Fellowes Brands - Experts & Thought Leaders

Fellowes, a fourth-generation workplace solutions corporation, specializing in advanced air quality management systems, has announced the launch of its ground-breaking Array networked air purification system featuring building management system (BMS) integration via BACnet/IP.  As the first and only localized BACnet-enabled air monitoring and purification system, Array sets a new standard for intelligent indoor air quality (IAQ) management. Elevated Air Control “Array redefines indoor air quality management by delivering a solution that is as adaptable and forward-thinking as the spaces it serves,” said Jason Jones, Director of Air Quality Management at Fellowes Brands.  He adds, “As the first system of its kind with BMS integration – a feature that was highly coveted by the customers with whom we work – Array provides greater visibility and control over indoor air quality and energy costs, with the flexibility to expand and adapt to changing needs. This innovative solution empowers organizations to prioritize occupant health, wellbeing, and comfort while achieving energy efficiency and sustainability goals.” Intelligent IAQ System Array provides continuous, real-time IAQ monitoring and automatic adjustments to ensure consistently clean, comfortable, and safe indoor air while reducing energy costs. Key benefits of Array with BMS integration include: BMS Integration: As the only localized air monitoring and purification system that allows direct control from a building’s BMS interface, Array simplifies IAQ management. Facility managers can leverage real-time data from Array’s sensor suite that includes; Particulate Matter, Occupancy, TVOCs, Carbon Dioxide, Temperature, Humidity and Air Pressure. Beyond being able to incorporate IAQ data, facility managers can power Array units on/off, adjust fan speed, activate Quiet Mode, reset filter life and manage unit lighting – all from the BMS – enhancing operational efficiency while ensuring optimal IAQ. All of this enables facility managers to optimize HVAC performance, reduce energy consumption, and improve overall building efficiency. Effortless & Scalable Integration: Array is simple to install in both new construction and retrofit projects, requiring no ductwork connections. Its range of connected solutions – including air purifiers, monitors and display devices – seamlessly integrate into any space, both aesthetically and functionally, and can easily scale as building needs evolve. Healthier Buildings: Array’s high-efficiency, 3-in-1 H13 True HEPA filters capture 99.95% of airborne contaminants down to 0.1 microns – twice as effective as commonly utilized MERV 13 filters. Given that viruses, allergens, germs and pollutants can be as small as 0.01 microns, Array’s advanced level of filtration is critical for occupant health. Energy Savings: By optimizing indoor air quality, Array reduces the need for increased ventilation rates. Not only does this minimize HVAC system wear, it also delivers energy savings across the life of the system. Real-Time Monitoring & Rapid Adjustment: Equipped with patented EnviroSmart+™ Sense and React Technology, each Array air purifier continuously monitors occupancy density levels and air quality conditions in each zone. The system automatically adjusts performance to maintain optimal IAQ, while the Array Viewpoint dashboard- shows real-time air quality data, trends and notifications. Plus, Array does not need the HVAC system to be active in order to provide localized filtration. Intelligent Air Solutions “At Fellowes, our mission is to ensure a better work life by creating solutions that enhance productivity, inspire creativity and promote workplace wellness – all while delivering real bottom-line benefits to the businesses we proudly serve,” said John Fellowes, President and Chief Executive Officer at Fellowes.  He adds, “Clean air is fundamental to healthy, dynamic work environments, which is why we are deeply committed to continuously advancing air quality management. With Array, we’re setting a new industry standard, combining intelligent technology with seamless building integration to deliver cleaner air more efficiently and effortlessly than ever before.” Sustainable Performance Array supports Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) initiatives and helps facilities with existing HVAC systems achieve LEED, WELL and Fitwel certifications. With ultra-quiet operation, Array offers superior performance without disrupting the environments it enhances.

