Factors that Transform a Workplace into a Happy Place

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It is truly odd how we always find ourselves in a bad mood at work and our productivity keeps decreasing as the week passes by. To be fair, we cant keep blaming our colleagues, clients, or Monday for our rough day; sometimes its the chair we are sitting on, the fluorescent lighting above our computer, or the constant chugging sound of the printer near the desk.

Other than the fact that people spend about 70-80% of their time indoors, almost 9 hours of their day are being spent at work; and studies have indicated that the environmental quality of an office has short and long term effects on the comfort, health, and productivity of the people occupying it. While research on the comfort conditions of workplaces is still relatively minimal, we have put together a list of factors that have proved to be highly influential on the comfort of individuals in workplaces.

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Thermal Comfort

Thermal comfort is perhaps one of the most important and easily defined parameters of the indoor environment. While the human body tries to maintain an average temperature of around 37 C, thermal comfort is based on the adaptation of each individual with respect to various factors, such as geographic location and climate, time of year, gender, race, and age. Thermal comfort is influenced by six factors; four of which could be classified as environmental parameters: air temperature, mean radiant temperature, air relative humidity, and air velocity; and two classified as personal factors: human metabolic rates and insulation through clothing [1].

Acoustic Comfort

The acoustic comfort of interior spaces is the ability to protect occupants from internal and external noise (airborne sounds, noise from adjacent spaces, noise from office equipment and sound of nearby facilities...), and offer an acoustic environment suitable for the function of the workplace; for instance, it is natural to expect a noisy environment in a steel factory, but not the same in an advertising agency. The layout of the space is also significant when it comes to acoustic comfort. As open-plan offices dominate, issues of acoustic comfort and privacy have also been identified as influential on the employees productivity. Three strategies that have been proposed for noise prevention are: absorption of sound using ceiling tile, blocking of sound using workstation panels and workspace layout, and covering up of sound using electronic sound masking techniques [2]. There is also an impact of geometry on acoustic comfort; If the area is square then the acoustic comfort is higher; However, when one has a long and narrow kind of space then the spaces creates a bowling-alley-kind of effect where sound bounces between the two walls creating more noise for the occupants. The use of underfloor heating leads to elimination of carpets, which tend to absorb the sound [3]; the harder the material, the lesser is its capability to absorb noise.

Visual Comfort

If we were to describe it briefly, visual comfort defines lighting conditions and the views from ones workplace. The architectural design of a space has a direct impact on office lighting, and the latter has a direct impact on the well-being and productivity of employees. Densely laid offices, as well as open-plan offices have proved to have a negative effect on the visual comfort of those working in the space, along with the geometry of windows, photometry of surfaces, amount of glazing, reflective material and furniture, etc

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)

Two strategies are being implemented in building designs to deal with the IAQ of workplaces. The first one is to increase the ventilation rate, which in turn reduces the percentage of air pollutants [4]; while the second is to reduce the source of pollution within and around the building. Recent studies have stated that increasing outdoor air supply in non-industrial environments improves the air quality and reduces the concentration of air pollutants [5]. The rate of outdoor air supply should be proportional to the pollutants within the building; however, the amount of pollutants inside the building will vary depending on the load and number of individuals occupying the space. Research indicates that workplace discomfort is 30200 percent more frequent in mechanically ventilated buildings [6].The use of natural ventilation has also proved to be beneficial, providing considerable energy savings from air conditioning systems [7]. However, natural ventilation can also be harmful in cities where outdoor air pollution is high.

Sick Building Syndrome (SBS)

SBS is a compilation of health problems caused by factors that are often disregarded when it comes to indoor environmental quality. The closure of natural openings, use of construction materials that are not properly tested or certified, furniture, moulds, dust mites, allergens, and office equipment (printer, personal computer, etc...) are all factors that contribute to SBS. Employees with SBS include irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, headache, cough, wheezing, light sensitivity, gastrointestinal distress and other flu like symptoms[8].

References

[1]: Katafygiotou, M., Serghides, D., 2014. Bioclimatic chart analysis in three climate zones in cyprus. Indoor Built Environ., 1420326X14526909.

