Impact of Climate Change on Workplace Indoor Air Quality

EU-OSHA has published an advance notice for a planned negotiated middle/low value services contract (reference OSHA/2026/MVP/0024-EXA) to analyse how climate change affects indoor air quality in workplaces, with a maximum budget of €139,000 excluding VAT and a maximum duration of 12 months. The assignment will quantify impacts using climate scenarios across four representative workplace settings (hospital, school, a non-adapted workspace and a climate-adapted workspace) and deliver a technical report, non-technical summary, policy brief and presentation. Expressions of interest may be submitted by individual organisations or consortia via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal, with the expression of interest period opening 10 September 2026 and closing 2 October 2026, and submission requires an EU Login account.

Tender summary

Essential facts

EU-OSHA (with EEA) plans a negotiated middle/low value tender to quantify how climate change affects indoor air quality in four representative workplace scenarios (hospital, school, non-adapted workspace, climate-adapted workspace). Deliverables: technical report, non-technical summary, policy brief and PowerPoint.

Budget and duration:Maximum contract value €139,000 (excluding VAT). Maximum duration 12 months.

Who can express interest / submit:Individual organisations or consortia may express interest. Note: consortia must have registered interest as a consortium to submit a joint tender.

1. 1Scope: non-systematic evidence review, methods/models/indicators for quantification, scenario-based IAQ estimates for four workplaces, and identification of knowledge gaps
2. 2Procurement type: planned negotiated procedure for middle/low value contract (CPV 73000000 - R&D and consultancy)
3. 3Language: work and deliverables in English; team members must demonstrate C1-level English and relevant technical experience

Lead contracting authority:European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA). Procurement documents and expression-of-interest procedure available on the opportunities portal.

More information and procurement page:Tender details

Basic Facts

Opportunity identification and contracting authority

Title:Impact of Climate Change on Workplace Indoor Air Quality. Procedure identifier: OSHA/2026/MVP/0024-EXA. Lead contracting authority: European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA) in partnership with the European Environment Agency (EEA). Main CPV classification: 73000000 - Research and development services and related consultancy services. Nature of the contract: services. Maximum contract duration: 12 months. Estimated total value available for the contract: €139,000 (excluding VAT). This publication is a notice of the contracting authority's intention to launch a future negotiated low or middle value procedure (planned negotiated procedure for middle/low value contract).

Background and rationale:Effects of climate change on outdoor air quality (wildfires, pollution episodes) are well documented and linked to respiratory diseases; impacts on indoor air quality (IAQ) are less studied. Indoor environments are affected by environmental drivers, building characteristics and human behaviour, all of which may change with climate change and climate adaptation/mitigation measures. Workers' exposure to altered IAQ is a specific concern under the EU OSH legislative framework (Framework Directive 89/391/EEC and Directive 89/654/EEC) because employers must assess and manage risks to workers' health and safety, including IAQ. ¹

Tender Objectives and Scope

The tender will commission a study to quantify the scale and character of the impacts of climate change on IAQ across four representative workplace scenarios. The work includes evidence review, development or identification of models/methods/indicators, scenario-based quantification, and identification of knowledge gaps and data limitations. Deliverables will support policy and future tendering to expand scope by region or socio-economic inequalities.

1. 1Objective 1: Identify and explain which factors affecting IAQ are being impacted by climate change, based on a non-systematic review of existing scientific evidence.
2. 2Objective 2: For factors identified as affected by climate change, describe how impacts can be quantified: propose models, methods, indicators and specify parameters to measure.
3. 3Objective 3: Estimate the impact of climate change on IAQ using relevant climate change scenarios (to be specified in tender specifications) combined with four representative workplace settings: hospital, school, non climate change-adapted workspace, and climate change-adapted workspace, both without intentional indoor pollutant sources; discuss drivers of results.
4. 4Objective 4: Describe significant knowledge gaps and data limitations, including those related to IAQ data, models and methods to estimate impacts.

Expected Deliverables and Outputs

The contractor is expected to deliver:a full technical report; a non-technical summary; a policy brief; and a PowerPoint presentation summarising key findings and policy-relevant conclusions. These outputs will provide the evidence base for potential future work broadening the analysis by European regions and socio-economic inequalities.

Eligibility, Participation and Submission

Expressions of interest can be submitted by an individual organisation or by a consortium. Important: invited candidates may submit a joint tender with other economic operators only if they expressed interest as a consortium in the planned procedure. Electronic submission of expressions of interest requires an EU Login account and must follow the EU Funding & Tenders Portal process. The method of expression of interest is electronic; submissions must be sent exclusively to the address specified on the portal. The procedure is a negotiated middle/low value procedure; further details and tender specifications will be published when the procedure is launched.

