Prioritising indoor environmental quality - Revision history

Designing Buildings at 07:19, 23 February 2021

2021-02-23T07:19:16Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:19, 23 February 2021
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	* Indoor environmental quality.		* Indoor environmental quality.

−	[[Category:Health_and_safety_/_CDM]]	+	[[Category:DCN_Commentary]] [[Category:DCN_Guidance]] [[Category:Health_and_safety_/_CDM]]

Editor at 13:45, 3 June 2020

2020-06-03T13:45:28Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:45, 3 June 2020
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−	This article was originally published as 'Indoor Environmental Quality as a priority concern in buildings; by BSRIA in May 2020. It was written by Dr Blanca Beato-Arribas, Microclimate Team Leader, BSRIA Test.	+	This article was originally published as [https://www.bsria.com/uk/news/article/indoor_environmental_quality_as_a_priority_concern_in_buildings/ 'Indoor Environmental Quality as a priority concern in buildings]' by BSRIA in May 2020. It was written by Dr Blanca Beato-Arribas, Microclimate Team Leader, BSRIA Test.

	--[[User:BSRIA\|BSRIA]]		--[[User:BSRIA\|BSRIA]]

Editor at 13:38, 3 June 2020

2020-06-03T13:38:52Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:38, 3 June 2020
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−	[[File:Biophilicoffice.jpg]]	+	[[File:Biophilicoffice.jpg\|link=File:Biophilicoffice.jpg]]

	= Introduction =		= Introduction =
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	* The design for effective ventilation.		* The design for effective ventilation.

−	The next steps would be proper commissioning and maintenance of the ventilation systems. Duct cleaning and filter maintenance should reduce the levels of external contaminants (such as ~~PM 2~~.5 and ~~PM 10~~) being brought into the space.	+	The next steps would be proper commissioning and maintenance of the ventilation systems. Duct cleaning and filter maintenance should reduce the levels of external contaminants (such as PM2.5 and PM10) being brought into the space.

	Checking and limiting condensation and using UV lights should stop bacteria from growing and spreading in the ventilation system. Controlling humidity levels and ensuring the right ventilation in places, such as kitchens and bathrooms, should also stop mould from growing.		Checking and limiting condensation and using UV lights should stop bacteria from growing and spreading in the ventilation system. Controlling humidity levels and ensuring the right ventilation in places, such as kitchens and bathrooms, should also stop mould from growing.
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	Well designed, effective ventilation should remove most pollutants and odours in a common office environment. Isolating the source of contaminants should also be considered: e.g. some printers release ozone, which is a contaminant, so having the printer in a ventilated room or open area, rather than in a closed room, should help.		Well designed, effective ventilation should remove most pollutants and odours in a common office environment. Isolating the source of contaminants should also be considered: e.g. some printers release ozone, which is a contaminant, so having the printer in a ventilated room or open area, rather than in a closed room, should help.

−	IAQ does not consist only of measuring the temperature, humidity and carbon dioxide (CO2) in a space but measuring for a long list of contaminants can be expensive, so an informed approach must be found. The level of CO2 in an occupied space is a good indicator of the general IAQ and overall ventilation effectiveness, but it is only meaningful if the space is occupied.	+	IAQ does not consist only of measuring the temperature, humidity and carbon dioxide (CO2) in a space, but measuring for a long list of contaminants can be expensive, so an informed approach must be found. The level of CO2 in an occupied space is a good indicator of the general IAQ and overall ventilation effectiveness, but it is only meaningful if the space is occupied.

−	~~Human behaviours (e.g. the use~~ of perfumes and cleaning products), office furniture and building materials are sometimes a source of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC). VOCs are many and their effect on health can vary, depending on the contaminant (from causing respiratory system irritation to cancer). Measuring for Total VOCs (TVOC) as a whole and identifying the VOCs with the largest concentrations, can give an indication of where the problem is - it is not an expensive test.	+	= Other causes of poor IAQ =

−	~~Ensuring that the ventilation system is on~~ (~~and working properly) can dilute~~ the ~~concentration~~ of ~~these contaminants~~, and ~~proper selection of~~ building materials ~~can limit~~ their ~~release into the building~~, ~~e.g. if~~ the ~~office is being repainted or refurbished, selecting materials that do not have~~ a ~~high VOC emission rate~~ and ~~flushing~~ the ~~building should reduce~~ the ~~VOC concentration levels~~.	+	Human behaviours (e.g. the use of perfumes and cleaning products), office furniture and building materials are sometimes a source of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC). VOCs are many, and their effect on health can vary, depending on the contaminant (from causing respiratory system irritation to cancer). Measuring for Total VOCs (TVOC) as a whole and identifying the VOCs with the largest concentrations can give an indication of where the problem is - it is not an expensive test.

