September 4, 2021

How the Covid-19 Threat Could Help Us Breathe Easier at the Office

The pandemic presents a once-in-a-generation chance to make employees healthier and happier by improving indoor air quality, say experts; what to ask before returning to shared indoor spaces.

September 4, 2021 03:18 AM | By Christopher Mims

Before the pandemic, companies did not consider the quality of indoor air as a significant factor that affected sick days and employee productivity. Now, more companies plan to monitor and improve air quality to protect officer workers.

More affordable, new technologies enable smarter air flow distribution, relying on wireless, battery-powered sensors and automation. Moreover, research supports that ventilation and air quality reduces the possibility of transmission for new diseases and infections like COVID-19. Guidelines, such as those published by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, help businesses and schools understand air quality standards.

To further prove air quality standards are met, Empire State Realty Trust gained a certification from the International Well Building Institute, which evaluates whether an office meets recommended air quality levels. Empire State Realty Trust’s Chief Executive Officer, Anthony Malkin, says that the buildings under his company updated heating, air conditioning, and air distribution to meet those standards.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE VIA The Wall Street Journal