[2]: Loewen, L.J., Suedfeld, P., 1992. Cognitive and arousal effects of masking office noise. Environ. Behav. 24 (3), 381395. McNicholl, A., Lewis, J.O., 1994. Daylighting in Buildings. Energy Research Group, University College Dublin for the European Commission Directorate-General for Energy (DGXVII).

[3]: Madsen, Jana, 2014. Acoustics in green buildings: Several green strategies compromise acoustics discover which have the most impact and how to address [Online] http://www.buildings.com/article-details/articleid/ 10095/title/acoustics-in-green-buildings.aspx

[4]: Daisey, J.M., Angell, W.J., Apte, M.G., 2003. Indoor air quality, ventilation and health symptoms in schools: an analysis of existing information. Indoor Air 13 (1), 5364.

[5]: Wargocki, P., Sundell, J., Bischof, W., Brundrett, G., Fanger, P.O., Gyntelberg, F., Hanssen, S.O., Harrison, P., Pickering, A., Seppanen, O., Wouters, P., Seppanen, O., 2002b. Ventilation and health in nonindustrial indoor environments: report from a European multidisciplinary scientific consensus meeting (EUROVEN). Indoor Air 12 (2), 113128.

[6]: USEPA, 2007. The EPA Cost of Illness Handbook. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C.

[7]: Brager, G., Borgeson, S., 2010. Comfort Standards and Variation in Exceedance for Mixed-Mode Buildings. Center for the Built Environment.

[8]: Burge, S., Hedge, A., Wilson, S., Bass, J.H., Robertson, A., 1987. Sick building syndrome: a study of 4373 office workers. Ann. Occup. Hyg. 31 (4A), 493504.

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Factors that Transform a Workplace into a Happy Place - ArchDaily

Indoor vertical farming has been around for quite some time, but leading companies in this industry are starting to garner a great deal of attention from the business press even as investors have poured money into the industry. As the world population continues to expand, so too does the amount of fruits and vegetables needed to feed the world. We are not creating new farmland to accommodate the increase in fresh food required. Vertical farming can be part of the solution to this problem.

Vertical Farming is a High-Tech Endeavor

Vertical farming is the practice of growing crops in vertically stacked layers. Vertical farming incorporates controlled-environment agriculture, which is a fancy way of saying that it provides protection and maintains optimal growing conditions throughout the development of the crop.

At the leading firms, vertical farming is a big data, high tech endeavor. At AeroFarms, a leader in the space, their plant scientists monitor millions of data points every harvest. The company says their LED lights are used to create a specific light recipe for each plant, giving the greens exactly the spectrum, intensity, and frequency, they need for photosynthesis in the most energy-efficient way possible. This lighting allows them to control size, shape, texture, color, flavor, and nutrition of their plants.

The company has received $100 million in venture capital and has two patents. The titles of their personnel sound much more like what you would find at a high-tech company than at a big farm conglomerate. They have a chief technology officer, engineers, scientists, risk managers, and even a director of intellectual property.

Why Vertical Farming?

As with any new or emerging technology, there needs to be benefits. Vertical farming has proven itself to beneficial in different way. In recent years, there have been a number of E. coli outbreaks from green, leafy vegetables. What many people may not have realized was just how the outbreak occurred. In most cases, the E. coli outbreak was related to washing practices of the vegetables. With vertical farming, this is a moot point; vertical farming is dirt-free and requires no washing of the vegetables. This alone can prevent foodborne illness outbreaks.

Vertical farming can assist in achieving maximum yields. First, plants only need about 10 minutes of darkness a day. Getting light all day long allows the plants to grow faster. Also, traditional farmers usually apply fertilizer once, water the crop and hope it grows. AeroFarms, meanwhile, applies fertilizers many times, adjusting along the way to optimize plant growth. AeroFarms at one point said they were making fertilizer adjustments every 15 minutes. They also tightly control humidity and water consumption.

Vertical farming enables more harvests throughout the year. Since harvests are not climate related, they can be done year-round. For some fruits and vegetables, this means having up to 30 harvests in a year rather than five or six. Consumers no longer have to wait for produce to be in season. There is also no worry about spoilage due to weather conditions, which enables maximized production.

Sustainability is a top concern for consumers and companies alike. Vertical farming plays a significant role in sustainability efforts as well as the greater good of the earth. According to recent studies, vertical farms use up to 70 percent less water than traditional farms. Additionally, given their isolated nature, pesticides and herbicides are not needed to thwart would-be pests.

