BREEAM Indoor Air Quality Plan
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About BREEAM IAQP
A BREEAM Indoor Air Quality Plan (IAQP) is a tailored strategy developed during the early design stages (typically RIBA Stage 2) to minimise indoor air pollution once the building is in use. It's a requirement for achieving up to 5 credits under HEA 02 – Indoor Air Quality in BREEAM New Constructions.
Each IAQP is unique and tailored to the building to ensure the sustainability methods used are appropriate to each setting.
HEA 02 protects the health of the occupants, supports ESG and sustainability goals, and prevents costly design changes later on. By creating a BREEAM air quality plan, you ensure not only that your building is sustainable, but also that the people inhabiting the building will be safe and happy living or working there.
If you are working towards a BREEAM certification on a new build or refurbishment, an indoor air quality plan is essential. It is generally most advantageous to create an IAQP as early as possible, to ensure the building is safe and compliant from the beginning, and to avoid any costly changes down the road.
We deliver bespoke IAQP plans designed around your specific needs. Our expert-led team is equipped to deliver clear, actionable guidance to ensure you reach your sustainability targets and achieve BREEAM certification.
Service Benefits
- Minimise costs associated with compliance
- Target up to 5 credits
- Fast turnaround
- HEA 02 testing services available
BREEAM Indoor Air Quality Testing for 33 King William Street, London
Objectives
ARM Environments were tasked with conducting an air quality test to BREEAM's Refurbishment and fit-out (RFO) 2014 specification in a central London office building during a fit-out. This 11-storey building was becoming home to a major new client who wanted to retain their BREEAM accreditation and prove their dedication to a sustainable workplace for their 1200 team members.
We were contracted to perform the BREEAM air quality test whilst the client was still in the process of moving the bulk of their furniture and equipment to this new location. We theorised that this fit-out process might have released a lot of pollutants which might affect the test results. Upon arrival, we heard comments from the occupants about a 'new car smell'. This smell indicates that the Total Volatile Organic Compounds (TVOCs) in the air are likely too high to pass the BREEAM air quality test. During this initial test, we found concentrations of 786.3ug/m3, with the BREEAM limit being 300ug/m3. Although we expected TVOC concentrations to be high due to the movement of new furnishings and equipment, we discovered that the environment was far above TVOC thresholds to pass the RFO test.
Solutions
Understanding that the high levels of pollutants recorded was likely caused by the ongoing fit-out, we advised the client on what to do in order to remove the VOCs and return the air quality back to healthy levels. When we returned a few weeks later to perform a second test, the air quality was significantly improved, and the client passed (TVOCs now at 271ug/m3).
Results
This case study demonstrates the importance of creating an indoor air quality plan at the appropriate time, especially for new-builds and renovations where extensive flush-out procedures may be required. Because the client was in the process of a renovation when we conducted our first tests, they failed due to concentrations of pollutants that were abnormally higher than they would be under typical circumstances. Ultimately, this cost the client time and money as a second test had to be conducted for the RFO to be successful. If you're looking towards BREEAM certification, it is good practice to conduct your planning and testing as early as possible to avoid unforeseen challenges.
Challenges
- Client needed RFO 2014 for BREEAM 'Excellent'
- Testing conducted mid-fit-out
- Large-scale operation
"A whole five precious credits are available in the latest version of BREEAM’s Hea 02 section for Indoor Air Quality.
But they’re often ignored. Either seen as risky, or because the delivery team don’t know who to work with.
But that’s a mistake. These credits do more than tick boxes. They directly affect the comfort, health and productivity of future occupants."
Adam Taylor, CEO of ARM Environments
Pass
ESG
Wellbeing
Related Insights
Why Choose ARM?
ARM Environments stands out due to our exclusive focus on indoor air quality in non-residential buildings.
Our team holds esteemed certifications, including SafeContractor and BESA. Our CEO, Adam Taylor, chairs the IAQ Group at BESA, underscoring our leadership in the field.
By choosing ARM, you're partnering with specialists dedicated to creating healthier environments for your occupants.
