Going the Extra Mile: Creating Healthy Indoor Spaces

through Smart IAQ Strategies

Spending nearly 90% of our time indoors has made the quality of indoor environments a non-negotiable factor for human well-being. Based on experience working across schools, offices, and healthcare settings, I've come to realize that achieving "healthy air" requires more than a well- functioning HVAC system – it demands intentional design, continuous adaptation, and data-informed action.

The first step in going beyond standard compliance is understanding what we’re up against. Indoor air isn't uniform; it is shaped by the building’s purpose, construction materials, occupant behavior, and even outdoor pollution patterns. Common culprits like particulate matter (PM), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and elevated CO₂ levels can originate from office equipment, cleaning agents, or simply overcrowded meeting rooms. During a retrofit project, it is not uncommon to identify unexpected VOC peaks tied to newly installed furnishings, which would likely go unnoticed without real-time monitoring.

Smart building technologies, particularly those integrating IAQ sensors, now enable us to track these invisible threats continuously. These systems not only collect data, but also respond. In one project involving a mid-sized university building, automated HVAC adjustments triggered by CO₂ spikes resulted in a measurable reduction in student fatigue complaints. When combined with demandcontrolled ventilation and intelligent setpoint optimization, these interventions not only improved perceived air quality but also reduced energy consumption.

Filtration, of course, plays a foundational role. High-MERV and HEPA-grade filters have yielded impressive results, especially when supported by smart air handling units. Even more promising are adaptive technologies like UV-C disinfection, electrostatic precipitation, and photocatalytic oxidation – particularly when deployed in response to real-time IAQ insights rather than as static design features.

Ultimately, going the extra mile isn’t about installing the most expensive system; it's about aligning technologies with human health outcomes. This involves incorporating indoor air quality (IAQ) into building performance metrics, tailoring strategies to the specific needs of each space, and recognizing that clean air is not a luxury, but a prerequisite for productivity, comfort and resilience.

Healthy buildings are living systems. And when it is designed with intelligence and care, they make every breath count.

About Dr. Kadir Isa. Dr. Kadir Isa is a retired faculty member who specializes in HVACR technologies and applications. He holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering and has over 35 years of experience working at various universities. He currently serves as a technical consultant at the Turkish HVACR Exporters Association (ISIB) and various NGOs in Türkiye, where he plays an active role in industry-government relations. He is a member of ASHRAE and a founding member of the ASHRAE Turkish Chapter, as well as being a Turkish delegate to the International Institute of Refrigeration (IIR).