Cost avoidance and productivity in owning and operating buildings.

The objectives of this chapter are to explore the economic impact of unacceptable environmental control in buildings and to propose some initial steps that might be taken to improve health and productivity through cost effective control of the indoor environment. To address these objectives, the existing stock of buildings is characterized for its ability to provide for the health and comfort of occupants. Costs associated with owning and operating these buildings are then discussed on a micro- and macroeconomic scale.