BREEAM Indoor Air Quality Testing
BREEAM Indoor Air Quality Testing – Why It Matters
When it comes to creating healthy, comfortable buildings, indoor air quality is just as important as energy efficiency or acoustic performance. That’s why BREEAM places such a strong focus on ensuring the air inside a building is safe for the people who use it every day.
At APT Sound Testing, we’ve been carrying out BREEAM Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) testing for many years, helping developers, contractors, architects, and project managers achieve valuable BREEAM credits while ensuring buildings meet the highest standards of indoor environmental quality.
Whether you need an Indoor Air Quality Plan, post-construction air quality testing, or expert advice throughout your project, our experienced team is here to make the process straightforward from start to finish.
What is BREEAM Indoor Air Quality Testing?
BREEAM Indoor Air Quality Testing is designed to assess the quality of the air within a newly completed building before it is occupied. The aim is simple – to minimise harmful pollutants and create healthier indoor environments for future occupants.
As part of the assessment, we test for key airborne contaminants, including:
- Total Volatile Organic Compounds (TVOCs)
- Formaldehyde
If required, we can also test for additional pollutants depending on your project’s specific requirements.
The Two Stages of BREEAM Hea02
To achieve the available BREEAM credits under the Hea02 category, there are two important stages.
Stage 1 – Indoor Air Quality Plan (IAQP)
The first step is producing an Indoor Air Quality Plan during the design stage of your project.
This plan helps reduce the risk of poor indoor air quality by considering factors such as ventilation strategies, construction methods, building materials, and future maintenance. By identifying potential sources of contamination early, your project can be designed to provide a healthier environment for everyone who will use the building.
Our bespoke Indoor Air Quality 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 prepare for third-party testing
- Guidance on maintaining good indoor air quality after occupation
- Independent testing and analysis
Stage 2 – Post-Construction Indoor Air Quality Testing
Once construction is complete and the building’s HVAC system is fully operational, it’s time for the post-construction Indoor Air Quality Test.
During our site visit, we collect air samples from representative occupied spaces, such as offices, classrooms, healthcare facilities, apartments, or other regularly occupied rooms.
The samples are analysed to measure pollutant levels against the limits specified by BREEAM. If any readings exceed the required thresholds, we’ll explain the findings clearly and recommend practical steps to help bring the building into compliance.
Why Choose APT Sound Testing?
We’ve helped clients across the UK successfully achieve BREEAM, Home Quality Mark (HQM), and other environmental compliance standards through reliable, accurate Indoor Air Quality Testing.
When you work with APT Sound Testing, you can expect:
- Experienced, qualified testing engineers
- Fixed, competitive quotations with no hidden surprises
- Helpful pre-test guidance to maximise the chances of success
- Testing carried out strictly in accordance with BREEAM Hea02 requirements
- Fast, clear reporting and expert technical advice
We understand that preparation is often the key to achieving compliance, which is why we’re always happy to provide practical advice before we even arrive on site.
Preparing for Your Air Quality Test
A successful Indoor Air Quality Test starts with good preparation. Our team provides a comprehensive checklist to ensure your building is ready before testing begins, helping to avoid unnecessary delays or repeat visits.
If you’re planning a BREEAM assessment, we’d be happy to provide our Indoor Air Quality Testing Checklist to help your project stay on track.
Need BREEAM Indoor Air Quality Testing?
If you’re looking for a trusted partner to carry out your BREEAM Indoor Air Quality Testing, APT Sound Testing is here to help.
From creating your Indoor Air Quality Plan to completing post-construction testing and reporting, we’ll guide you through every stage of the process with friendly advice and professional support.
Get in touch with our team today on 01525 303905 or email info@aptsoundtesting.co.uk to discuss your project. Alternatively, visit our Contact page to request a quotation.