The Hidden Microbiome Living Inside Every Building

When most people hear the word microbiome, they think about the trillions of microorganisms that live inside the human gut. But microbes exist everywhere, not just in our bodies. Every environment, from a forest floor to the walls of a high-rise, hosts its own invisible ecosystem of bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Buildings, with their sealed windows, complex HVAC systems, and constant flow of people, create particularly unique microbial communities. These communities shift with the seasons, the density of occupants, and even the cleaning products used. In ways that science is only beginning to understand, these microbiomes can influence both human health and building performance.

The idea that the built environment has a microbiome is changing how researchers think about indoor air quality. For decades, building systems have been tuned to regulate temperature, humidity, and energy efficiency, often by sealing spaces tight. While effective for conserving energy, these strategies also trap air and alter microbial diversity, sometimes concentrating pathogens or allergens. The question is no longer whether microbes are present in our offices, but which ones are there, how they interact, and what that means for the people who spend their days inside. Tyler Smith, head of Global Lifecycle Solutions at Johnson Controls, put it simply: “I am really excited about biosensors.”

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RSK: They might be making a mountain out of a molehill, but the office microbe can be an important factor.