Key dates and milestones (indicative):Start date for expression of interest: 10/09/2026 (Europe/Brussels). Deadline for expression of interest: 02/10/2026 00:59 (Europe/Madrid). Registration deadline for EXA: 01/10/2026 23:59:59 (Europe/Madrid). Indicative date of launch of the negotiated procedure: 05/10/2026 (Europe/Madrid). Tender estimated planned launch and dates are indicative and subject to the contracting authority's final publication. ¹

Technical and Professional Capacity Requirements

The tender specifications state minimum technical and professional capacity requirements that will be used to assess candidates. These include research experience in aerosol modelling, indoor air quality and climate change, and the ability to work and deliver in English at C1 level. Specific minimum experience: at least one similar project in scope and complexity completed within the last five years with a minimum value of €15,000. The tenderer (or consortium) will be assessed on consolidated capacities of all involved entities.

1. 1Proof of experience in aerosol modelling, IAQ and climate change research.
2. 2At least one similar project in the last five years with minimum value €15,000 (applies to the tenderer as a whole).
3. 3Project list with start/end dates, scope, methodology summary, invoiced amount and links to results; for ongoing projects only completed portions in the reference period will be counted.
4. 4Team CVs: for each team member include at least 3 English-speaking projects, reports or activities of similar nature and the member's role.
5. 5Demonstrable capacity to research, communicate and draft texts in English at C1 CEFR or equivalent (applies to whole tenderer).

Assessment and Scope Details — Scientific and Methodological Expectations

Tenderers are expected to deliver a non-systematic literature review identifying climate-driven factors that alter IAQ, to recommend or adapt quantitative models and indicators, and to quantify impacts under specified climate scenarios for four workplace archetypes. The study should address environmental drivers (outdoor pollutant infiltration, temperature, humidity, pollen/allergens), building factors (ventilation type, airtightness, insulation, building age, materials, heating/cooling systems, energy-efficiency measures and their possible unintended IAQ consequences), human behaviour (cleaning product use, window opening practices, insecticide use), and bioaerosol and microbial growth risks (Legionella, mould, mycotoxins). The study should explain measurable parameters (e.g., concentrations of PM2.5/PM10, VOCs, CO, CO2, radon, bioaerosol metrics, temperature, relative humidity, pollen counts, ventilation rates, infiltration rates) and recommend measurement protocols, modelling approaches (e.g., infiltration models, multi-zone airflow models, indoor chemistry/VOC emission models, aerosol transport and deposition modelling), indicators and uncertainty quantification methods suitable for scenario analysis.

Quantification should use relevant climate change scenarios that will be specified in the tender (e.g., representative concentration pathways or shared socioeconomic pathways) and apply them to the four representative workplaces: hospital, school, non climate change-adapted workspace, and climate change-adapted workspace. Work must explicitly consider workplaces without intentional indoor pollutant sources to isolate climate-driven changes and adaptation effects. The contractor must discuss drivers affecting results and identify critical data gaps in IAQ measurements, model inputs, spatial and temporal coverage, indoor emission inventories, and limitations in linking indoor exposures to health outcomes.

Administrative, Contractual and Financial Conditions

Maximum total budget for the contract:€139,000 excluding VAT. The contract type is a service contract with a maximum duration of 12 months. The procurement is to be conducted as a negotiated procedure for middle/low value contracts (EXA reference). The tender will be awarded under EU procurement rules applicable to the contracting authority and the specific negotiated procedure. Further participation rules and detailed tender documents will be published on the EU Funding & Tenders Portal and the contracting authority's procurement page. Expressions of interest must be submitted electronically via the portal and require EU Login authentication.