Vertical Farming and the Farm-to-Fork Supply Chain

The benefits mentioned above do not even take the supply chain into account. From a supply chain standpoint, there are two major benefits to vertical farming.

First and foremost, vertical farms can reduce the number of miles fresh fruits and vegetables must travel in order to reach supermarket shelves. This also reduces fuel consumption, driving down the total cost to consumers. Studies have shown that the US imports about 35 percent of the produce that lands on supermarket shelves, with the average item traveling 2,000 miles. With this distance traveled, the produce has been picked roughly two-weeks before consumers can get their hands on it. Even for domestic produce, the time and cost to pick, pack and ship the produce from California to the East Coast is five to seven days. However, with a smaller footprint, vertical farms can be set up in urban areas, allowing for fresh produce to get to the shelf faster.

Secondly, as alluded to in the previous paragraph, less space is required for vertical farming. Every square meter of floor space of vertical farming produces approximately the same amount of vegetable crops as 50 square meters of conventionally worked farmland. According to a recent report by Cushman & Wakefield PLC., over the next few years, warehouse supply will outpace warehouse demand. This means that excess warehouse space could be turned in to vertical farming facilities. The use of vertical farms in densely populated places can get more fresh produce on supermarket shelves faster and could even spur home delivery to consumers. Think of it as a vertical farm share.

Of course, there are downsides to vertical farming as well. For instance, the start-up cost to get a facility up and running is a deterrent to many would-be vertical farmers. Also, while water consumption is significantly reduced, there is still the problem of using energy to run the facility. While traditional farms rely on natural sunlight, vertical farms do not. Renewable energy sources are one way these companies can try to offset the cost and environmental impact of traditional energy. And LED lights are becoming more efficient at a rapid pace.

The economics of vertical farming should not be overstated. Wegmans organic kale sells for $2.89 for a five-ounce container. Dream Greens, an AeroFarm brand, Baby Kale retails for $4.50 at Shoprite. The premium some consumers are willing to pay appears to be more related to the quality, freshness, and the health benefits of these products.

Final Thought

Traditional farming is clearly not going away any time soon. In fact, if it did, the world be in a whole lot of trouble. However, as the population continues to grow, and more emphasis is put on environmental sustainability, vertical farming can help to fill that void. Vertical farms have shown the ability to eliminate foodborne illness outbreaks (especially E. coli), maximize crop yields, and reduce water consumption. From a supply chain standpoint, vertical farms are reducing the miles on our fresh produce as well as getting it on our shelves faster. The future of vertical farming looks bright. It will be an interesting market to watch over the next few years.

The primary author of this article was Chris Cunnane, a Research Director for Supply Chain Management at the ARC Advisory Group.

Read more from the original source:
Vertical Farming Transforms The Farm-to-Fork Supply Chain - Forbes

The National Park System celebrated its centennial in 2016. The anniversary caused many parks to take stock of their facilities and determine how theyll serve increasing numbers of visitors in the future. In that centennial year, Xanterra Parks and Resorts, which holds the concession contract for lodging at the Grand Canyon and several other western parks, announced a $30-million renovation of the Maswik South lodging facilities, part of the larger Maswik complex at the south rim of the Grand Canyon.

This is the first major lodging improvement to take place in decades at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, said Mia Bell, general manager for Xanterras Grand Canyon South operations. And getting underway during the centennial year of Grand Canyon National Park makes the investment all the more momentous.

Set among Ponderosa pines about a quarter mile from the south rim of the canyon, the Maswik complex includes the central Maswik Lodge, with a restaurant, retail store and guest services. Guest lodging is located in detached buildings clustered north and south of the main lodge, and built in 1967 and 1971, respectively. The existing Maswik South complex has five buildings with a total of 90 guest rooms.

The renovation, slated for completion this summer, replaces the previous configuration with four buildings and 120 rooms. Kitchenettes will be included in 30 of the rooms, a feature not available in the previous units.

The project was designed by Denver-based OZ Architecture, with Kinney Construction of Flagstaff, Ariz., serving as general contractor on a CMAR contract. Kinney also led value engineering on the project, and the companys civil division self-performed the demolition and sitework.

