THE SICK BUILDING SYNDROME

Sick buildings are hurting well-being and productivity, and here's how FM teams can fix them with smart, energy-efficient retrofits

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Itchy eyes, sore throats, and headaches that linger until you step outside.

These are some of the telltale symptoms of Sick Building Syndrome (SBS), and they are more common than you think. From sealed glass towers to ageing office blocks in Riyadh, SBS is quietly draining productivity, fuelling absenteeism, and making occupants dread their time indoors.

For FM teams across the Middle East, this isn’t just a health issue; it's a wake-up call. The region's commercial and institutional buildings, many now over 15 years old, are ripe for retrofits that can cure SBS while slashing energy bills and carbon footprints. The challenge is retrofitting without disrupting operations. The opportunity lies in leveraging smart systems, occupant-focused design, and lessons from global retrofit successes to deliver healthier, more efficient workplaces.

WHAT IS SICK BUILDING SYNDROME?

Sick Building Syndrome refers to a cluster of symptoms including eye, nose, and throat irritation; headaches; fatigue; and skin issues. While there is a lack of a single identifiable cause, these symptoms tend to improve when occupants leave the building. It is particularly prevalent in office environments where sealed envelopes and mechanical systems dominate.

In India, where buildings often rely entirely on air-conditioning and have minimal natural ventilation, the risks are compounded. As organisations begin to grapple with employee wellness as a key performance driver, understanding SBS is no longer optional for FM teams.

FM-specific risk factors in buildings