A conceptual model to estimate cost effectiveness of the indoor environment improvements

Macroeconomic analyses indicate a high cost to society of a deteriorated indoor climate. Thefew example calculations performed to date indicate that measures taken to improve IEQ arehighly cost-effective when health and productivity benefits are considered. We believe thatcost-benefit analyses of building designs and operations should routinely incorporate healthand productivity impacts. As an initial step, we developed a conceptual model that shows thelinks between improvements in IEQ and the financial gains from reductions in medical careand sick leave, improved work performance, lower employee turn over, and reducedmaintenance due to fewer complaints.