Design work got underway with an architectural and site evaluation in 2016, according to Chris Vandall, associate principal and project manager for OZ Architecture.

We started with master planning and an evaluation of the buildings and their condition to help determine what would be best for the complex, Vandall says. We found the five buildings of Maswik South were out of date, did not comply with ADA regulations, were not energy efficient and were really past their lifespan.

The two level, motel-style buildings with access from outdoor balconies were on a sloping site with the buildings separated by parking lots. The entire complex is located within a ring road.

Previously, the slope on the site was a bit too steep for accessibility standards. You had to go across parking lots to access the other buildings, Vandall says. Our new plan keeps the footprint inside the ring road with more efficient parking and connecting paths between the buildings.

According to Christy Bolognani, a spokesperson for Kinney Construction, the site was one of the unique challenges of the project. There was a large amount of rock excavation on this site, Bolognani said in a written response. Our approach to managing the excavation was not only to minimize the impact and cost and schedule but also to crush and reuse as much rock as possible for fill and landscaping.

One building required a deeper foundation for a subgrade level that will provide new space for housekeeping facilities and the information technology equipment that will serve as the new IT hub for the entire complex.

Bolognani said that the remote location of the site, combined with a tight labor market in Arizona, made project management a challenge.

Our approach was to manage the on-site lodging process for our trade partners, which has taken the burden of that off them and allowed them to focus on the project, she said.

The design of the new facilities takes its cues from the previous park service buildings. It retains the two-level look of previous lodges, but rooms are accessed from an interior corridor rather than from the outside. The project is being built to LEED Gold guidelines.

Part of the LEED guidelines to reduce indoor air pollution and energy loss is to have access via the enclosed corridor, Vandall says. Outside, we tried to keep the natural color palette. The units still have individual balconies, and we tried to keep the look of the old railing that used to run along the outside balcony, but bring it up to code. The stone used on some features of the buildings was all quarried from the local area, so it matches the colors found in the canyon.

Grand Canyon is one of only nine national parks certified as Dark Sky Parks by the International Dark Sky Association, and Vandall says that was a consideration during design.

We used dark sky-compliant fixtures and made sure the overhangs on the porches shielded the light from the rooms and decreased the amount of light coming out onto the site. We also reduced a lot of the lighting around the site, including the parking lots, he says.

A new courtyard joins the structures, built with rock salvaged from the site, plus a firepit and plants from the Grand Canyon Native Plant Nursery. Vandall says the courtyard serves as a place for groups staying at the lodge to meet or to gather for boarding tour busses.

Work on the project will continue through the spring and is expected to be complete early this summer.

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Replacement of Lodge Facilities at Grand Canyon To Finish This Summer - Engineering News-Record

Developed with the tagline Grow whatever your heart desires, wherever you are, Sherpa Light is a tunable artificial light source with the potential to replicate the exact sunlight conditions needed to grow any plant from around the world. Using tunable, full-spectrum LEDs, the device was created to emit different lighting intensities depending on the plants cellular structure to optimize growth. Korea-based design studioSherpa Spacedeveloped the Sherpa Light and recently showcased their prototype product at CES 2020, where it was named an honoree of the events Innovation Award.

Sherpa Space was founded to enhance plant growth through technology. The designers say that sunlight falls short of producing the optimal light settings that different plants need at different growth stages. They believe that their artificial lights, which use an adjustable combination of narrow-bandLEDs, are best suited to generating the right light conditions such as intensity, photoperiod, and quality needed to optimize plant health, from growth and flowering to the enhancement of leaf quality and the concentration of desired chemicals in plants.

Much like how a baby first needs breastfeeding and later switches to solid foods, plants also need different lights and nutrition at different growth stages for maximum growth, the designers said in a project statement. For instance, flowering can be promoted in many crops by changing the wavelength given to a plant. Sherpa Spaces unique competitive advantage lies in our ability to convert light wavelengths with minimal energy loss. Using the quantum dot technology, we can provide lights of specific wavelengths optimized not only for each plant but also for each growth stage. As a result, we maximize crops nutrient compositions and productivity.

Related: This self-sustaining planter doesnt require sunlight for plants to thrive

The designers also say that Sherpa Light could be the key to recreating the desired flavor components of certain fruits and vegetables that are typically only enjoyed in the region where theyre grown. For instance, they claim that mangos grown with Sherpa Light in Canada could taste just as good as those in India. There is no word yet of when this product will be made available for sale or testing.

