologies can reduce operational costs over time, as well as minimize the costly consequences of SBS, such as lost productivity and property devaluation.
How important is it for tenants or buyers to consider SBS risks when selecting a building or workspace?
Vitaly Berezka:
Evaluating Sick Building Syndrome risks is critical for tenants and buyers when choosing a workspace or property. Buildings with poor indoor air quality or ventilation issues can lead to SBS symptoms, which affect occupants’ health, increase absenteeism, and lower productivity. Tenants should ask about a building’s air quality systems, maintenance schedules, and any history of SBS-related complaints.
Buildings with high levels of indoor pollutants, inadequate ventilation, or moisture issues are prone to causing SBS, which can lead to both short-term discomfort and long-term health consequences. Companies, in particular, should assess whether a workspace has been designed with preventive measures, such as air quality monitoring and proper HVAC systems. Investing in a building that minimizes SBS risks not only protects health but also boosts productivity and employee morale, making it a wise decision.
How is the concept of healthy building design evolving in response to SBS, and what are the latest trends?
Avtandil Mekudishvili:
The concept of healthy building design is evolving significantly in response to Sick Building Syndrome (SBS), with a focus on integrating advanced technologies and sustainable practices. Building designs are increasingly incorporating materials with low emissions and better moisture control to reduce the risk of mold growth. Additionally, there is a growing emphasis on biophilic design, reflecting a broader shift towards creating healthier, more livable buildings.
We are also seeing an increasing emphasis on designing buildings that support wellness through features like enhanced natural lighting, green spaces, and advanced air purification technologies, all aimed at creating healthier and more productive environments.
Looking ahead, how do you see the role of technology and digital solutions shaping the future of healthier buildings in combating SBS?
Vitaly Berezka:
Looking ahead, technology and digital solutions will play a pivotal role in shaping healthier buildings and combating Sick Building Syndrome (SBS). The future of building management is increasingly focused on creating healthier, more sustainable indoor environments through several key trends.
Biophilic design incorporates natural elements like lighting and plant life to enhance well-being and productivity, while the Internet of Things (IoT) connects smart devices and sensors to optimize energy use, lighting, and HVAC systems. Sustainable building materials, including eco-friendly and recycled options, reduce environmental impact and improve air quality. This shift is also reflected in a growing demand for energy efficiency – bolstered by renewable sources such as solar panels and advanced management systems. Climate-resilient design also prepares buildings to withstand extreme weather and natural disasters, promoting long-term sustainability, health and safety – for construction teams, developers, building managers and occupants.
About Avtandil Mekudishvili
Avtandil Mekudishvili serves as the ASEAN Regional Lead at PlanRadar, bringing extensive expertise in Construction, Oil & Gas, Energy and Tech industries garnered over a span of more than 7 years.
Avtandil Mekudishvili brings a solid engineering background and experience in streamlining implementation processes and workflow efficiencies within the Built Environment sector. As the Regional Lead for ASEAN at PlanRadar, he plays a key role in market expansion and business development throughout the region.
In this capacity, Avtandil also works on supporting clients through their digital transformation journey. His industry knowledge and strategic approach assist organizations in improving their operational efficiency. He has collaborated with diverse clients across various industry verticals, delivering tailored solutions that meet the evolving needs of the built environment sector.
About Vitaly Berezka
Vitaly Berezka is leading business development across Central Asia, MENA and APAC regions for the prominent construction and real estate software company PlanRadar.
With an engineering degree in construction, Vitaly as well holds an executive degree in business administration. His experience in the real estate development and construction industry spans more than 15 years. Since 2013, he has held management positions in international companies that provide innovative solutions to the construction and real estate industries.
Besides lecturing on digitalization topics at universities, he is the author of scientific publications and the co-author of three books. Vitaly is a member of International Real Estate Federation (FIABCI).
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