Its cold and flu season approaches, coupled with ongoing concerns about COVID-19, indoor air quality (IAQ) has become more critical than ever. Fellowes, a global pioneer in air purification, emphasizes the vital role of effective IAQ management in reducing the spread of respiratory illnesses in workplaces and public spaces. With colder weather pushing people indoors, the concentration of airborne viruses and bacteria increases, making proper air filtration essential to maintaining personal health and business productivity. Fellowes’ solutions, particularly its advanced air purifiers, offer a crucial defense by reducing contaminants in indoor environments. spike in respiratory infections Health experts have long linked the spike in respiratory infections during fall and winter to several factors. Pathogens tend to thrive in lower temperatures, and the flu virus, in particular, spreads more easily in dry air, a common condition in heated indoor environments. Furthermore, limited air circulation indoors traps viral particles, increasing the risk of infection. Additionally, human immune systems are less effective this time of year as internal systems prioritize body temperature regulation over immune response. 2024 IAQ survey The most commonly cited sources of infection were workplaces (47%), public buildings such as restaurants According to Fellowes’ 2024 IAQ survey of 1,994 adults across the U.S., Canada, and Europe, 61% of respondents reported having contracted a respiratory illness in the last year. In the U.S. alone, that figure rises to 74%. The most commonly cited sources of infection were workplaces (47%), public buildings such as restaurants and stores (46%), and public transportation (39%). flu time and duration Flu season, typically from October to April, has become increasingly unpredictable in recent years. According to Flu.com, “In recent flu seasons since the start of the pandemic, flu activity hasn’t always followed expected patterns, so the timing and duration of the flu season has been less predictable.” With flu season becoming more unpredictable, and the CDC expecting the upcoming fall and winter respiratory disease season to likely have a similar number of total hospitalizations compared to last year, it has never been more important to take an active approach to indoor air quality to prevent sickness from spreading year-round.  Improving Business Efficiency Through Better Air Quality Indoor air quality doesn’t just impact health, it also impacts company productivity. The CDC estimates that a single sick day costs businesses $1,685 per employee. By improving IAQ, companies can reduce sick leave and its associated costs, enhancing organizational efficiency. Fellowes' Array air purifiers, equipped with patented EnviroSmart+™ Technology, are designed to detect and combat airborne contaminants, including viruses, bacteria, and allergens, all of which can lead to illness. EnviroSmart+ Technology EnviroSmart+ reduces energy consumption by varying the fan state of Array air purification devices The EnviroSmart+ Technology in the Array system allows the system to operate more efficiently, saving businesses money. EnviroSmart+ reduces energy consumption by varying the fan state of Array air purification devices based on real-time needs, which means the system reduces energy usage when it isn’t necessary. Real-time responses "With flu season becoming less predictable in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, businesses need to be proactive in managing their indoor air," says Arti Lyde, Global General Manager of Air Quality at Fellowes. "Our solutions provide real-time responses to changes in air quality, ensuring that environments remain clean and safe through these seasonal fluctuations." Fellowes' Array: The Solution for Cleaner Air The Fellowes' networked Array IAQ system continuously monitors air quality and adjusts fan speeds based on occupancy and contamination levels. Its H13 True HEPA filters capture 99.95% of particles as small as 0.1 microns, including viruses such as H1N1, rhinovirus, and SARS-CoV-2. The system's ability to increase equivalent air changes per hour (eACH) significantly reduces the spread of illness. With a powerful fan design, Array units can achieve five eACH, meaning they remove 99.99% of contaminants much faster than standard HVAC systems, which often achieve only 0.3-4.1 ACH depending on the building type. Air pollutants and particulate matter It is crucial to clean indoor air of these contaminants to slow the spread of respiratory illnesses Air pollutants and particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) are especially concerning, as they provide condensation nuclei for viral attachment, increasing the risk of infection. It is crucial to clean indoor air of these contaminants to slow the spread of respiratory illnesses. IAQ management Fellowes' EnviroSmart+™ Technology takes IAQ management to the next level by enabling units to sense changes in the environment and respond accordingly. As occupancy increases or a virus is detected, Array units communicate with one another to ramp up cleaning efforts. This networked approach ensures that air remains clean even in larger spaces, such as offices and public buildings. A Reassuring Choice for Businesses and Communities For businesses, maintaining a clean and healthy environment is essential for employee well-being For businesses, maintaining a clean and healthy environment is essential for both employee well-being and customer confidence. Fellowes’ Array system not only improves air quality but also offers real-time monitoring through the Viewpoint dashboard. Facility managers can access air quality data, trends, and alerts in real time, allowing them to respond proactively.  Viewpoint Community Dashboard Additionally, the Viewpoint Community Dashboard and Lookout displays reassure occupants by providing visible updates on air quality. As cold and flu season looms, Fellowes is committed to helping businesses safeguard their indoor environments. With solutions like the Array IAQ system, companies can improve employee wellness, reduce sick leave, and foster healthier, more productive workplaces year-round.

