Live-environment trials for next-generation indoor air quality technology

Delivering the highest possible level of indoor air quality (IAQ) in commercial buildings is crucial to improve societal health and wellbeing: ? of industrialised nation building stock is prone to Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) (WHO,2022). Numerous neurotoxic and carcinogenic pollutants are concentrated in commercial buildings, and induce headaches, irritation of eyes, nose and throat, fatigue and difficulty concentrating, as well as respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

This is a worsening trend, potentially causing 4m deaths p.a. (International WELL Building Institute (IWBI)).

However, improving IAQ often comes at a significant environmental cost due to the energy intensity of the traditional air quality management approach; switching between mechanically ventilating a room to remove CO2 by replacing it with outdoor air (bringing in pathogens, pollutants and volatile organic compounds \[VOC\]) and making extensive use of air purification devices to kill these unwanted invaders.

Intelligently balancing these two processes is key to improving IAQ without causing an increase in energy usage. Butterfly is perfectly positioned to deliver this sorely needed intelligent optimisation: we have developed a unique way of measuring air quality (patented LaminAIR flow technology) via our Butterfly monitors, which allows constant, real-time measurement of free gas around a room to an unparalleled level of quality.

We have proven the technology in initial trials, but now need to undertake extensive real-world, live-environment trials for system optimisation and commercial validation.

This project will therefore deploy our Butterfly monitors in partnership with inline air purification technology from major international suppliers, creating a prototype unified operating system at TRL8 which allows optimised responses to real-time internal and external air quality data, achieving hospital-grade ventilation with minimal energy expenditure by balancing mechanical ventilation with air purification. The system will be deployed in trials with Clifford Chance LLP, Victoria Park Primary School, Chicago Jesuit Academy, ICL White City Campus, Charing Cross Hospital, Ethos Engineering, Barings Bank and Telford Homes, allowing for extensive data collection and system optimisation based on the results.

We will simultaneously develop a new API/software tool suite to enable seamless and rapid integration with client/partner digital ecosystems.

We plan to utilise both datasets to demonstrate technology efficacy and establish best-practice for engaging building inhabitants (e.g. employees, schoolchildren) in air quality. This could have far-reaching impacts, including introducing greater focus on air quality into the educational curriculum and as part of employee benefit schemes, ultimately raising awareness of this crucial issue nationwide.