Focusing on indoor air quality at the outset
In the pursuit of healthier and more sustainable built environments, indoor air quality (IAQ) has emerged as a crucial consideration for new developments. Recognising this, voluntary certification schemes have become invaluable tools in guiding the design, construction, and operation of buildings in the UK.
What are the voluntary certification schemes?
Some of the most recognised schemes in the UK are below:
BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method): Developed by the Building Research Establishment (BRE), BREEAM is a leading sustainability assessment method that evaluates buildings based on various criteria, including IAQ. BREEAM is an environmental performance standard specifically for new, non-domestic buildings in the UK. The certification can range from a ‘Pass’ to an ‘Excellent’ rating.
WELL Building Standard: Administered by the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), WELL is more involved than BREEAM and focuses specifically on enhancing human health and well-being through the built environment.
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design): Developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), LEED is a widely recognised green building certification system that evaluates buildings based on their environmental performance and sustainability. While LEED does not have a specific focus on IAQ like BREEAM and WELL, it includes credits related to indoor environmental quality, ventilation, and pollutant reduction.
How do they work?
The voluntary certification schemes evaluate buildings based on their sustainability and indoor environmental quality. A third party assessor is employed to measure, evaluate and reflect the performance of the new building. This performance is quantified by a number of individual measures and associated criteria stretching across a range of environmental issues, which is ultimately expressed as a single certified rating.
What are the benefits of pursuing a certification scheme?
Increase Asset Value: Buildings certified under certain standards stand out in the market, signalling to clients, tenants, and stakeholders that they prioritise sustainability, wellness, and occupant health. Certification can enhance the marketability and value of properties while attracting environmentally and health-conscious occupants.
Provides a credible, recognised label for the building: The certification schemes promote sustainable building practices, encouraging energy-efficient designs, sustainable materials, and responsible construction practices. The building is then recognised according to its environmental benefits.
Occupant Health and Well-being: The certification schemes prioritise occupant health and well-being by enhancing IAQ, offering criteria and strategies for improving ventilation, filtration, moisture control, and chemical exposure. By creating healthier indoor environments, professionals can enhance occupants' comfort, productivity, and satisfaction.
Economically Beneficial: There is no debating that there is an increase in capital costs associated with pursuing a certification scheme, however, due to savings in operational costs this will work out economically viable in the long run.
Practical Implementation Tips
Early Integration: Incorporate BREEAM, WELL, or LEED requirements into the project from the early design stages. Early integration allows for alignment with certification criteria and ensures that IAQ considerations are prioritized throughout the project lifecycle.
Collaborative Approach: Foster collaboration among planners, architects, developers, engineers, and other stakeholders to address IAQ challenges effectively. Establish clear communication channels and coordinate efforts to integrate IAQ strategies into the design, construction, and operation of the building.
Holistic Design Solutions: Take a holistic approach to IAQ by implementing strategies such as efficient ventilation systems, high-performance filtration, low-emission materials, air quality monitoring, and occupant education. Consider how IAQ measures interact with other sustainability goals to create integrated design solutions.
Continuous Improvement: Maintain IAQ standards over the building's lifespan through regular monitoring, maintenance, and occupant engagement. Continuously evaluate IAQ performance and implement improvements as needed to ensure ongoing compliance with certification criteria
My blog post on ‘Air Smart Buildings the future of IAQ?’ provides more tips on implementing design practices with IAQ in mind.
Why incorporate certification schemes into your developments?
Planners, architects, and developers have the power to shape the future of the built environment. By prioritising IAQ and incorporating certification schemes such as BREEAM, WELL, and LEED into your projects at the outset, you can create healthier, more sustainable and desirable development, and reap the many benefits to follow.
How can we help?
Exe Valley Environmental can help you to understand the most appropriate certification schemes and thus help you achieve these for your development. We will guide you through each stage, from early design and pre-planning advice, to supporting planning applications and carrying out post-construction testing to achieve certification ratings. If you’re unsure about the assessments your project might need in terms of air quality, drop me a call/message or a note via the contact form, for non-committal advice.
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