Case study: Indoor Air Quality Data Transparency in Hospitality Industry

Air quality as a matter of public and personal health cannot be optimised without the appropriate data, to make informed, fact based decisions to preserve health and wellbeing. As such, allowing for users of spaces to understand the air they breathe in an objective way is key.

The Case for Data Transparency

The collection and publication of outdoor air quality data is uncontroversial and wide spread across the world, using Hong Kong as a local example, data was officially collected and recorded by the government starting from 1987 with the establishment of its Air Quality Objectives (AQO) under the Air Pollution Control Ordinance.

Such data allows for informed decision-making by the general public, targeted interventions by identifying specific pollution sources, public empowerment by letting the community understand the state of air quality and holding polluters accountable, driving action by providing clear evidence for change and aid research in developing technology and strategies.

These benefits can be extended to the realm of IAQ, an underserved area of environmental health and where urban dwellers such as those in a city like Hong Kong spend most of their time.

Examples

The hospitality industry is an example where health and sustainability matter to consumers. After the Covid-19 pandemic and the reopening of travel, hotels, shopping malls and other spaces began emphasizing hygiene and cleanliness in their advertising materials to reassure consumers. This can be extended to the health impacts of IAQ.

The Shanghai Hongqiao Cordis Hotel and the Fullerton Ocean Park Hotel are examples of hotels that use this as a part of their marketing.They demonstrate a commitment to guest safety and comfort by monitoring the air, and allowing them to view the information with in-room air quality monitoring sensors.

The Shanghai Hongqiao Cordis Hotel uses RESET (sensor-based, performance-driven building certification initiative) Air Accredited Monitors in its 396 guestrooms, suites, and common areas, displaying this information in individual guest televisions.

The Fullerton Ocean Park Hotel also uses in-room air quality monitoring sensors. Its commitment to health and sustainability is further demonstrated by its BEAM Plus Provisional Gold rating from the Hong Kong Green Building Council and WELL Building Standard™ v2 precertification.

Photo: Sino Group

Reflection

IAQ is a new frontier in public health, we spend a significant amount of time in commercial spaces without understanding much about the air quality within these spaces.

Examples in the hospitality industry show that public reporting of IAQ data is not just technically feasible, but also a moral and ethical imperative that can align with commercial priorities. Businesses can use these commitments as part of both ESG and CSR reporting and marketing value added services to attract customers.