BREEAM Indoor Air Quality Testing

BREEAM Indoor Air Quality Testing

APT Sound Testing has long been a trusted provider of indoor air quality services, specialising in post-construction BREEAM air quality testing and ongoing indoor air monitoring. Through these services, we have helped numerous clients achieve BREEAM and other compliance credits, essential for sustainable building certifications. Our expertise in creating comprehensive air quality plans and conducting BREEAM-specific air quality testing is unparalleled.

Comprehensive Indoor Air Quality Solutions

Our indoor air quality solutions go beyond merely assisting in gaining initial BREEAM credits. Our engineering team excels in developing tailored indoor air quality plans that offer several significant benefits:

1. Contaminant Source Removal: We provide expert advice on identifying and removing sources of indoor air contaminants.
2. Dilution and Control: Strategies are devised for diluting and controlling contaminant sources to maintain air quality.
3. Pre-Occupancy Flush-Out Procedures: We outline procedures for thoroughly flushing out the building before occupancy to ensure a clean environment.
4. Preparation Checklists: An informative checklist is provided to help you prepare for third-party testing.
5. Third-Party Testing and Analysis: We facilitate third-party testing and analysis to ensure unbiased results.
6. Ongoing Maintenance Advice: Guidance on maintaining optimal indoor air quality throughout the building’s use.

BREEAM Hea02 Compliance for Extra Points

To achieve extra points under BREEAM Hea02, there are two crucial stages: creating a BREEAM Indoor Air Quality Plan and performing BREEAM Indoor Air Quality Testing. Here’s an overview of each stage:

Stage 1: BREEAM Indoor Air Quality Plan

The primary objective of the BREEAM Indoor Air Quality Plan is to mitigate the risk of health issues and ensure superior building performance by enhancing indoor air quality for occupants. This plan focuses on the design phase of a project, ensuring the integration of ventilation systems, appropriate equipment, and construction materials that collectively contribute to improved indoor air quality.

Key Elements of the BREEAM Indoor Air Quality Plan:

• Ventilation Design: Ensures the building’s ventilation system is designed to optimize air exchange and reduce contaminant buildup.
• Material Selection: Specifies low-emission construction materials to minimize indoor pollutants.
• Equipment Selection: Recommends the use of air purifying and monitoring equipment to maintain air quality.
• Occupant Well-being: Focuses on design choices that promote the health and comfort of the building’s future occupants.

Stage 2: BREEAM Indoor Air Quality Testing

Before BREEAM Indoor Air Quality Testing can be conducted, the project must be near completion, with a fully operational HVAC system in place. This testing phase involves sampling the air to detect the presence of volatile organic compounds (TVOCs), including formaldehyde. These compounds must be within specified limits to meet BREEAM criteria.

Key Steps in BREEAM Indoor Air Quality Testing:

1. HVAC System Operation: Ensure the HVAC system is fully functional and running as intended.
2. Air Sampling: Conduct air sampling to measure levels of TVOCs and formaldehyde.
3. Analysis: Analyze the samples to determine if contaminant levels exceed prescribed limits.
4. Mitigation Measures: If high levels are detected, identify and implement appropriate measures as outlined in the IAQ plan and consultant’s recommendations to bring levels within acceptable limits.

Benefits of Achieving BREEAM Hea02 Credits

Gaining extra BREEAM Hea02 credits through a well-implemented air quality plan and rigorous indoor air quality testing offers numerous advantages:

• Enhanced Health and Comfort: Improved indoor air quality leads to healthier and more comfortable environments for occupants.
• Compliance and Certification: Achieving BREEAM credits demonstrates compliance with stringent environmental standards, enhancing the building’s marketability.
• Sustainability: Contributes to the overall sustainability of the building, reducing environmental impact.
• Long-term Savings: Proper air quality management can lead to long-term cost savings by reducing the need for extensive remediation and ensuring efficient building operation.

APT Sound Testing’s commitment to improving indoor air quality through meticulous planning and testing helps clients achieve essential BREEAM credits and ensures healthier, more sustainable buildings. Our comprehensive services not only assist in meeting initial compliance requirements but also provide ongoing support to maintain optimal indoor air quality. By partnering with us, clients can be confident in creating environments that prioritize occupant well-being and environmental responsibility.

BREEAM Indoor Air Quality Testing requirements
Here at APT Sound Testing, we have significant experience in carrying out post-construction Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) testing. We are familiar with the stringent methods that are specified under BREEAM Hea02, Home Quality Mark (HQM) and other compliance standards. Our team will always provide a firm quotation and helpful checklist to help you prepare for the testing, prior to us visiting site to carry out this work.

We will ensure that all post-construction testing is carried out to the relevant standard that you are looking to achieve as specifications do vary.

When undertaking Indoor Air Quality Testing for BREEAM, we will typically test for Formaldehyde and TVOC in the air but can easily include other pollutants if required. We will normally sample rooms which will be occupied for long periods of time, for instance offices, hospitals and offices. It is important to make sure that a sufficient number of these rooms are tested in order to gain the relevant credit.

Our tasked team will make sure that all post-construction air quality tests are carried out in accordance with the very exacting BREEAM Hea02 methods. Our expert team will also provide free advice and guidance to your project manager to help to create the correct environment for the air quality tests as we have found over this years this to be very important.