BREEAM extends coverage of VOC schemes to a number of European-based schemes
BREEAM is an internationally-recognised measure of sustainability for buildings and communities.
In September 2015, BRE announced that it had extended recognition of third party certification schemes for demonstrating compliance with the BREEAM criteria for volatile organic compound (VOC) emission levels with approval of a number of European-based schemes, including the Eurofins Indoor Air Comfort and Indoor Air Comfort GOLD scheme. This followed the earlier approval of North American-based schemes from SCS Global Services Ltd and UL LLC.
This additional means of compliance is applicable to the following current BREEAM schemes:
- BREEAM International: New Construction 2013 (Hea 02) & Non-Domestic Refurbishment and Fit-out 2015 (Hea 02)
- BREEAM UK: New Construction 2014 (Hea 02), Domestic Refurbishment 2014 (Hea 03) & Non-Domestic Refurbishment and Fit-out 2014 (Hea 02)
It can also be applied retrospectively to superseded versions of these schemes that include similar VOC criteria.
Alan Yates, Technical Director for BREEAM said, “This is a further move to recognising additional certification schemes which address the important issue of VOCs in construction and fit-out products. We are pleased to recognise these European schemes that increases BREEAM’s international coverage and applicability in this area”
Soren Junker Nielsen, General Manager of Eurofins Product Testing A/S said “The inclusion of the Indoor Air Comfort certification in the list of third party certification schemes that are accepted by BREEAM to show compliance with the BREEAM criteria on VOC levels demonstrates the ambition of BREEAM to make use of existing state-of-art programmes, and to ease life for building planners to identify compliant products. We also welcome the acceptance of other European schemes such as the EMICODE, M1 and AgBB"
A full listing of the third party schemes currently recognised by BREEAM can be found in Guidance Note GN 22: BREEAM Recognised Schemes for VOC Emissions from Building Products available from the Resources section of the BREEAM website.
Featured articles and news
Design and construction industry podcasts
Professional development, practice, the pandemic, platforms and podcasts. Have we missed anything?
C20 Society; Buildings at Risk List 2025
10 more buildings published with updates on the past decade of buildings featured.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme and certifications consultation
Summary of government consultation, closing 11 June 2025.
Deputy editor of AT, Tim Fraser, discusses the newly formed society with its current chair, Chris Halligan MCIAT.
Barratt Lo-E passivhaus standard homes planned enmasse
With an initial 728 Lo-E homes across two sites and many more planned for the future.
Government urged to uphold Warm Homes commitment
ECA and industry bodies write to Government concerning its 13.2 billion Warm Homes manifesto commitment.
From project managers to rising stars, sustainability pioneers and more.
Places of Worship in Britain and Ireland, 1929-1990. Book review.
The emancipation of women in art.
Call for independent National Grenfell oversight mechanism
MHCLG share findings of Building Safety Inquiry in letter to Secretary of State and Minister for Building Safety.
The Architectural Technology Awards
AT Awards now open for this the sixth decade of CIAT.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson awards
Deadline for submissions Friday 30 May 2025.
The benefits of precast, off-site foundation systems
Top ten benefits of this notable innovation.
Encouraging individuals to take action saving water at home, work, and in their communities.
Takes a community to support mental health and wellbeing
The why of becoming a Mental Health Instructor explained.
Mental health awareness week 13-18 May
The theme is communities, they can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and a sense purpose.
Mental health support on the rise but workers still struggling
CIOB Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025 shows.
Design and construction material libraries
Material, sample, product or detail libraries a key component of any architectural design practice.