A recent study published in Building and Environment found that indoor environmental quality (IEQ) significantly influences emotional regulation, cognitive performance, and how efficiently the brain processes information. IEQ includes the conditions inside a building and their effects on occupants’ cognitive functions. Because cognitive performance is rooted in neural and physiological processes, any influence of IEQ on humans begins with its impact on the brain and body through these responses.

The researchers studied how different IEQ components, including thermal environment, air quality, acoustics, lighting, and non-light visual factors, affect human physiological and brain-related responses across four key themes: comfort, health and well-being, productivity, and emotion.

Overall, the findings suggest that IEQ significantly influences physiological states and brain activity, with distinct effects depending on the specific factor examined. Notably, the majority reported associations between IEQ variables, particularly temperature, and non-light visual factors with measurable neural and physiological changes.

The researchers said these insights can guide the design of healthier indoor environments that promote productivity, comfort, and well-being. Additionally, the researchers said future studies should aim to establish standardized methodologies and explore long-term effects in real-world contexts.

ISSA named the recipients of the 2026 ISSA Outstanding Government Service Awards, presented during the 2026 International Cleaning Week Awards Dinner in conjunction with the association’s Clean Advocacy Summit. ISSA selected the award recipients with input from its Government Affairs Advisory Committee.

The recipients of this year’s awards are Reps. Maria Elvira Salazar (Republican-Florida) and Sarah McBride (Democrat-Delaware).

“ISSA thanks Reps. Salazar and McBride for their outstanding government service,” said ISSA Executive Director Kim Althoff, “On behalf of the more than 11,000 ISSA members, we recognize these representatives for their support of policy priorities that support the cleaning and facility solutions industry.”

“ISSA is proud to recognize Rep. Salazar for her leadership in sponsoring the H.R.3734 – Essential Workers for Economic Advancement Act as well as the H.R.4393 – DIGNIDAD (Dignity) Act of 2025,” said John Nothdurft, ISSA’s Vice President of Government and Public Affairs. “The cleaning industry is a labor-intensive industry, and we want to thank Rep. Salazar for her leadership in supporting solutions that would provide and streamline legal paths for employers to hire essential workers. Additionally, we want to highlight her strong support of small businesses and our essential workforce.”

“I’m deeply honored to receive this recognition from ISSA and proud to stand with an industry that plays such a vital role in our nation’s daily life,” Rep. Salazar said. “Cleaning and facility professionals are essential to keeping our communities safe and our economy running. I will continue to champion bipartisan, commonsense solutions like the Dignity Act to strengthen our workforce and meet critical labor needs, because these workers deserve policies that match the importance of the work they do.” 

“ISSA is proud to recognize Rep. McBride for her outstanding government service on behalf of the cleaning industry and our front-line workers,” Nothdurft said. “Her leadership supporting common sense bipartisan legislation like the Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act, which passed last year is already helping professionals get training and certifications. We also want to thank her for cosponsoring the bipartisan Improve and Enhance the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC), which would bring back and enhance this important tax credit which helps cleaning businesses and facilities hire certain workers not currently participating in the workforce.”

“I’m honored and moved to have been awarded ISSA’s 2026 Outstanding Government Service Award,” Rep. McBride said. “Cleaning and facility solutions professionals are essential workers who keep our economy moving and our spaces functional—literally shaping the effectiveness of every single sector. I am particularly honored that this award is reflective of the bipartisanship of this work, and I thank Rep. Salazar for her commitment to supporting working people. Expanding opportunity and strengthening our workforce should never be a partisan issue, it is an American priority. Thank you to ISSA, the board of directors, government affairs team, and the more than 11,000 members around the world.”