It’s called IAQ. Indoor air quality has become a major issue for companies and part of their CSR strategy. Companies in the cleaning sector are beginning to address this issue and offer their customers new innovations. The result: new growth drivers. Here are some explanations from the experts at AURIS Finance, a consultancy specialising in mergers and acquisitions.
The health and well-being of employees at work is no longer an issue of detail. Whether in the service or industrial sector, all companies are now required to take steps to ensure a comfortable and safe working environment for their employees. This is largely driven by legislation, but also by employee demand. Companies are stepping up their efforts to attract and retain employees in a post-epidemic world where the labour market for some positions is depressed.
Performance challenges
One of the measures implemented is to ensure that air quality in business premises is maintained to an appropriate standard. In the wake of the health crisis, indoor air quality (IAQ) has emerged as a significant concern. The facts are clear: the air quality within our buildings is five to nine times more polluted than the air quality outside. In France, the decree of 27 December 2022 sets out specific measures for establishments open to the public (ERP). Private companies are also subject to these regulations. Following a diagnosis, they must prepare an action plan to improve IAQ. Failure to comply with these regulations may result in fines of up to €3,000 for repeated offences. Poor air quality can have a significant impact on work organisation, affecting not only employee health but also productivity. Poor IAQ can impair concentration and motivation, which in turn can affect work performance. A study conducted by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory found that a better IAQ can improve work performance by 10%.
Sector innovation
Since 2022, the cleaning sector has made a notable impact on indoor air quality (IAQ) through its contributions. Firstly, by replacing chemical products with environmentally-friendly cleaning and maintenance products that reduce pollutant emissions. Cleaneol is a market leader in this sector. The company offers cleaning products that do not contain harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and use natural, biodegradable ingredients in their formulations. Further processes are being introduced, including the installation of air filters and the introduction of ventilation monitoring systems. JVD is a market leader in this field, particularly with its filtration hand dryers, which purify the air by eliminating 99.9% of particles. Finally, team training is essential. It helps companies to manage IAQ by taking better account of building constraints.
Growth drivers
In order to make progress, companies are measuring indoor air quality (IAQ) and carrying out performance audits. The installation of sensors enables the precise diagnosis of the necessary corrective actions to be made. Fimea is a leading provider of solutions in this field, assisting its clients in implementing effective improvement solutions.
For cleaning companies, addressing IAQ issues has become a key strategic priority. By forming strategic alliances with specialist companies or acquiring companies with proven technology, they will be able to offer their customers a comprehensive range of services. At AURIS Finance, we have a dedicated division serving the waste management industry. Our experts will provide support in the development of your strategy, from identifying the target to financing and integrating it.
