Healthy Spaces, Resilient Businesses: The Future Of Tomorrow Begins Today.

Written by Shelby Berg, Laboratory Director,Viridis Lab. 

Did you know that we spend approximately 90% of our time indoors? As professionals, we often overlook the places where we spend most of our lives, yet these spaces are rarely optimised for health, wellness, or sustainability.

In an age where health awareness is more prominent than ever and access to knowledge is abundant, we have come to appreciate the significance of indoor air quality, especially in the wake of COVID-19. Beyond airborne diseases however, there’s another biological battle at play; one we face daily and many remain unaware of – mould.

Mould is often thought of in one of two ways: a delectable cheese or a catastrophic death trap. The reality lies somewhere in between, as these microorganisms play diverse roles within our environment. While mould is present everywhere, it can become a significant risk to human health and building performance under the wrong conditions. Unfortunately, the factors contributing to undesirable mould growth are increasing with the pressures of climate change.

Climate change poses critical challenges for indoor environments, from more frequent extreme weather events and humidity to rising energy costs and shifting regulations. In this complex landscape, businesses need to future-proof themselves against these risks. This requires proactive solutions to ensure our built environments remain healthy and resilient through a few simple key steps.

Safeguarding Indoor Air Quality

Maintaining healthy indoor air quality is a key pillar of resident safety. Optimising cleaning practices, performing routine visual inspections, and empowering occupants to report concerns, such as mould, creates a proactive culture of awareness. Sampling indoor air quality provides actionable insights, enabling swift adaptation and evidence-based solutions.

Realign building design and use

Building resilience starts with assessing whether a structure is designed for its environment and whether it is being used as intended. Mismatches between design and use can lead to inefficiencies and vulnerabilities. Thoughtful evaluations can mitigate risks and optimise performance.

Taking small steps towards a sustainable future

Business resilience is no longer a luxury; it’s a necessity for managing risk and adapting to an ever-changing world. Resilience doesn’t require solving everything at once; it’s about taking meaningful steps to carve a pathway forward. Sustainable improvements in products and processes not only protects operations, but supports people, and embraces long-term success.