+ Sherpa Space

Images via Sherpa Space and Inhabitat

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Sherpa Light for indoor farming wins CES 2020 Innovation Award - Inhabitat

Photo credit: Image courtesy of Silvair.

Bluetooth mesh standard reaches new heights

The Bluetooth mesh lighting control ecosystem continues to grow at an exponential rate. In November, the number of Bluetooth SIG-qualified mesh products available on the market increased to more than 400. That same month, a Bluetooth mesh lighting network was installed inside one of North America's most spectacular structures. Components with the Silvair firmware were used to retrofit the lighting system in the iconic Stratosphere Tower, the tallest freestanding observation tower in the U.S.

Rising majestically over the Las Vegas skyline, the 1,149 ft Stratosphere Tower is the citys signature attraction. On its 108th floor, there is an indoor observation deck that offers stunning wraparound views of the Las Vegas Valley. It includes food and beverage outlets, and provides plenty of space for visitors. The observation deck itself was remodeled in July 2019. This was followed by a lighting retrofit carried out in November. The owner wanted an easy way to functionally create independent lighting scenes without having to wire in a control system. Bluetooth mesh lighting controls were a perfect match for these requirements.

As part of the retrofit, precisely 100 LED downlights were installed across the space. They were divided into 11 groups, with each group controlled by a Bluetooth SIG-qualified Fulham EliteControl fixture controller. The component provides downlights with robust Bluetooth mesh connectivity and full lighting control capabilities. The system was set up using eliteBlue, Fulhams smartphone app for commissioning, customizing, and monitoring mesh-connected luminaires. High- and low-light scenes were then created for each zone to allow for different mood lighting.

With visitors from all over the world storming the observation deck on a daily basis, it was particularly important to minimize the duration of the retrofit project, and to prevent any serious disruption in the already-remodeled space. Wireless controls powered by Silvair and the Bluetooth mesh standard met these requirements exceptionally well, enabling a quick and clean retrofit with no cables or central control boxes. As a result, the Stratosphere Tower seamlessly upgraded the lighting system to provide its visitors with an even more welcoming and exhilarating experience.

BENEFITS

Non-disruptive installation

Easy commissioning

Lighting scene flexibility

Cost-efficient implementation

Fulham EliteControl fixture controller

A simple, easy-to-install component that connects to an existing 0-10V dimmable luminaire to add the globally standardized Bluetooth mesh connectivity. Fulhams fixture controller is an ideal solution for luminaire makers looking to develop their Bluetooth mesh product lines, or contractors seeking to provide wireless lighting options in the field. Robust wireless control capabilities are provided by the Silvair firmware.

About Silvair

Silvair provides a complete wireless lighting control solution based on the globally interoperable Bluetooth mesh standard. Component manufacturers can easily integrate it into a variety of products, flexibly choosing specific features in accordance with their customers needs. In addition, Silvair provides dedicated tools for commissioning and managing Bluetooth mesh lighting networks in commercial spaces.

SILVAIR

Ms Natalia Haligowska-Rzepa

Phone: +48 503 969 510

natalia.haligowska@silvair.com

http://www.silvair.com

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Stratosphere Tower gets a lighting retrofit - LEDs Magazine

Custom integrators have been selling and designing solutions for the smart home long before that phrase caught on in the mainstream. The question now is, besides creating a smart home for your clients, will you also give them a healthy home?

The trend of biophilic design and home wellness technologies is catching on fast in the custom channel and for those who do commercial work the same concepts are being applied to buildings too and its easy to see why. Sure, things like 4K/8K video and Dolby Atmos home theater have provided a spark for some companies, but they are more evolutionary integration business opportunities.

Getting into biophilia and wellness is something that can fuel a whole new business model for intrepid integrators, an exciting differentiator and one that seems to be resonating right now.

CE Pro has deemed the category important enough to cover happenings in its own Wellscapes news department (see page 12); from what weve read, heard and seen just in the past year, wed be doing the industry a disservice to continue lumping it in with the Networking+Controls department.

