Inhale, exhale – experts point to ways to improve indoor air quality in buildings

In enclosed spaces, we are exposed to a range of pollutants that can lead to serious health issues, such as respiratory diseases, cardiovascular conditions, and even fertility problems.

“Poland still lacks regulations defining acceptable emission levels of harmful substances from building materials and furnishings,” emphasizes Małgorzata Szałek, a sustainability expert working with Kraków-based company JWA and co-author of the report. “This means that even when dangerous concentrations of chemicals are detected, the lack of appropriate regulations prevents effective action. Nevertheless, the market is slowly changing, mainly due to the growing popularity of multi-criteria certification systems and pressure from investors who increasingly prioritize compliance with EU Taxonomy requirements.”

Factors affecting air quality

Indoor air quality is closely linked to the quality of outdoor air. Pollutants such as particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), ozone, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, benzene, and carbon monoxide and dioxide can all infiltrate buildings. That’s why efforts to improve outdoor air quality at the EU and local levels—such as clean transport zones—have a direct impact on what we breathe indoors. However, this remains a challenge in Polish cities.

For example, according to a statement from the Chief Inspectorate of Environmental Protection (GIOŚ) on March 21, 2025, there was a risk of exceeding the PM10 alarm level in Warsaw and many other Polish cities, meaning a daily average concentration above 150 µg/m³.

Still, indoor air is also affected by several factors related to both construction and building use. Key factors include:

• Building materials: Emission of harmful substances such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from paints, adhesives, varnishes, and other finishing materials.
• Ventilation: Poorly designed or implemented ventilation systems can lead to moisture buildup, mold, and increased carbon dioxide levels.
• Construction practices: Dust and chemical pollutants generated during construction work.

“Choosing the right materials, ensuring a building’s airtightness, implementing proper ventilation, and minimizing on-site pollution are the foundation of a healthy indoor environment. Unfortunately, we still lack comprehensive data on how various building materials affect air quality, and the market is still dominated by products that can emit harmful substances. That’s why awareness and responsibility among all participants in the construction process are so important,” notes Dr. Eng. Arch. Marta Promińska, Sustainability Director at Strabag Sp. z o.o. and co-author of the report.

Certifications for better air

Multi-criteria environmental certifications, such as BREEAM, LEED, and WELL, help ensure high indoor air quality. They define strategies and requirements regarding emission reduction from building materials, pollution control and monitoring, air filtration, and protection from external pollutants.

“Certifications are a valuable tool, but the key is a conscious approach and verification of what specific solutions are being implemented in a given building. In our report, we examined the requirements of various certification systems to help understand the real benefits they offer for indoor air quality. Even if an investor is not aiming to obtain a certificate, it should not prevent them from applying best practices outlined in such systems—which we strongly encourage,” adds Julia Faltus-James, ESG Services Manager at Cushman & Wakefield and co-author of the report.

Toward healthier buildings

The report’s authors point out that ensuring high indoor air quality requires addressing multiple factors and applying specific solutions. These include:

• Selecting building materials with low VOC emissions to reduce the release of harmful substances indoors.
• Designing and implementing effective ventilation systems to ensure adequate air exchange and pollutant removal.
• Controlling and reducing construction site pollution, e.g., by managing dust and properly storing materials.
• Regular cleaning and maintenance of HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria.

“To create healthy and comfortable spaces, indoor air quality must be a priority. This requires a systemic approach, including conscious selection of building materials, ensuring efficient ventilation, pollution control, and air quality monitoring in occupied buildings. Spreading knowledge on this subject is essential to raising construction standards,” concludes Katarzyna Krześniak, ESG Project Manager at Peakside Capital Advisors and co-author of the report.

The report was produced through the collaboration of four female experts:  

• Julia Faltus-James, ESG Services Manager, Strategic Consulting & ESG Advisory, Cushman & Wakefield;
• Katarzyna Krześniak, LEED AP BD+C, ESG Project Manager, Peakside Capital Advisors;  
• dr inż. arch. Marta Promińska, LEED AP O+M, Dyrektor ds. Zrównoważonego Budownictwa, STRABAG;  
• Małgorzata Szałek, Sustainability and ESG Expert, Sustainability Advisory DGNB International Consultant, JWA