The existing literature contains strong evidence that characteristics of buildings and indoor environments significantly influence rates of respiratory disease, allergy and asthma symptoms, sick building symptoms, and worker performance. Theoretical considerations, and limited empirical data, suggest that existing technologies and procedures can improve indoor environments in a manner that significantly increases health and productivity.

Surely, nobody has anything against the idea of a sustainable society. But how is it to be achieved? And what can we ourselves do when everybody else insists on taking their car to work? This is how people usually argue. People do not see any direct relationship between their own way of life and the way nature reacts. This has been tackled in Seattle on the western seaboard of the US. This is where the concept of sustainability factors was first tested within the built environment.

The European Collaborative Action (ECA) on indoor air quality (IAQ) and its impact on man deals with all aspects of the indoor environment including temperature, humidity and other environmental factors which may interact with IAQ. Fourteen European countries, from both the European Union (EU) and EFT A, are participants in the ECA. Secretariat scientific and managerial support is supplied by the Indoor Air Pollution Unit of the JRC Environment Institute.

ASHRAE's definition of acceptable indoor air quality demands air in which there are no known contaminants at harmful concentrations and air with which a substantial majority (usually 80 %) of the people exposed do not express dissatisfaction. Investigations on indoor air pollutants and emission sources are the scientific way to a good indoor air quality tomorrow. To guarantee pleasant and healthy breathing indoors today the control of IAQ is necessary. Demand ventilation control by unspecific sensors is one possible way there.

Controlled ventilation in the workplace offers significant benefits to employee and employer alike, both physical and psychological, says Andrew Saxon.