Carbon dioxide (CO2) is everywhere – an unavoidable by-product of human activity and natural processes.
But inside buildings, CO2 levels can provide vital information about indoor air quality (IAQ), ventilation, and even the risk of viral transmission.
So, what is an acceptable CO2 level in a building, and why does it matter?
CO2 concentrations indoors can vary significantly depending on factors like the number of occupants, ventilation, and even nearby pollution sources.
According to research, CO2 levels above 2000 ppm (parts per million) can lead to symptoms like headaches, shortness of breath, and fatigue.
But even lower levels, while not immediately harmful, can signal poor air quality that impacts productivity and cognitive function.
A well-ventilated space should have CO2 levels of 800 ppm or less. Consistent readings above 1500 ppm indicate a problem with ventilation, calling for immediate action.
In fact, CO2 is used as a reliable proxy for indoor air quality and occupancy rates – when CO2 rises, it’s often a sign that air circulation is inadequate.
For businesses, this can mean increased risks for viral spread, lower employee productivity, and potential health issues.
Poor indoor air quality doesn’t just result in a stuffy room – it affects how people think and feel.
A study from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that high CO2 levels reduce decision-making performance by up to 50%.
In the workplace, this means that employees in poorly ventilated environments are more likely to experience cognitive decline, leading to lower output and engagement.
Monitoring CO2 levels allows businesses to stay ahead of these risks. It’s a simple, cost-effective way to track ventilation and adjust systems before the problem escalates.
This is especially important in light of changes to building regulations – since June 2022, office buildings in the UK are required to have CO2 monitors installed to ensure indoor air quality standards are met.
In the UK, maintaining CO2 levels below 800 ppm is the benchmark for good air quality. When levels rise above 1500 ppm, it’s a clear sign that ventilation needs improvement. Other countries set similar standards – Japan, Portugal, and France recommend indoor CO2 levels should not exceed 1000 ppm, while in the US, an 8-hour exposure limit is set at 5000 ppm.
Employers are responsible for managing indoor CO2 levels and ensuring that employees have a safe, healthy environment.
Ignoring this can lead to not only health risks but also reduced productivity and higher costs.
For many businesses, one-off air quality readings are no longer sufficient. Old technologies that rely on manual readings and infrequent updates can’t provide the continuous data needed to make informed decisions about ventilation.
In today’s work environments, relying on outdated systems means that businesses are reactive instead of proactive – failing to address air quality issues before they become serious problems.
To manage CO2 effectively, businesses need real-time data that informs actionable decisions.
Without automated systems to monitor air quality and report on CO2 levels, keeping a workspace safe and comfortable becomes a time-consuming process. And this isn’t just about reading the data – understanding and acting on it is crucial.
Many companies struggle to turn air quality data into meaningful improvements due to the complexity of interpreting reports and the lack of proactive measures in place.
To ensure a healthy, productive workplace, businesses need smart systems that can track CO2 levels in real-time, automatically adjust ventilation, and provide clear, actionable insights.
This isn’t just about compliance – it’s about maintaining employee well-being and optimising productivity.
The right technology makes all the difference. Envelo offers IoT solutions that allow businesses to monitor and control CO2 levels effortlessly.
Our system captures real-time data and provides the insights needed to adjust ventilation and ensure optimal air quality, helping reduce viral transmission risks and improve employee health.
Proactively managing air quality is essential to creating a workspace that promotes productivity.
With the ability to respond to occupancy levels, pollutants like volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and other air quality factors, businesses can optimise their spaces for better performance.
When indoor air quality is prioritised, businesses see up to a 50% increase in employee productivity and a significant reduction in sick days, proving that healthier environments lead to stronger results.
Taking a proactive approach to CO2 management isn’t just a regulatory requirement—it’s a way to ensure that your building supports the people who work in it. With smart monitoring systems like Envelo’s, businesses can continuously optimise their indoor environments, ensuring that air quality remains high, energy use is efficient, and employees can perform at their best.
So, what is an acceptable CO2 level in a building? It’s more than just a number—it’s a measure of how well your workplace is designed to support health, well-being, and productivity.
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