If you take a look at this issues coverage, youll note that influential industry groups are embracing this trend in a big way editor Julie Jacobson attended Azione Unlimiteds fall conference in Seattle, where the group highlighted new partnerships with companies such as Pure Wellness and Bryte, on top existing relationships with leading circadian lighting proponents Vantage and Savant (see sidebar Q&A), and color-tunable lighting providers Circa Lighting, Breakthrough Lighting, LumaStream and USAI.

Meanwhile, around the same time as Aziones conference, the HTSA (Home Technology Specialists of America) group held its own fall gathering (see December 2019 issue, page 8) where attendees swelled with excitement around the HTSAs partnership with Delos. The companys DARWIN home wellness intelligence platform was introduced to HTSA members the previous year and since that time about two dozen dealers have gone through a specialized Delos sales and technology training program.

Part of the whole program is about writing the proper prescription for that homeowner, to use the terminology, says Jan Vitrofsky of HEDsouth in Florida, who has worked closely with Anthony Antolino, Delos head of residential business and CMO who came on board in September 2018.

Its about controlling the narrative when you meet with a client. You want to know what the coolest thing is in technology, its not streaming music, its not AppleTV its about how you live longer and live a better quality of life. Would you be interested in that?

Vitrofsky recalls working on a project with a builder who had connections to Delos as it was getting started with its residential business model commercial buildings and hospitality came before that for the company, whose research led to its launch of the WELL Building Standard in 2014 before expanding into residential in 2018. The builder asked Vitrofsky if he knew about circadian rhythm lighting.

I was like, Are you serious? I dont know anything about it. He said, Google it, find out about it. We need to introduce you to these guys its the next hot thing. So I did my homework, went out to California, which is the hotbed of wellness and spirituality and everything sustainable, and saw this big movement of what was going on in the luxury segment of the marketplace associated with wellness, Vitrofsky says. I thought, wow we need to bring this to the system integration channel.

And speaking of California, Vitrofsky teams with Southern California-based electrical and lighting/shading specialists Ofer Abutbul (Powerfull Electric) and Shalom Illouz (Powerfull Systems), and has an HEDsocal office to cater to that hot wellness market. The companys website touts wellness solutions and educates on the healthy homes key features such as indoor air quality, water quality and circadian rhythm/body clock influences like lighting and temperature. Besides Delos, the integrator offers brands such as Savant, Crestron, Lutron/Ketra, USAI and Apure.

Shortly after the Azione and HTSA conferences shed further light on wellness and biophilic solutions, the topic was again in the spotlight as part of the CE Pro Summit held in November in Fort Worth, Texas. Just like the Azione and HTSA groups, many of the countrys top integrators were gathered and learned about how the category was impacting the channel.

Like HEDsouth and HEDsocal, integrator Don Ham has created a business model around the healthy home ecosystem and biophilic design, and he talked about it during the Summit. When you look at biophilia, such systems incorporate air and water quality and circadian, or human-centric, lighting, but also seek to create more of a connection to the environment and nature since we spend so much of our time indoors. Based in Mt. Kisco, N.Y., in Westchester County outside of New York City, Refresh Smart Home does all of the above, including things like integrating organic scents (flowers, leaves, earth, grass, herbs, fruits) and soundscaping (nature sounds).

Pretty much the concept is because we spend over 90% of our time indoors, a lot of it in an artificial setting we try to change that now for example, lights with human-centric lighting. Also fragrances we light candles but a lot of people dont know what thats doing to us when we inhale, and also colognes and perfumes in reality 30% of the 2,000 constituents of the chemical makeup are actually known carcinogens, Ham explains about some of the harm people are doing indoors and not even realizing it.

Its a great opportunity to educate people. We want to be able to educate and offer people ways in which they can optimize their homes or their offices for their health and the health of their families.

Ham notes that understanding of the category certainly took some time for prospective customers. Refresh Smart Home started making inroads several years ago, but activity and traction has noticeably picked up more recently.

Just to touch on a bit of the evolution over the last five years, when we first started to talk to our clients about the healthy home, people just didnt get it. They would just say, Thank you for the information, and there wouldnt be a lot of traction, Ham says. But about two years ago was really when we started seeing things pick up.

He cited greater awareness overall thanks to more coverage in the media and more widespread research about related topics.

As more people read the research data, that statistics that show the effects of these things, their starting to think about, Well, what about my built-in environment? And thats really whats been able to open up the conversation a lot more, he says.

