In the last few months, the topic of building retrofits has received widespread attention in the region, thanks to government initiatives. In the all the discussions involving retrofitting of buildings, emphasis is laid more on achieving energy efficiency, rather than on occupant comfort and indoor air quality. Studies have shown a correlation among good IAQ, occupant well-being and productivity.

Aisha Al Abdooli, Director, Air Quality Department at the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, says that while it is a progress in the right direction, referring to the attention given to energy efficiency and incentivising retrofitting, indoor air quality, she says “needs to be equally considered and carefully balanced in new buildings and retrofitting”.

“The primary incentive for retrofitting with respect to energy efficiency is cost saving,” says Al Abdooli. “If the cost from poor indoor air quality, such as medical expenses from respiratory illness and loss from employee absenteeism and lower productivity can be calculated, the improvement of indoor air quality can be considered as investment opportunities for employers and building owners.”

Therefore, there is a need to strike a balance between the two, she adds.