Reducing and managing CO2 levels in buildings has become a priority in achieving sustainability goals and preventing sick-building syndrome. The US National Library of Medicine says sick-building syndrome, which results in absenteeism and decreased productivity, can be attributed to poor indoor air quality, inadequate ventilation and chemical and biological contaminants.
Using air-quality monitors to check indoor CO2 levels can help combat the syndrome, according to online journal Alive2Green. Developed by logging and monitoring systems specialist Onset Computer Corporation, the handheld, battery-powered MX1102 HOBO data logger collects info on CO2, temperature and relative humidity.
Bluetooth-enabled, it shares data to handheld devices or laptops via plug-in or by connecting to the cloud. It gives building owners and landlords insight into how to enhance or upgrade ventilation control and HVAC units, which could result in energy savings and improved indoor air quality.
‘Comprehensive, location-specific CO2 data in building environments also helps to focus HVAC improvements on the most effective and cost-efficient solutions,’ says Ernest Campling, MD of SA distributor Euca Technologies. ‘When it comes to monitoring indoor air quality for CO2, data loggers can be a great safety measure. These compact hand-held devices can be used anywhere throughout a building where data is needed.’