Building controls: a smarter way to improve mental health

For many years, environmental psychology has shown that surroundings directly impact peoples’ moods, focus, stress levels, and overall mental health. With building energy management systems (BEMS) able to manage and control environmental conditions in a building, they are, and will continue to be, a vital part of building design and construction.

In fact, the localised and customised temperature and lighting control can ensure a more comfortable, productive, and healthier environment for all building users. This is supported by a report published by Savills and The British Council for Offices that revealed 48% of respondents believed a comfortable office environment positively impacted their mental health – with temperature being the most important factor in their wellbeing.

With Mental Health Awareness Week taking place between Monday 12th May and Sunday 18th May, there’s no better time to acknowledge the important role building controls and automation systems can play in improving building occupant mental health.

Human-centric lighting

With incorrect light levels linked to various medical conditions, from depression to headaches and eye strain, the use of automated light through the specification and implementation of BEMS can provide the right combination of natural and artificial lighting.

Able to mimic natural daylight cycles, human-centric lighting systems – linked seamlessly with the building control and automation – can help to regulate circadian rhythms through the adjustment of brightness and colour temperatures throughout the day. This not only promotes alertness in the morning but also relaxation in the evening.

Consequently, this can improve sleep quality and also reduce symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and mood among building occupants.

Thermal and mental comfort

For many people, the inability to control temperature in their place of work can be a major contributor to stress levels. In fact, for anyone that’s tried to concentrate in a sweltering classroom or in a freezing office, temperature and comfort can have a major impact on cognitive function and emotional stability.

Working hand-in-hand with heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, BEMS can automate the heating to respond to personal preferences, occupancy, and external weather conditions. This flexibility and automation helps to maintain a comfortable and stable environment to minimise irritability and distractions.

Enhanced air quality

With the World Health Organisation (WHO) suggesting the importance of fresh air and good ventilation, and studies revealing stale air and high levels of CO2 can increase stress, trigger anxiety and headaches, and impair thinking, poor air quality isn’t simply just a physical health hazard.

The use of smart ventilation systems and building controls will help the monitoring and regulation of air quality, ensuring a reliable and regular supply of fresh and filtered air into the commercial or residential building – especially critical in major urban environments where air pollution is more common.

Noise control

Noise pollution can be majorly distracting in any environment, but none more so than in open-plan office settings, healthcare, and educational facilities. Consequently, occupants can become more stressed and anxious due to loud noises coming from external sources.

In addition to utilising insulation and adaptive soundscaping, building owners, facility managers, and property developers can take advantage of the comprehensive control and management opportunities BEMS provides. By monitoring noise levels within different areas of the building, those in charge of the building can take appropriate measures when noise exceeds acceptable limits and help to provide a more comfortable and relaxing environment for the occupants.

The importance of biophilic design

As building designers and architects become more conscious of the incorporation of natural elements, the importance of biophilic design is enhanced. For instance, utilising natural elements, such as daylight, greenery, and water, into the design of built environments offers clear mental health benefits by reducing feelings of anxiety, increasing relaxation, creating a calming atmosphere, and stimulating creativity.

Building controls and automations systems can enhance this approach even further. Indeed, automated blinds can be used to maximise daylight, lighting can be adapted to mimic the movement of sunlight through leaves, and irrigation systems can be incorporated to improve the health and lifespan of indoor plants.

The increased demand for sustainable and smarter buildings isn’t just helping business owners, facility managers, and developers reduce carbon footprints – it’s also having a significant impact on occupant mental health. As the lines between physical and mental health blur, those in the building controls and automation sector are in a unique position to help ensure more energy-efficient, healthier, and more comfortable environments for any building user.