He pointed to some of the research, such as an Eco Pulse 2018 study in which owners listed making my home healthier/safer as one of the top two responses for priorities on spending money on my home, and 68% believe their house has a strong impact on their health.

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Top Tech Trends of 2020: Wellness and Biophilia - CEPRO - CEPro

Circadian rhythms impact many bodily functions, including sleep-wake cycles, hormone release and body temperature. Additionally, circadian rhythms have also been associated with sleep disorders, obesity, diabetes, depression, bipolar disorder and seasonal affective disorder.

Studies by researchers at the Lighting Research Center at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in New York showed that light therapy tailored to increase the circadian stimulation during the day benefited individuals with Alzheimer's disease or dementia living in long-term care settings.

Light influences these rhythms, turning on or off the genes that control the individual's biological clock.

Many people with Alzheimer's or dementia have disrupted circadian rhythms, so their sleep patterns are off and they stay awake at night, which then makes them sleepy during the day or even agitated or anxious.

Researchers at the institute found that exposure to a bluish-white light during the daytime for four weeks significantly increased sleep quality, total sleep time and reduced agitation and depression. Improved sleep means improved behavior among those affected by Alzheimer's or dementia.

Additionally, the study showed that light interventions led to improvement in appetite and calmer and more manageable behaviors. A growing number of studies have shown that better and brighter lighting can improve sundowning behaviors and also reduce sleep/wake disturbances.

The combination of damaged nerve pathways from Alzheimer's disease and the normal deterioration of the eyes due to aging means that levels of light, particularly indoors, are not usually sufficient for the internal body clock to be tuned in to the usual daily pattern. Caregivers should strive to take their loved ones affected by the disease outdoors more often, particularly in the morning hours. Also, most night lights used in the home have a yellowish tint, but night lights with a bluish light can help regulate the circadian rhythm, as it "tells" the rhythm to "wake up," which, in turn, regulates the individual's internal clock.

Researchers said that exposure to bluish-white light sources is a simple, inexpensive, non-pharmacological treatment to improve behaviors and sleep patterns in people with Alzheimer's and dementia. Aquarium lamps have the bluish-white light source and many other light sources of this type are coming on the market.

Questions about Alzheimer's disease or related disorders can be sent to Dana Territo, the Memory Whisperer, owner of Dana Territo Consulting, LLC, at thememorywhisperer@gmail.com.

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Alzheimer's Q&A: How does light affect someone with Alzheimer's or dementia? - The Advocate

As college students at UC San Diego, the fast paced quarter system seems to bring us lots of stress and takes away lots of our time. Some studies have shown that keeping plants around inside your bedroom, living room, etc. can actually help improve your mood. Just like a nice hike in nature or walking outside might help you breathe a little better or release stress, having more green around inside can have a little of that same effect. However, it is important to make sure you have the right kind of plant so you can be able to watch it thrive! In order to be a successful college student plant parent, be sure to find plants that are compatible with indoor lighting and are ideally low maintenance. If youre not sure what kind of plants those might be, check out some of these options:

Succulents Succulents are a perfect dorm addition because they are so abundantly found, low cost, and very low maintenance when it comes to watering. These little guys love to be in the sun, so try to keep them on a windowsill or somewhere nice and bright. If youre looking for a nice little addition to your desk, Trader Joes sells succulents for usually less than five dollars!

ZZ Plant The zz plant, with its tall stems and plentiful green leaves, is a perfect house plant because it can grow in bright, medium, and even low light, which makes it convenient for all types of living situations! You only need to water it once every other week or so, so it is incredibly low maintenance. This plant can also release a lot of oxygen into the air, so it can keep things fresh!

Pothos The pothos plant is also a great option for dorms or apartments that dont get as much natural light as other plants might need. This plant cascades down the side of its pot with big, bright green leaves that give off a calming effect. You can place it on top of a bookshelf or dresser and watch as it grows, draping down the side. Be sure to allow the soil to dry fully between waterings.

African Violets If youre looking for something with more than just green leaves, then these blooming violets are the plant for you! With colors ranging from deep magenta to lighter pinks and whites, these plants are nice to have around to brighten up a room. They do prefer bright light, but indirectly, so you can keep it on a desk or a bedside table. Just like pothos plants, let the soil dry out before watering!

