THE CUBE

Two innovators from France have developed a tiny box resembling a Rubik’s cube that can assist facilities managers to monitor a building’s performance

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An innovative little box that resembles a Rubik’s cube is making its way into corporate workspaces to assist facilities managers and HR teams gauge energy consumption and monitor a building’s efficiency. In addition, the cube is designed to track air quality, temperature and overall comfort of an occupant’s physical surroundings. If individuals feel good in their workplace, they’re more likely to care about (and take care of) the buildings where they spend a large part of their time.

This complex electronic device, created by the French company GreenMe, is a plastic cube with small perforations on its surface to allow air to reach internal sensors that collect data about ten environmental factors. Each individual can have this lightweight and portable device called the “GreenMe Comfort Meter” on their own desk.

Workplace discomfort has obvious and proven detrimental effects. Flickering lights can cause brain activity imbalance, resulting in disorientation, vertigo and nausea. An environment that’s too hot requires our hearts to work harder and causes heat fatigue, whereas one that’s too cold causes stress disorders. Exposure to loud or shrill noises can lead to increased blood pressure.