−	~~The location of~~ the ~~building~~ can ~~indicate what~~ contaminants ~~to look for: e.g. if is next to a busy road~~, ~~measuring for nitrous oxides (NO, NO2)~~ and ~~particulates (PM2~~.~~5 and PM10) should be considered. If~~ the ~~building~~ is on a ~~Radon (Rn) area, checking Rn levels in~~ the building ~~and investigating ventilation solutions~~ should ~~be a priority, as exposure to Rn, which is naturally released from~~ the ~~ground, can cause lung cancer~~.	+	Ensuring that the ventilation system is on (and working properly) can dilute the concentration of these contaminants, and proper selection of building materials can limit their release into the building. For instance, if the office is being repainted or refurbished, selecting materials that do not have a high VOC emission rate and flushing the building should reduce the VOC concentration levels.

−	~~Indoor environmental quality~~ (~~IEQ~~) ~~looks beyond IAQ~~ and ~~considers~~ the ~~wellbeing of people in~~ a ~~holistic way. IEQ looks not only at air quality, but also includes lighting~~, ~~acoustic~~ and ~~thermal comfort~~, ~~and some wellbeing standards also take nourishment~~, ~~water quality~~, ~~ergonomics, electromagnetic frequency levels and building aesthetics into consideration~~.	+	The location of the building can indicate what contaminants to look for. If it is next to a busy road, measuring for nitrous oxides (NO, NO2) and particulates (PM2.5 and PM10) should be considered. If the building is on a Radon (Rn) area, checking Rn levels in the building and investigating ventilation solutions should be a priority, as exposure to Rn, which is naturally released from the ground, can cause lung cancer.

−	In summary, approximately 90% of the associated costs of a building are staff related. IEQ not only affects people’s health and productivity but also has an impact on the building management~~, e~~.~~g. it makes it~~ a desirable space to sell or rent, or it ~~requires~~ extensive and costly investigations to rectify. Therefore, providing good IEQ at work should be a priority for employers.	+	= Covering the full spectrum =
		+
		+	Indoor environmental quality (IEQ) looks beyond IAQ and considers the wellbeing of people in a holistic way. IEQ looks not only at air quality, but also includes lighting, acoustic and thermal comfort, and some wellbeing standards. It also takes nourishment, water quality, ergonomics, electromagnetic frequency levels and building aesthetics into consideration.
		+
		+	In summary, approximately 90% of the associated costs of a building are staff related. IEQ not only affects people’s health and productivity, but it also has an impact on the building management. It can make one space a desirable space to sell or rent, while it can make another require extensive and costly investigations to rectify. Therefore, providing good IEQ at work should be a priority for employers.

	-----		-----
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	* Indoor air quality.		* Indoor air quality.
	* Indoor environmental quality.		* Indoor environmental quality.
		+
		+	[[Category:Health_and_safety_/_CDM]]

Editor at 13:24, 3 June 2020

2020-06-03T13:24:39Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:24, 3 June 2020
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		+	[[File:Biophilicoffice.jpg]]
		+
	= Introduction =		= Introduction =

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	Indoor air quality (IAQ) at work is measured when it is obvious staff may be at risk, based on specific HSE procedures for special contaminants or industries. But in an office environment, measurements tend to be carried out when there are scheme points to be achieved or when there are sick building syndrome related complaints.		Indoor air quality (IAQ) at work is measured when it is obvious staff may be at risk, based on specific HSE procedures for special contaminants or industries. But in an office environment, measurements tend to be carried out when there are scheme points to be achieved or when there are sick building syndrome related complaints.

−	Some IAQ related problems could be avoided if it was considered at design stage~~: e.g~~. the location of supply and extract grilles in the building~~, the~~ assumption that outside air is fresh~~, the~~ selection of filtration~~, the~~ selection of building and furniture materials, design for effective ventilation~~, etc~~.	+	Some IAQ related problems could be avoided if it was considered at the design stage. This might include reviewing the following:
		+
		+	* The location of supply and extract grilles in the building.
		+	* The assumption that outside air is fresh.
		+	* The selection of filtration.
		+	* The selection of building and furniture materials.
		+	* The design for effective ventilation.
		+
		+	The next steps would be proper commissioning and maintenance of the ventilation systems. Duct cleaning and filter maintenance should reduce the levels of external contaminants (such as PM 2.5 and PM 10) being brought into the space.

