Case Study: Salesforce’s Integrated Indoor Air Quality Strategy

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Salesforce built a comprehensive IAQ management strategy that touches on ESG, CSR, talent retention, disaster risks and boosts employee performance all at once.

Introduction

Salesforce, a global enterprise software company with over 90 offices, has developed a comprehensive health and sustainability strategy that prioritizes Indoor Air Quality (IAQ). This case study outlines the actionable solutions the company has implemented to protect employee health, enhance cognitive function, and build resilience against external air quality challenges.

Drivers for Action

The company’s focus on IAQ was intensified by two key factors: the increased hygiene demands of the COVID-19 pandemic and poor regional air quality from large-scale wildfires, which led employees to seek refuge in company offices. These events underscored the importance of air quality for both general health and employee performance.

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Core IAQ Management Solutions

Salesforce adopted a multi-layered approach to IAQ management, guided by external standards like the Fitwel Viral Response Certification.

  • Sustainable Procurement: To minimize indoor pollutants like Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), Salesforce vets vendors and evaluates the chemical ingredients in building materials, furnishings, and cleaning agents. Requirements for materials free from chemicals of concern are explicitly written into purchasing contracts to ensure low-emitting products are used.
  • HVAC and Ventilation Enhancements: The company implemented significant upgrades to its mechanical systems. This included upgrading air filters to a MERV 13 rating or higher, ensuring ventilation meets ASHRAE standards, and running HVAC systems for an extended period (four hours before and after business hours) to thoroughly flush the air.
  • Targeted Air Purification: In addition to system-wide ventilation, standalone air purifiers were installed in high-density spaces such as conference and meeting rooms to provide supplemental air cleaning.
  • Verification and Monitoring: Salesforce employs a robust, data-driven verification process. 
  • Post-Construction Testing: After office build-outs, a testing and monitoring program is used to confirm that the procured materials are genuinely low-emitting.
  • Real-Time Monitoring: As of 2022, 40 offices were equipped with real-time IAQ monitoring systems. These systems track key pollutants such as PM2.5, VOCs, Carbon Dioxide, and Ozone, providing verifiable metrics on the effectiveness of their sourcing and ventilation strategies.

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Conclusion

Salesforce’s strategy demonstrates how IAQ management can be integrated into a core business function. For knowledge-based companies, ensuring a healthy indoor environment is a critical investment in attracting and retaining talent by supporting employee well-being and cognitive performance. 

Their proactive measures show how workplaces can be fortified against external air quality events, transforming the office into a safe and healthy space. This comprehensive approach, combining proactive procurement, mechanical upgrades, and continuous monitoring, serves as a model for creating healthier indoor environments.