A more sustainable office environment can notably boost focus, decision-making, and strategic thinking.
We all know that a comfortable office can make the workday more enjoyable. But what if the air quality in your building directly affected employees’ cognitive abilities — their focus, decision-making, and even strategic thinking?
A Harvard University study, “Associations of Cognitive Function Scores with Carbon Dioxide, Ventilation, and Volatile Organic Compound Exposures in Office Workers: A Controlled Exposure Study of Green and Conventional Office Environments,” sheds light on just how significant the connection between air quality and workplace performance really is.
The experiment: Office environment simulation
Researchers created a controlled office environment where 24 participants worked for six full days. Importantly, the participants were unaware of the specific air quality conditions they were exposed to on any given day.
In the study, various environmental conditions were simulated:
- Conventional office: characterized by high concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), common chemicals found in many building materials and office products.
- Green office: featuring low VOC concentrations.
- Green+ office: similar to the green office but with significantly increased ventilation using high-quality outdoor air.
- Elevated CO₂: conditions in which carbon dioxide levels were artificially increased, independent of ventilation.
Results: fresher air leads to smarter decisions
The findings were truly remarkable. Cognitive performance scores in the “Green” office were 61% higher compared to the “Conventional” environment. Meanwhile, on “Green+” days, when enhanced ventilation was provided, the results rose even further — averaging 101% higher than in the traditional office.
The study revealed that: An increase of 400 ppm in CO₂ levels (common in poorly ventilated spaces) was linked to a 21% drop in cognitive performance. Raising outdoor air ventilation by 20 cubic feet per minute (cfm) per person improved performance by 18%. A 500 μg/m³ increase in total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs) was associated with a 13% decrease in performance.
What does this mean for your building and business?
The conclusions from this Harvard study are clear: office air quality has a direct impact on employees’ cognitive performance. High levels of CO₂ and VOCs, typical in conventional buildings, reduce brain efficiency. On the other hand, creating “Green” building conditions can lead to significant improvements in how effectively your team thinks, plans, and responds to challenges.
Intellify: Your partner in creating healthier, smarter buildings
At Intellify, we understand the deep connection between indoor environmental quality and human cognitive performance. Our solutions are designed to enhance your building’s operation, ensuring not only efficiency but also a healthier, more productive environment for everyone inside.
By optimizing ventilation and providing clear insights into building conditions, we help create spaces that support both well-being and performance. This study highlights just how crucial it is to invest in smart building management - it’s not only about saving energy; it’s about empowering the people who drive your business forward.
Want to take your building’s efficiency to the next level? Contact us to find out how our solutions can improve both the environment and the performance of the people in your spaces.
Learn more about the study here: http://nrs.harvard.edu/urn-3:HUL.InstRepos:27662232
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