−	The next steps would be proper commissioning and maintenance of the ventilation systems. Duct cleaning and filter maintenance should reduce the levels of external contaminants, such as PM 2.5 and PM10, being brought into the space. Checking and limiting condensation and ~~the use of~~ UV lights should stop bacteria from growing ~~in the ventilation systems~~ and ~~being spread~~ in ~~the building by~~ the ventilation system ~~itself~~. Controlling humidity levels and ensuring the right ventilation in places such as kitchens and bathrooms should also stop mould from growing.	+	Checking and limiting condensation and using UV lights should stop bacteria from growing and spreading in the ventilation system. Controlling humidity levels and ensuring the right ventilation in places, such as kitchens and bathrooms, should also stop mould from growing.

	Well designed, effective ventilation should remove most pollutants and odours in a common office environment. Isolating the source of contaminants should also be considered: e.g. some printers release ozone, which is a contaminant, so having the printer in a ventilated room or open area, rather than in a closed room, should help.		Well designed, effective ventilation should remove most pollutants and odours in a common office environment. Isolating the source of contaminants should also be considered: e.g. some printers release ozone, which is a contaminant, so having the printer in a ventilated room or open area, rather than in a closed room, should help.

Editor at 13:05, 3 June 2020

2020-06-03T13:05:07Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:05, 3 June 2020
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	We spend over 80% of our time indoors. Recent publications about the poor air quality (AQ) in our towns and cities, coupled with investigations on the link between AQ and coronavirus transmission, as well as intensifying climate change lobbying are making people increasingly aware of the importance of good air quality.		We spend over 80% of our time indoors. Recent publications about the poor air quality (AQ) in our towns and cities, coupled with investigations on the link between AQ and coronavirus transmission, as well as intensifying climate change lobbying are making people increasingly aware of the importance of good air quality.

−	~~Contaminant sources from building materials or human behaviour indoors, can make the~~ indoor air ~~8 to 10 times more polluted than the exterior air, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).~~	+	= Consequences of poor indoor air quality =

−	~~More and more studies are beginning~~ to ~~report~~ the ~~increase in employers’ productivity and the reduction in sick leave when wellbeing is considered~~, ~~and~~ the ~~subsequent economic benefits it brings~~.	+	Contaminant sources from building materials or human behaviour indoors can make the indoor air eight to 10 times more polluted than the exterior air, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).

−	~~Despite~~, this, some employers and building owners tend to be reactive rather than proactive, neglecting the maintenance of the ventilation systems. Indoor air quality (IAQ) at work is measured when it is obvious staff may be at risk, ~~following~~ specific HSE procedures for special contaminants or industries~~, but~~ in an office environment, measurements tend to be carried out when there are scheme points to be achieved or when there are sick building syndrome related complaints.	+	More and more studies are beginning to report the outcome of environments where wellbeing is considered. Many point to an increase in employers’ productivity and the reduction in sick leave, bringing with them subsequent economic benefits.
		+
		+	Despite this, some employers and building owners tend to be reactive rather than proactive and neglecting the maintenance of the ventilation systems.
		+
		+	= Measuring impact =
		+
		+	Indoor air quality (IAQ) at work is measured when it is obvious staff may be at risk, based on specific HSE procedures for special contaminants or industries. But in an office environment, measurements tend to be carried out when there are scheme points to be achieved or when there are sick building syndrome related complaints.

	Some IAQ related problems could be avoided if it was considered at design stage: e.g. the location of supply and extract grilles in the building, the assumption that outside air is fresh, the selection of filtration, the selection of building and furniture materials, design for effective ventilation, etc.		Some IAQ related problems could be avoided if it was considered at design stage: e.g. the location of supply and extract grilles in the building, the assumption that outside air is fresh, the selection of filtration, the selection of building and furniture materials, design for effective ventilation, etc.

Editor at 12:55, 3 June 2020

2020-06-03T12:55:37Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:55, 3 June 2020
Line 1:		Line 1:
−	We spend over 80% of our time indoors~~, perhaps a little more since lockdown begun~~. Recent publications about the poor air quality (AQ) in our towns and cities, coupled with investigations on the link between AQ and coronavirus transmission, as well as intensifying climate change lobbying are making people increasingly aware of the importance of good air quality.	+	= Introduction =
		+
		+	We spend over 80% of our time indoors. Recent publications about the poor air quality (AQ) in our towns and cities, coupled with investigations on the link between AQ and coronavirus transmission, as well as intensifying climate change lobbying are making people increasingly aware of the importance of good air quality.

	Contaminant sources from building materials or human behaviour indoors, can make the indoor air 8 to 10 times more polluted than the exterior air, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).		Contaminant sources from building materials or human behaviour indoors, can make the indoor air 8 to 10 times more polluted than the exterior air, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Editor: Created page with "We spend over 80% of our time indoors, perhaps a little more since lockdown begun. Recent publications about the poor air quality (AQ) in our towns and cities, coupled with inves..."