Fellowes, a global pioneer and trusted partner in providing product solutions to fulfill a broad range of WorkLife needs, highlights its breakthrough Array™ Air Quality management system for corporate office applications. In a competitive job market, attracting and retaining top talent is paramount. A recent survey by Fellowes reveals that 91% of U.S. and Canadian employees consider clean air a fundamental right, with 89% stating it helps them perform their best at work.  Moreover, one in three employees would consider leaving their jobs due to poor indoor air quality (IAQ). Despite this, only 29% of respondents considered their workplace air quality ‘very clean,’ with common indicators of poor IAQ being stagnant air, humidity imbalances, noticeable odors, and visible mold or dust. Ensuring optimal air quality across various office spaces, including conference rooms and breakrooms, is challenging due to fluctuating occupancy and differing requirements. Array’s EnviroSmart+™ Technology Array’s advanced H13 True HEPA filtration captures 99.95% of airborne particles down to 0.1 microns Array’s EnviroSmart+™ Technology meets these challenges head-on by adapting to changing needs, allowing businesses to address these challenges effectively. A Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health study underscores a critical link between air quality and cognitive function. A 500 ug/m³ increase in Volatile Organic Compounds can lead to a 13% decrease in cognitive abilities, while a 400 ppm rise in CO2 levels can reduce cognitive function scores by 21%. Array’s advanced H13 True HEPA filtration captures 99.95% of airborne particles down to 0.1 microns, including viruses and allergens, significantly improving air quality and, consequently, employee productivity. According to the CDC, cleaner air can translate to an average productivity increase of $7,500 per employee, underscoring the system's value in terms of organizational efficiency. Fellowes Array system Beyond productivity gains, the Fellowes Array system offers substantial financial benefits. Without proper filtration systems in place, HVAC systems can transmit airborne illness and pollutants throughout office buildings. With the CDC averaging the cost of one sick day at $1,685 per employee, improved IAQ can dramatically reduce sick leave and its associated costs, boosting organizational efficiency.  Furthermore, Array’s EnviroSmart+™ Technology adapts to changes in occupancy and environmental conditions, reducing energy costs by optimizing air purification processes. The system’s front access and tool-free filter replacement also minimize maintenance, ensuring continuous operation and efficiency. Array’s Viewpoint dashboard The system’s powerful fan design does not require any ductwork, making it easy to install Getting started with the Fellowes Array system is straightforward and simple. The system’s powerful fan design does not require any ductwork, making it easy to install. Its flexible installation options and placement allow units to be positioned closer to contamination sources, ensuring the most efficient air purification process.  Array’s Viewpoint dashboard provides real-time data, notifications, and trends, enabling facilities managers and building engineers to monitor and manage IAQ more effectively. Furthermore, Viewpoint’s community dashboard reassures employees and visitors that they are working in a healthy space by displaying precise air quality status. Ambitious ESG benchmarks Fellowes Array also supports organizations in meeting ambitious ESG benchmarks. The concept of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) is crucial in corporate strategies. IAQ plays a significant role, particularly in the social aspect, as it directly affects building occupants' well-being. Improved IAQ has been proven to reduce absenteeism and boost productivity, contributing to a healthier, more sustainable workplace. IAQ plays a major role, particularly in the social aspect, as it directly affects building occupants' well-being  According to a 2022 AirRated research study, 78% of employees said they would be more likely to come into an office if it had a healthy building certification. From an environmental and sustainability perspective, proper IAQ management enhances facility energy efficiency. Adjusting ventilation, optimizing temperatures, and managing airflow can significantly reduce electricity consumption while conscious material usage and waste reduction further mitigate negative environmental impact.  IAQ standards and legislation From a Governance perspective, IAQ standards and legislation are increasing in popularity and complexity. Effective IAQ management ensures compliance with evolving regulations. Visible insight into indoor air quality helps building managers improve airflow, ventilation, and energy consumption while providing real-time IAQ monitoring and valuable data for ESG reporting. By investing in the Fellowes Array system, businesses not only safeguard the health and well-being of their employees, customers, and guests from harmful contaminants, allergens, and asthma triggers but also contribute to creating environments that promote productivity and overall wellness.