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CO2 making UK staff 'less productive'

21/11/2007

High levels of CO2 in UK offices may be having a negative effect on employee productivity and overall wellbeing, according to recent research from KPMG.

A study conducted by Big Four accountancy firm KPMG and Middlesex University found that higher levels of CO2 levels indoors could reduce concentration by up to 30 per cent.

Commenting on the research findings, KPMG's health and well-being manager Julie Bennett said: "If workers are feeling lethargic, apathetic or unable to concentrate in the office, it may not be because of the routines and strains of their job – it could be because the levels of CO2 in the air around them are too high."

Scientists claim that raised concentrations of carbon dioxide can cause headaches, fatigue and respiratory problems, with 97 per cent of migraine sufferers reporting symptoms in office CO2 levels over 1000ppm (parts per million).

Due to relocate its head office to London's Canary Wharf in 2010, KPMG regularly monitors levels of CO2 and intends to take the issue into account in the design of its new building.

 

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