2020-06-03T12:47:48Z

Created page with "We spend over 80% of our time indoors, perhaps a little more since lockdown begun. Recent publications about the poor air quality (AQ) in our towns and cities, coupled with inves..."

New page

We spend over 80% of our time indoors, perhaps a little more since lockdown begun. Recent publications about the poor air quality (AQ) in our towns and cities, coupled with investigations on the link between AQ and coronavirus transmission, as well as intensifying climate change lobbying are making people increasingly aware of the importance of good air quality.

Contaminant sources from building materials or human behaviour indoors, can make the indoor air 8 to 10 times more polluted than the exterior air, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).

More and more studies are beginning to report the increase in employers’ productivity and the reduction in sick leave when wellbeing is considered, and the subsequent economic benefits it brings.

Despite, this, some employers and building owners tend to be reactive rather than proactive, neglecting the maintenance of the ventilation systems. Indoor air quality (IAQ) at work is measured when it is obvious staff may be at risk, following specific HSE procedures for special contaminants or industries, but in an office environment, measurements tend to be carried out when there are scheme points to be achieved or when there are sick building syndrome related complaints.

Some IAQ related problems could be avoided if it was considered at design stage: e.g. the location of supply and extract grilles in the building, the assumption that outside air is fresh, the selection of filtration, the selection of building and furniture materials, design for effective ventilation, etc.

The next steps would be proper commissioning and maintenance of the ventilation systems. Duct cleaning and filter maintenance should reduce the levels of external contaminants, such as PM 2.5 and PM10, being brought into the space. Checking and limiting condensation and the use of UV lights should stop bacteria from growing in the ventilation systems and being spread in the building by the ventilation system itself. Controlling humidity levels and ensuring the right ventilation in places such as kitchens and bathrooms should also stop mould from growing.

Well designed, effective ventilation should remove most pollutants and odours in a common office environment. Isolating the source of contaminants should also be considered: e.g. some printers release ozone, which is a contaminant, so having the printer in a ventilated room or open area, rather than in a closed room, should help.

IAQ does not consist only of measuring the temperature, humidity and carbon dioxide (CO2) in a space but measuring for a long list of contaminants can be expensive, so an informed approach must be found. The level of CO2 in an occupied space is a good indicator of the general IAQ and overall ventilation effectiveness, but it is only meaningful if the space is occupied.

Human behaviours (e.g. the use of perfumes and cleaning products), office furniture and building materials are sometimes a source of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC). VOCs are many and their effect on health can vary, depending on the contaminant (from causing respiratory system irritation to cancer). Measuring for Total VOCs (TVOC) as a whole and identifying the VOCs with the largest concentrations, can give an indication of where the problem is - it is not an expensive test.

Ensuring that the ventilation system is on (and working properly) can dilute the concentration of these contaminants, and proper selection of building materials can limit their release into the building, e.g. if the office is being repainted or refurbished, selecting materials that do not have a high VOC emission rate and flushing the building should reduce the VOC concentration levels.

The location of the building can indicate what contaminants to look for: e.g. if is next to a busy road, measuring for nitrous oxides (NO, NO2) and particulates (PM2.5 and PM10) should be considered. If the building is on a Radon (Rn) area, checking Rn levels in the building and investigating ventilation solutions should be a priority, as exposure to Rn, which is naturally released from the ground, can cause lung cancer.

Indoor environmental quality (IEQ) looks beyond IAQ and considers the wellbeing of people in a holistic way. IEQ looks not only at air quality, but also includes lighting, acoustic and thermal comfort, and some wellbeing standards also take nourishment, water quality, ergonomics, electromagnetic frequency levels and building aesthetics into consideration.

In summary, approximately 90% of the associated costs of a building are staff related. IEQ not only affects people’s health and productivity but also has an impact on the building management, e.g. it makes it a desirable space to sell or rent, or it requires extensive and costly investigations to rectify. Therefore, providing good IEQ at work should be a priority for employers.

-----
This article was originally published as 'Indoor Environmental Quality as a priority concern in buildings; by BSRIA in May 2020. It was written by Dr Blanca Beato-Arribas, Microclimate Team Leader, BSRIA Test.

--[[User:BSRIA|BSRIA]]

= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =

* Air quality.
* At a glance - Indoor air quality.
* Bringing a breath of fresh air to the design of indoor environments.
* BS ISO 17772 - Indoor environmental quality.
* BSRIA articles on Designing Buildings Wiki.
* BSRIA responds to UK Air Pollution Report.
* Fresh air.
* Health effects of indoor air quality on children and young people.
* Indoor air quality.
* Indoor environmental quality.