BREEAM Indoor Air Quality Testing

BREEAM Indoor Air Quality Testing – Everything You Need to Know

Creating a healthy indoor environment is becoming an increasingly important part of modern construction. Whether you’re developing an office, healthcare facility, school or residential building, achieving excellent indoor air quality is essential for both occupant wellbeing and BREEAM compliance.

At APT Sound Testing, we’ve been helping developers, architects, contractors and consultants achieve BREEAM Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) credits for many years. From developing compliant Indoor Air Quality Plans to carrying out post-construction air quality testing, our experienced team provides a complete service to help your project meet the required standards.

Why Indoor Air Quality Matters

Poor indoor air quality can affect the health, comfort and productivity of building occupants. Construction materials, finishes, furnishings and building systems can all release pollutants into the air, particularly during the early stages of occupation.

BREEAM recognises the importance of clean indoor air through the Hea02 Indoor Air Quality assessment, rewarding projects that demonstrate good design, careful material selection and successful post-construction testing.

Our Complete BREEAM Indoor Air Quality Service

We offer everything required to help your project achieve BREEAM Indoor Air Quality credits, including:

• BREEAM Indoor Air Quality Plans
• Post-construction Indoor Air Quality Testing
• Air quality monitoring
• Third-party laboratory analysis
• Advice on improving indoor air quality
• Guidance throughout the compliance process

Our team works closely with project managers and contractors to make the testing process as straightforward as possible.

Stage 1 – BREEAM Indoor Air Quality Plan

The first step towards achieving additional BREEAM credits is preparing a compliant Indoor Air Quality Plan (IAQP).

This document is produced during the design stage and helps minimise the risk of poor indoor air quality once the building is occupied. It considers factors such as ventilation design, material selection and construction practices that may affect air quality throughout the project.

A professionally prepared Indoor Air Quality Plan can include:

• Recommendations for removing contamination sources
• Methods for controlling and diluting airborne pollutants
• Pre-occupancy flush-out procedures
• Practical guidance for contractors during construction
• Preparation checklists for final air quality testing
• Long-term advice for maintaining healthy indoor environments

By planning ahead, many potential air quality issues can be avoided before the building is completed.

Stage 2 – Post-Construction Indoor Air Quality Testing

Once construction is complete and the building’s HVAC system is fully operational, post-construction Indoor Air Quality Testing can take place.

The purpose of the testing is to confirm that pollutant levels meet the limits specified by BREEAM.

Testing typically includes measuring:

• Total Volatile Organic Compounds (TVOCs)
• Formaldehyde

Additional contaminants can also be tested where required by the project specification.

If any readings exceed the acceptable limits, remedial actions can be implemented in line with the Indoor Air Quality Plan before retesting is carried out.

Professional Indoor Air Quality Testing

APT Sound Testing has extensive experience carrying out post-construction Indoor Air Quality Testing for projects across the UK.

Our engineers follow the strict procedures required under:

• BREEAM Hea02
• Home Quality Mark (HQM)
• Other recognised compliance standards

Before attending site, we provide a clear quotation along with a comprehensive preparation checklist to ensure your building is ready for testing.

As testing requirements can vary between schemes, we always ensure the appropriate methodology is used for your specific project.

Which Areas Are Tested?

Indoor Air Quality Testing is normally carried out in rooms that will be occupied for extended periods.

These commonly include:

• Offices
• Hospitals
• Healthcare facilities
• Schools
• Residential accommodation
• Commercial buildings

The number of rooms tested will depend on the size and layout of the development, ensuring compliance with the relevant BREEAM guidance.

Expert Guidance Throughout Your Project

Preparing a building correctly before testing can make a significant difference to the final results.

Our experienced consultants provide practical advice to project managers and site teams before the testing date, helping create the correct environmental conditions and reducing the likelihood of delays or failed tests.

Having supported hundreds of projects, we understand the common issues that arise and can help you avoid them.

Contact APT Sound Testing

If you require BREEAM Indoor Air Quality Testing or need assistance preparing an Indoor Air Quality Plan, our experienced team is here to help.

Call us today on 01525 303905 or email info@aptsoundtesting.co.uk to discuss your project and request a quotation.