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How It Works
About Fitwel Testing
We help non-residential buildings meet the indoor air quality requirements of the globally recognised Fitwel Certification System.
We start with a consultation to understand your building’s current indoor environment and your Fitwel strategy. Our engineers then carry out comprehensive testing, measuring pollutants such as carbon dioxide (CO₂), total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs), particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), and other key indicators of occupant health.
Testing is performed under normal operating conditions to reflect real-world exposure. We assess your space against Fitwel’s indoor air quality benchmarks, identifying any issues that may hinder certification.
Following testing, we deliver a detailed report with clear results and recommendations. If any pollutants exceed Fitwel limits, we advise on targeted improvements — such as filtration upgrades or operational changes — and provide retesting to confirm compliance.
Service Benefits
- Identify air quality risks
- Improved occupant health
- Improved building marketability
- Potential cost savings
Featured Project
Fitwel testing on Blackfriars Road
Objectives
In 2024, our client began the process of moving into their beautiful new office space in the Arbor Building on Blackfriars Road in London. For this move, the company wanted to achieve Fitwel certification early as it shows they are a company dedicated to supporting the health, wellbeing, and productivity of their staff and demonstrates a commitment to a space that has an overall positive impact on health. They reached out to us at ARM Environments to conduct the Fitwel testing for their office space.
Noticing a red flag early on, the first thing we could smell when we walked into the office space was the pleasant scent from several reed diffusers dotted around the office space. Although they made the office smell lovely, these diffusers, alongside other scented homeware items, can release Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) into the air, which would negatively impact the test results. We discussed with the client the impact of diffusers and they swiftly banished them into another room. We understand the intention here, though: the lingering "new office smell" from fresh paints and furnishings isn't the nicest smell, and the reed diffusers did make the room smell nicer. Despite this, these diffusers are essentially adding more VOCs into the air on top of the existing emissions from the paints and furniture, exacerbating the Total Volatile Organic Compound (TVOC) levels by masking one scent with another. The safest space is typically the one that you can't smell at all.
Solutions
We conducted indoor air quality testing using passive sampling tubes, which are non-intrusive, silent, and require no ongoing attention once installed. These devices work by collecting airborne pollutants through natural diffusion, allowing us to measure concentrations over time without disrupting daily operations in the office. The tubes were strategically placed throughout the space and left in position for two weeks, providing a reliable snapshot of indoor air quality. When we returned to assess the samples, it seemed the indoor air quality of the office space was well within healthy limits, indicating a safe and well-ventilated environment.
Following our tests, the client was successful in achieving Fitwel certification, an internationally-recognised standard for healthy buildings. Our indoor air quality assessment formed a key part of the submission, contributing the knowledge that their indoor air quality was clean and healthy.
Results
With our client happy, and with a 2-star Fitwel certification, we created a report for them to keep stored for future reference. This allows them to see whether their IAQ deteriorates or improves in the future, making it much simpler assess the effectiveness of new/refurbished air handling units and filters, and even the impact of indoor factors like reed diffusers!
Ultimately, the biggest success in this story is that the client achieved Fitwel certification. Not only does this ensure their staff stay healthy, happy, and productive, but it also draws attention from outside sources looking for potential companies to join or investors looking to rent/purchase the space. Fitwel shows the world that a company prioritises wellbeing, an increasingly invaluable factor in today's day and age.
Challenges
- Client recently moved in
- Space full of VOC-emitting materials
- Large office space
"When you're measuring air pollution, the best smell is often no smell at all. In this case, the staff were covering the smell of pollutants with other pollutants, increasing the risk of respiratory harm. If you need advice on how to decrease levels of VOCs in newly fitted out buildings, please get in touch."
Adam Taylor - CEO of ARM Environments
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Why Choose ARM?
At ARM Environments, indoor air quality is our sole focus – not just one of many services.
We understand the Fitwel Certification System and how to align real-world testing with its performance benchmarks. Our engineers use high-precision instruments and provide clear reporting that supports your certification team.
Whether you're aiming for Fitwel as a standalone goal or alongside WELL or BREEAM, we offer trusted expertise and practical guidance to help you achieve your targets without delay.