Categorisation and Structured Answers

1. 1Eligible Applicant Types: Individual organisations and consortia; likely eligible entities include research institutes, universities, consultancies in environmental and occupational health, SMEs and large enterprises providing research and consultancy services, non-profit research organisations and NGOs with relevant capacity. Public bodies can participate if allowed by procurement rules; individuals are not the typical applicant type for this service contract. The tender requires combined technical capacities (aerosol modelling, IAQ, climate change) so multidisciplinary teams or consortia are appropriate.
2. 2Funding Type: Procurement/service contract (contract for services) awarded via negotiated procedure; this is a tender (procurement) not a grant or loan.
3. 3Consortium Requirement: Other than allowing either single organisations or consortia to express interest, a consortium is not strictly required; applicants may apply as a single legal entity or as a consortium. Note: invited candidates can submit joint tenders with other economic operators only if they expressed interest as a consortium in the planned procedure.
4. 4Beneficiary Scope (Geographic Eligibility): EU-level procurement led by an EU agency (EU-OSHA) and EEA collaboration; the opportunity is published on the EU Funding & Tenders Portal and is aimed at entities able to contract with EU agencies. Typical eligibility: entities established in EU Member States and possibly in countries eligible under EU procurement rules (EEA/EFTA, candidate countries) according to the contracting authority's rules; the portal listing is EU-wide. The tender text and portal require an EU Login account for submission.
5. 5Target Sector: Environment and health with a specific focus on occupational safety and health, indoor air quality, climate change impacts; relevant sectors include environment, health, transport/buildings sector aspects, research and consultancy, and public policy.
6. 6Mentioned Countries: No single country list is imposed; agencies referenced are EU-OSHA and the EEA. The procurement is published on the EU Funding & Tenders Portal (EU-level). Dates reference Europe/Brussels and Europe/Madrid timezones. No other countries are explicitly listed in the tender notice.
7. 7Project Stage: Research, modelling and policy analysis — expected maturity: research/analysis, development of modelling methods, validation/quantification under scenarios (research to demonstration of impacts), finishing with policy-oriented outputs.
8. 8Funding Amount: Maximum total contract value: €139,000 (excluding VAT). This is the budget available for the contract to be awarded; bidders must plan a project deliverable within this budget.
9. 9Application Type: Planned negotiated procedure (EXA) — expression of interest followed by invitation to tender; method: electronic expression of interest via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal and EU Login. This is not an open competitive call-for-proposals in the usual sense but a negotiated procurement with a prior expression of interest step.
10. 10Nature of Support: Monetary — a paid service contract. The successful contractor will be remunerated under the service contract up to the available budget.
11. 11Application Stages: Two main stages are evident: 1) Expression of interest (EXA registration and submission), and 2) Negotiated procedure / submission of formal tender by invited candidates and contract award. The negotiated procedure may have evaluation stages as specified in tender documents (technical and financial evaluation).
12. 12Success Rates: Not provided. As a negotiated procedure, the number of invited candidates and awarded contracts is determined by the contracting authority; historical success rates for such EXA procedures are not published in the provided content. Success probability depends on meeting capacity criteria and competitive scoring against other invited candidates.
13. 13Co-funding Requirement: No co-funding is specified or required in the notice. The contract value is provided by the contracting authority; bidders must propose work deliverable within the offered budget. Standard procurement rules apply regarding pricing and eligible costs.
14. 14Templates: Application/EOI and tender submission will use the EU Funding & Tenders Portal electronic submission forms and eSubmission tool. Specific tender documents, model contract, and templates for technical and financial proposals will be provided in the formal tender dossier when the negotiated procedure is launched. The notice requires project lists, CVs, and evidence of previous projects; therefore applicants should prepare: (a) a list of relevant projects with dates, scope, methodology, amount invoiced and links; (b) CVs for each key team member listing at least 3 English-speaking projects/reports and roles; (c) evidence of at least one similar project of minimum €15,000 value completed in the last five years; (d) proof of English language competence for staff (C1 CEFR or equivalent).

How to Prepare a Competitive Submission

Based on the stated requirements, competitive bids should:demonstrate integrated capability in aerosol modelling, indoor air quality measurement and modelling, indoor emissions and chemistry, and climate scenario application; include a clear methodology linking climate scenarios to indoor exposure modelling; propose measurable indicators and parameters and adequate uncertainty analysis; provide strong past project evidence (one project >= €15,000 in last five years plus other relevant projects); supply detailed CVs showing English-language deliverables; plan deliverables and timelines that fit a 12-month contract and the €139,000 budget; and be ready to submit electronic EOIs and tenders via EU Login and the Funding & Tenders Portal.

