Optimizing Indoor Air Quality: Insights from the KMC Lunch & Learn Webinar

Indoor air quality (IAQ) is becoming one of the most critical topics of our time, impacting schools, offices, and production facilities alike. The quality of the air we breathe directly affects our health, productivity, and overall well-being. During the July KMC Lunch & Learn session, a panel of experts dove into how cutting-edge IAQ sensors can enhance air quality while optimizing facility management budgets.

From forward-thinking strategies to actionable insights, this session showcased the essential role indoor air quality plays in today’s health-conscious and regulated environments. Here’s a summary of the key points shared.

The Growing Importance of Indoor Air Quality

The indoor air quality market is projected to hit an estimated $12 billion this year. Factors like the COVID-19 pandemic, increased awareness of airborne threats, and additional government regulations are driving this growth. Compounding these issues are concerns about cyber-physical security risks—such as the potential for bioterrorism through hacked air quality controllers. It’s clear that IAQ includes more than just air—it’s about safety, comfort, and control.

Exploring the Expert Panel

The webinar featured host Ari Reubin, VP of KMC Consulting, and featured practical and expert insights from:

• Paul Valente, Facility Automation Architect, Chicago Public Schools
• JJ Baird, Vice President, Air Things North America
• Jesse Shoemaker, VP of Business Development, KMC Controls

Paul Valente, Chicago Public Schools

Together, they provided a deep-dive discussion around the health implications of IAQ, the influence of building age, the role of technology, and actionable strategies for improvement.

Air Quality in Schools

Paul Valente emphasized how air quality directly impacts students’ health and performance. This is especially true in facilities like Chicago Public Schools, which contain over 55,000 rooms. Highlighting the impact of building age, he raised concerns about preexisting environmental conditions such as lead-based paint and asbestos. These factors not only complicate new technology installations but also add hidden costs for remediation.

For the K-12 sector, addressing IAQ isn’t just about installing sensors—it requires a holistic strategy that anticipates potential environmental challenges.

Indoor Air vs. Outdoor Air

JJ Baird, Air Things

JJ Baird debunked the common myth that outdoor air is worse than indoor air. “Indoor air is usually two and a half times worse,” he explained. Pollutants like temperature imbalances, humidity, carbon dioxide (CO2), and even radon often accumulate indoors. This is particularly concerning as we spend most of our time inside.

JJ also stressed the critical role of “comfort variables” like humidity and temperature. For instance:

• Humidity Levels: Keeping indoor humidity between 40% and 60% reduces virus survival rates and prevents mold growth.
• Temperature Perception: Each individual feels temperature differently, making it one of the trickiest variables to address in shared spaces. When paired with humidity, it not only influences comfort but also affects building health.

If comfort variables aren’t managed properly, they can negatively affect decision-making, productivity, and cognitive performance—key concerns in both schools and corporate spaces.

Balancing Budgets with Air Quality

Jesse Shoemaker, KMC Controls

Jesse Shoemaker tackled the financial hurdle of improving IAQ. One of the biggest issues stems from aging infrastructure in buildings, which often leads to inefficiencies like over-ventilation. This not only wastes resources but also inflates energy costs.

Shoemaker suggested a targeted approach to IAQ optimization:

• Monitor & Optimize: Use sensors to track minimum outside air requirements and ensure code compliance without overuse.
• Case Study: A university reduced energy consumption by 38% in five years after streamlining its air quality strategy.

Strategic IAQ improvements don’t just protect occupants—they also save energy and lower costs.

Strategic Sensor Placement

On the topic of sensor deployment, Paul stressed the importance of strategic placement to maximize limited budgets. Chicago Public Schools uses:

• Permanent Solutions in critical areas for continuous monitoring.
• Portable Monitors for spot-checking specific rooms or addressing intermittent concerns.

This flexible blend ensures comprehensive IAQ monitoring is achieved without overspending.

Bridging the IAQ Priority Gap

While IAQ continues gaining attention, a gap remains between stakeholder aspirations and actual implementation. Jesse highlighted the importance of certifications in elevating building desirability. Similarly, JJ pointed out how air quality standards can be written directly into lease agreements, reassuring tenants and driving accountability.

Paul added that collaboration between schools, governments, and private companies is essential for prioritizing air quality improvements across all sectors.

Ari Reubin, KMC Consulting

Key Takeaways

• Holistic Approach: Optimizing IAQ involves more than installing technology. It requires awareness of environmental factors, existing infrastructure, and comfort variables like humidity and temperature.
• Energy & Cost Savings: Addressing inefficiencies, such as over-ventilation, not only improves air quality but also helps reduce operational costs.
• Strategic Flexibility: A combination of permanent and portable monitoring solutions can help overcome budget constraints while ensuring robust IAQ management.
• Collaboration is Crucial: Governments, corporations, and educational institutions need to work together to turn aspirations into actionable results for improving IAQ.

Moving Forward

The July KMC Lunch & Learn webinar was more than just an enlightening discussion—it was a call to action for improved indoor air quality management. By integrating advanced technology with environmental awareness, facilities can create healthier, more efficient spaces for all occupants.

Stay tuned for the next blog featuring the August 2024 edition of Lunch & Learn, where we’ll explore best practices in cyber-physical security and operational technology. Topics like site assessments and remediation will take center stage as our experts break down these challenges one step at a time.

See the full episode here: