Ensuring the health and longevity of properties is crucial in today's digital age, where people spend most of their time indoors. Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) has a far-reaching impact across residential and commercial real estate – for both old and new developments. Addressing these issues is crucial for improving building standards as well as reducing the health burden on occupants.
Building quality directly impacts the well-being of occupants, and "Sick Building Syndrome" has emerged as a significant concern, causing a variety of health problems due to poor indoor environments in recent years. As awareness of SBS grows, the demand for healthier buildings is increasing. Both investors and occupants are increasingly prioritising properties that provide safer, healthier indoor spaces, leading construction companies and real estate developers to recognise the impact of SBS on the global real estate market.
From an industry perspective, the health and productivity impacts are immense -- prompting a shift toward healthier building designs and smarter technologies, to protect workers, building users and real estate investments in the Asean region.
The impact of SBS on health and productivity
Sick Building Syndrome manifests through symptoms such as headaches, respiratory issues, fatigue, and emotional distress among building occupants.
Studies have found that SBS affects 57% of office buildings, 31% of university laboratories, and 23-41% of university administrative buildings. These symptoms are often linked to poor ventilation, high levels of indoor pollutants, and excessive moisture. In some Asean cases, indoor air pollution levels are reported to be 100 times higher than outdoor air, primarily due to volatile organic compounds (VOC) emissions from building materials and office equipment.
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Particularly in new or recently renovated buildings, SBS can affect up to 60% of workers due to off-gassing and air pollution from new materials. Indoor air pollution, caused by dust, smoke, and volatile substances, significantly worsens air quality, especially when compounded by inadequate ventilation. Inefficient heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems can further elevate pollutant levels by failing to provide proper air exchange, while excess moisture fosters mold growth, leading to respiratory problems and allergies.
Key components of constructing a healthy building
Constructing a healthy building to combat SBS requires a comprehensive approach, integrating various strategies from design to operation throughout the building’s lifecycle:
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- Proper ventilation is crucial for circulating fresh air and preventing the accumulation of pollutants like VOCs and carbon dioxide.
- High-efficiency air filtration systems, such as HEPA filters, remove dust, pollen, and harmful particles, while maintaining humidity levels between 30%-60% to prevent mold and airborne pathogens.
- Using low-emission building materials, including low-VOC paints and adhesives, reduces toxic emissions and improves indoor air quality.
- Building design should focus on thermal and acoustic comfort, quality lighting, and energy efficiency to enhance overall well-being.
- Effective HVAC systems, energy-efficient windows, and passive cooling techniques regulate indoor temperatures and lower energy use.
- Maximising natural daylight boosts mood, productivity, and circadian rhythms, reducing the need for artificial lighting.
- Incorporating sound insulation and noise-reducing features minimises disturbances, supporting mental health and productivity.
To build healthier spaces, developers should adopt biophilic design principles that integrate nature into the built environment, promoting well-being and reducing stress among occupants. Building managers can also ensure healthier spaces by focusing on post-occupancy evaluations, where feedback from building users informs design adjustments that optimise comfort, air quality, and overall wellness.
How does building maintenance influence both occupant health and property value?
Poor building maintenance can lead to significant economic consequences, especially when it contributes to conditions associated with SBS.
Inadequate ventilation, neglected HVAC systems, and the use of harmful materials can result in a range of health issues among occupants, negatively affecting their quality of life and reducing productivity, particularly in office environments. Employees suffering from SBS may require more sick days and experience performance declines, increasing business costs due to lost productivity and higher healthcare expenses. Importantly, poorly maintained buildings are prone to structural deterioration, which can lead to expensive repairs and potentially unsafe conditions.
In addition to health concerns, neglecting building maintenance can result in substantial property devaluation. Buildings with unresolved maintenance issues often become less attractive to potential tenants and buyers, leading to lower rental income and prolonged vacancies. Estimates suggest that up to 20% of buildings globally may have conditions conducive to SBS, underscoring the importance of proactive maintenance strategies. Addressing these issues early helps building owners protect both occupant health and property value, ensuring the long-term financial sustainability of their assets.
Proper maintenance enhances the marketability of a property by ensuring it remains in top condition. Healthier buildings often have lower turnover rates, fewer operational disruptions, and higher occupant satisfaction rates - contributing to a more consistent cash flow and improved ROI.
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The role of digital platforms in mitigating SBS
Digital platforms are crucial in addressing Sick Building Syndrome by offering more precise control over building systems and enabling continuous monitoring to maintain optimal indoor conditions. Even in energy-efficient buildings, maintaining good air quality and a healthy environment is vital to prevent SBS. Platforms like PlanRadar can provide a comprehensive solution for property and facility management, enabling building owners and managers to implement targeted strategies. These tools allow real-time monitoring of critical building metrics, helping to identify potential issues early and enabling prompt interventions to safeguard occupant health and property integrity.
The advantages of digital platforms extend beyond monitoring. They also streamline maintenance scheduling, ensuring building systems operate efficiently and reducing the likelihood of major repairs or downtime.
Mobile documentation features allow for rapid defect identification, speeding up problem resolution, while enhanced communication tools improve collaboration between teams and stakeholders -- reducing administrative overhead and accelerating response times. Over time, the collection of historical data enables property managers to track recurring issues and plan future maintenance more effectively.
Utilising digital platforms for environmental monitoring and system automation will be key in the future of managing Sick Building Syndrome, as these technologies offer precise control and immediate responses to potential issues, ensuring a healthier and more efficient built environment across the Asean region.
Vitaly Berezka and Avtandil Mekudishvili are the regional spokespeople of PlanRadar
