The report “Internal air quality in buildings. Standards, risks and challenges for the real estate market in Poland” reveals the worrying truth about the state of Polish regulations. In closed rooms, we are exposed to a number of pollutants that can lead to serious health problemssuch as respiratory, cardiovascular diseases, and even fertility problems.
– In Poland, there are still a lack of regulations determining the permissible levels of emissions of harmful substances from building materials and equipment elements – says Małgorzata Szałek, an expert on sustainable construction in JWA, co -author of the report.
– this means that even in the event of dangerous concentrations of chemicals, Lack of adequate regulations prevents effective action. Nevertheless, the market situation is slowly changing, mainly due to the growing popularity of multi -critic certification systems and investors' pressure, for whom the fulfillment of the criteria of EU taxonomy is becoming more and more important – emphasizes the expert.
External and internal sources of threats
The air quality in buildings is inseparably connected with the conditions outside. The interiors are permeated by pollution such as PM2.5 and PM10, ozone, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, benzene, oxide and carbon dioxide.
An example would be the situation of March 21, 2025, when, according to the announcement of the Chief Inspectorate for Environmental Protection in Warsaw and many other Polish cities, there was a risk of exceeding the alarm level for PM10 suspended dust.
However, the problem is not limited to external pollution. The air quality in buildings is also influenced by factors arising during construction and use. Building materials They can emit harmful volatile organic compounds from paints, adhesives and varnishes. Incorrectly designed ventilation systems They lead to the accumulation of moisture, mold and increased concentration of carbon dioxide. Additionally Construction practices They generate dust and chemical impurities.
– The choice of appropriate materials, care for the tightness of the building, proper ventilation and limitation of pollutants at the construction site are foundations of a healthy internal environment – says Dr. Eng. arch. Marta Promińska, director of sustainable development of Strabag Sp. z o. o., co -author of the report.
– Unfortunately, we are still struggling with a lack of comprehensive data on the impact of many building materials on air quality, and products that can emit harmful substances still dominate the market. That is why the awareness and responsibility of all participants of the construction process is so important – says the expert.
Certificates as a signpost for the industry
In the face of a lack of legal regulations, multi -criteria environmental certificates such as Breeam Leed and Well are becoming an increasingly important tool. They determine strategies for reducing emissions from building materials, control and monitoring of pollution, air filtration and protection against external pollution.
– Certificates are a valuable tool, but the crucial approach is And verification which specific solutions are implemented in a given building-says Julia Faltus-James, ESG Services Manager at Cushman & Wakefield, co-author of the report.
– In our report we looked at the solutions required by various certification systems to help understand, what real benefits for the quality of internal air. However, even if the investor's ambition is not to obtain a certificate, it does not have to stand in the way of implementing the best market practices contained in this type of certification systems, which we encourage – adds the expert.
System approach to healthy buildings
Ensuring high quality internal air requires a comprehensive approach. The key is the use of building materials with low emissions of volatile organic compounds, designing effective ventilation systems ensuring adequate air exchange and control of pollution on the construction site by managing pollination and appropriate storage of materials.
– To create healthy and comfortable spaces, you must prioritize the quality of internal air. This requires a systemic approach, including conscious selection of building materials, ensuring effective ventilation, control of pollution and monitoring air parameters in used facilities. Dissemination of knowledge on this subject is necessary to raise standards in construction – sums up Katarzyna Krześniak, ESG Project Manager at Peakside Capital Advisors, co -author of the report.
The Polish real estate market faces a challenge that goes beyond standard legal requirements. Awareness of the impact of internal air quality on the health and productivity of building users will be crucial for the future of the industryespecially in the context of growing environmental and social requirements.
