It is interesting to note that early hygrometers used horse hair as a sensing element, which is sensitive to humidity. A humidistat and a manual control gives the home owner control of humidity and air quality. The biggest problem with windows in cold climes. As a building material supplier, I can assure you that we take the path of least resistance. The speaker was focused on the deferred maintenance problem of public buildings in Alaska, and what might be done to correct the problem.
Many contractors translate cheap into good, cheap and fast into really good.
There are some bastions that are hard to penetrate with energy efficient technology. Even bureaucrats retire. Another big problem with windows in cold climes is the method of procurement. What you want - homeowner or industrial builder. How to ask for it.