Summary

This is an EU-OSHA/EEA commissioned procurement to contract a 12-month research and consultancy service to quantify how climate change affects indoor air quality in four representative workplace scenarios. The contract budget is €139,000 (excluding VAT). The contractor will conduct a non-systematic evidence review, recommend and apply models/methods/indicators and measurements, run scenario-based estimates using specified climate projections for a hospital, a school, a non-adapted workspace and a climate-adapted workspace (without intentional indoor sources), and identify knowledge gaps. Deliverables include a full report, non-technical summary, policy brief and presentation. Eligible applicants include organisations and consortia with proven capacity in aerosol modelling, IAQ and climate change research, with required evidence of at least one similar project (>= €15,000) in the last five years and team members fluent in English. The procurement is a negotiated middle/low value procedure; prospective bidders must express interest electronically through the EU Funding & Tenders Portal and hold an EU Login account. The study's outcomes are intended to inform workplace safety policy and potential future, expanded assessments across European regions and socio-economic inequality dimensions.

Footnotes

1. 1Primary source: EU Funding & Tenders Portal opportunity OSHA/2026/MVP/0024-EXA and EU-OSHA procurement page at osha.europa.eu

This is a planned negotiated middle or low value services contract by EU-OSHA under reference OSHA/2026/MVP/0024-EXA, focused on analysing how climate change affects indoor air quality in workplaces, with an estimated total value of €139,000 excluding VAT and a maximum duration of 12 months.[7][8] The publication is an advance notice, not the final call for tenders, and it states that the contracting authority intends to launch a future negotiated procedure.[7][8]

What the contract is about

The assignment seeks to quantify the scale and character of climate change impacts on indoor air quality in four workplace scenarios, using relevant climate scenarios to assess how environmental, building, and human factors are changing indoors.[7][8][10] The background reflects the growing recognition that climate change affects not only outdoor air but also indoor conditions through mechanisms such as altered ventilation, moisture, pollutant infiltration, and adaptation of buildings.[5][10]

The specific research objectives are to identify which indoor air quality factors are affected by climate change, explain how those impacts can be quantified through models, methods, indicators, and measured parameters, estimate impacts in representative workplace settings, and identify key knowledge gaps and data limitations.[7][8] The representative workplace settings named in the notice are a hospital, a school, a non climate change-adapted workspace, and a climate change-adapted workspace, with both office-type settings described as having no intentionally indoor sources.[7][8]

Who can apply

Interest may be expressed by an individual organisation or by a consortium, but a joint tender later on is allowed only if the candidates expressed interest as a consortium.[7][8] The notice also indicates that more information on the subject matter and the technical and professional capacity required is available on the separate EU-OSHA procurement page.[7]

This opportunity is best suited to organisations that can combine scientific review, indoor environmental quality analysis, climate or exposure modelling, policy interpretation, and professional report writing.[7][8][10] Likely capable applicants include research institutes, universities, specialist consultancies, environmental health experts, building science teams, and multidisciplinary consortiums with demonstrated technical capacity.[7][8]

Financial and contractual terms

Key dates and submission rules

1. 1Expression of interest opens on 10 September 2026, Europe/Brussels time.[7][8]
2. 2Expression of interest closes on 2 October 2026 at 00:59, Europe/Madrid time.[7][8]
3. 3The indicative date for launch of the negotiated procedure is 5 October 2026, Europe/Madrid time.[7][8]
4. 4Submission is electronic and requires an EU Login account.[7][8]
5. 5Submissions must be sent exclusively through the address for expression of interest shown on the portal.[7][8]

Expected outputs and research focus

The expected deliverables are a report, a non-technical summary, a policy brief, and a PowerPoint presentation.[7][8] The work is intended to translate scientific evidence into policy-relevant findings on how climate change may alter indoor air quality in occupational settings, and to clarify what can and cannot currently be quantified with existing data and methods.[7][8][10]

The notice also states that the results may support a future tender with a broader geographic scope, including comparisons across European regions with different climates and inequalities linked to socioeconomic factors.[7][8] That makes the opportunity particularly relevant for applicants with experience in comparative analysis, European policy context, and climate-sensitive workplace risk assessment.[5][10]

Practical applicant takeaways

• This is an early market notice, so applicants should expect the final specifications and evaluation details to appear later.[7][8]
• A consortium is possible, but the consortium structure should be decided before expressing interest if a joint tender may be needed later.[7][8]
• The technical topic combines occupational health, indoor environmental quality, climate adaptation, and research synthesis, so single-discipline bids are likely to be weaker than multidisciplinary proposals.[5][10]
• Because this is a services procurement, the most relevant success factors are technical quality, professional capacity, and delivery capability rather than grant eligibility or cofinancing rate.[7][8]

Official source

The primary notice and the linked procurement background page are referenced in footnote ¹.

Footnotes

1. 1Primary notice: EU Funding and Tenders Portal. Technical and professional capacity information: EU-OSHA procurement page.[7][8]