Aloe Vera If you have lots of bright light in your dorm or apartment, consider the wonder plant, aloe vera. Not only is it aesthetically pleasing, but this plant also has a long list of uses and benefits! The gel inside of the plant has been known to treat sunburns, clear up acne, ease skin irritation, and even speed up the healing process of cuts and burns. If you choose to buy one of these miracle plants, be sure to keep it in direct sunlight and keep the soil moist at all times.

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Top Dorm and Apartment Friendly Plants - The UCSD Guardian Online

Indoor air pollution may worsen child health, research suggests.

Scientists from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health analysed more than 200 studies on how exposure to everyday substances could exacerbate concerns in youngsters.

They found a link between indoor air pollution and a range of issues, including asthma, conjunctivitis and hyperactivity.

Indoor air pollution was defined as everything from smoking, damp and dust to cleaning products, aerosol sprays and the chemicals released from furniture.

READ MORE: Air pollution on the London underground is 15 times higher than the capitals streets

Were finally paying attention to the quality of our outdoor air and this is long overdue, study author Professor Jonathan Grigg said.

Children in the UK spendmostof their time indoors, with just 68 minutes spent outside on an average day.

Too many of our homes and schools are damp and poorly ventilated - this is adversely affecting the health of children.

The dangers of pollution are well known, with the The Lancet Commission on Pollution and Health calling it the greatest environmental health risk to the world population.

While indoor exposures may be overlooked, children are increasingly leading less physically active, more home-based lives.

Writing in the report The Inside Story: Health effects of indoor air quality on children and young people, the authors warn chemicals released from indoor sources are up to seven times higher than outside.

Children may be particularly vulnerable due to their developing lungs and brain.

Among babies, indoor air pollution has been linked to wheezing, eczema and respiratory infections.

By the time they reach nursery age, youngsters may endure asthma, hyperactivity and even pneumonia.

Once at school, indoor air pollution is associated with skin irritation, insomnia and reduced cognitive performance.

Cigarette smoke, carbon monoxide and asbestos have long been known to be dangerous, however, emerging indoor pollutants are less understood.

The authors point to furniture and flooring increasingly being made with veneer glue.

Cotton carpets have been replaced with synthetic fibres, which are then treated with stain repellent and flame retardants.

The latter has been linked to the most common type of thyroid cancer, the authors warn.

READ MORE: Air pollution kills more than 20,500 people every year in the UK

Cleaning products have gone from fatty soaps and acids to non-ionic surfactants and terpenoid-based solvents.

The authors warn frequent use of cleaning products has been linked to lung function decline and the development of asthma.

As well as floating unseen in the air, chemicals can also settle in dust, becoming suspended when it is disturbed.

Household dust has been found to contain controversial chemicals from shampoo, paint and fragrances.

The authors worry the above, combined with inadequate ventilation in new-build airtight homes, may dampen air quality.

To keep the air in your home healthy, the authors recommend cleaning regularly to combat dust.

Using just one all-purpose cleaner, and wiping surfaces with water after use, may help reduce chemical exposure.

Ventilation is also important after cooking, cleaning and activities that create moisture, like showering or drying clothes.

Opening a window could also help after cleaning or lighting candles.

When cooking, use the extractor fan and close other doors to prevent pollutants spreading around the house.

While it may sound obvious, try and avoid burning food, and do not allow anyone to smoke indoors.

READ MORE: Pollution linked to higher rates of depression and suicide

If allergies strike, consider replacing carpets with hard wooden floors and washing bedding at 60C (104F) every two weeks.

The reports authors want to see legally binding ventilation rates and maximum pollutant concentrations.

They also hope a fund will be introduced to support low-income residents.

More than three million familieslive in poor qualityhousing in the UK, study author Professor Stephen Holgate - from the Royal College of Physicians - said.

Most will not have enough money to make improvements and have no option but to make do with damp, under-ventilated environments.

If we ask our children to spend their childhood days in unhealthy spaces, then were storing up problems for future health.

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Dust, aerosols and cleaning products could worsen everything from asthma to hyperactivity in children - Yahoo Sports

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How is Spectrum LED Grow Light beneficial for the indoor plants? - - VENTS Magazine