BREEAM Indoor Air Quality
BREEAM Indoor Air Quality Testing: Why It Matters
When we think about what makes a building great, energy bills and acoustics usually come to mind first. But there’s something just as important hiding in plain sight: the air your occupants are breathing every single day. That’s exactly why BREEAM puts indoor air quality front and centre — because a healthy building starts with healthy air.
At APT Sound Testing, we’ve been carrying out BREEAM Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) testing for years. We’ve helped developers, contractors, architects, and project managers earn valuable BREEAM credits while making sure their buildings meet the highest standards of indoor environmental quality.
Whether you need an Indoor Air Quality Plan, post-construction testing, or just a bit of expert guidance along the way, our team is here to make the whole process as straightforward as possible — from the very first conversation to the final report.
So, What Actually Is BREEAM Indoor Air Quality Testing?
Put simply, it’s a way of checking the air inside a newly finished building before anyone moves in. The goal is refreshingly simple: keep harmful pollutants out and create a healthier environment for the people who’ll actually live and work there.
As part of the assessment, we test for the key airborne culprits, including:
- Total Volatile Organic Compounds (TVOCs)
- Formaldehyde
And if your project needs it, we can test for additional pollutants too, depending on your specific requirements.
The Two Stages of BREEAM Hea02
To unlock the BREEAM credits available under the Hea02 category, there are two stages to get through.
Stage 1 – The Indoor Air Quality Plan (IAQP)
This is where it all starts, back in the design phase. The Indoor Air Quality Plan is all about spotting problems before they happen — thinking through ventilation strategies, construction methods, building materials, and future maintenance so poor air quality never becomes an issue in the first place.
Our bespoke plans typically include:
- Advice on identifying and removing contamination sources
- Recommendations for controlling and diluting airborne pollutants
- Pre-occupancy flush-out procedures
- A practical checklist to get you ready for third-party testing
- Guidance on keeping air quality good long after occupation
- Independent testing and analysis
Stage 2 – Post-Construction Indoor Air Quality Testing
Once the build is done and the HVAC system is up and running, it’s time for the real test. During our site visit, we collect air samples from representative occupied spaces — think offices, classrooms, healthcare facilities, apartments, or any regularly used room.
Those samples are then analysed against the limits BREEAM sets out. If anything comes back over the threshold, we won’t just hand you a problem — we’ll explain the findings clearly and recommend practical steps to bring the building back into compliance.
Why Work With APT Sound Testing?
We’ve helped clients right across the UK achieve BREEAM, Home Quality Mark (HQM), and other environmental compliance standards through reliable, accurate testing. When you work with APT Sound Testing, here’s what you can expect:
- Experienced, qualified testing engineers
- Fixed, competitive quotes with no hidden surprises
- Helpful pre-test guidance to maximise your chances of success
- Testing carried out strictly to BREEAM Hea02 requirements
- Fast, clear reporting and expert technical advice
We know preparation is often the difference between a pass and a repeat visit, which is why we’re always happy to offer practical advice before we even set foot on site.
Getting Ready for Your Test
A successful test starts long before we arrive. Our team provides a comprehensive checklist to make sure your building is genuinely ready — helping you avoid unnecessary delays and repeat visits.
If you’re planning a BREEAM assessment, we’d love to send you our Indoor Air Quality Testing Checklist to help keep your project on track.
Ready to Get Started?
If you’re looking for a trusted partner to carry out your BREEAM Indoor Air Quality Testing, we’d be glad to help. From the Indoor Air Quality Plan through to post-construction testing and reporting, we’ll guide you through every step with friendly advice and professional support.
Give us a call on 01525 303905 or email info@aptsoundtesting.co.uk to chat about your project — or head over to our Contact page to request a quotation.