This theoretical study by researchers from Finland and Singapore (2004), reports on the impact of perceived indoor air quality on productivity loss in air-conditioned office buildings. Using mathematical models developed from pollution loads, contaminant removal and ventilation efficiency, the influence on staff productivity is estimated.

The findings indicate, that:

Using the minimum design outdoor airflow rate of 0.5–1.5 l/s per m² for office spaces,

• For one person per 10 m² (0.1 olf/m²) using low-emitted material (0.1 olf/m²) and total sensory pollution load (0.2 olf/m²), leads to a 5–9% productivity loss
• For two people per 10 m² (0.2 olf/m²) using low-emitted material (0.2 olf/m²) and total sensory pollution (0.4 olf/m²), leads to a 7–13% productivity loss