Indoor environmental quality
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
With people generally spending more time indoors, and buildings being more tightly constructed and isolated from the external environment, a greater importance is being placed on the indoor environment.
Indoor environmental quality (IEQ) is a general indicator of the quality of conditions inside a building. It can also include functional aspects of space, for example whether the layout provides access to equipment when needed and whether the building has sufficient space for its occupants.
A better indoor environmental quality can enhance the wellbeing of building occupants and help decrease the occurrence of sick building syndrome and building related illness. It can also lead to a decrease in worker complaints and absenteeism which in turn can improve productivity.
[edit] Factors influencing indoor environmental quality
The indoor building environment is complex and there are a variety of factors that can influence its environmental quality.
- Airborne contaminants (gases and particles) from; office equipment, cleaning products, construction activities, furnishings and carpets, water-damaged building materials, microbial growth (fungal, bacterial and mould), outdoor pollutants, and so on.
- Indoor air quality.
- Ventilation.
- Humidity.
- Thermal comfort.
- Daylight, lighting and views.
- Electromagnetic frequency levels.
- Acoustic conditions.
[edit] Optimal indoor environmental quality design
In order to optimise indoor environmental quality, the design and development process should:
- Ensure good quality design, construction, commissioning, operating and maintenance practices.
- Consider aesthetic designs including the importance of views and the integration of natural elements.
- Provide thermal comfort controls for occupants where possible.
- Supply adequate levels and quality of ventilation.
- Prevent airborne bacteria, mould and other fungi through a design that manages moisture sources inside and outside the building.
- Use building products that do not emit pollutants.
- Use sound absorbing/insulating materials to help create optimal acoustic levels.
[edit] Building management to improve indoor environmental quality
There are a number of ways that the indoor environmental quality of existing buildings can be improved, including:
- Using fragrance-free and low VOC (volatile organic compounds) cleaning products.
- Undertaking audits of cleaning products and devising a cleaning plan to replace products with safer alternatives.
- Vacuuming regularly and using vacuums with HEPA (High-efficiency particulate arrestance) filters.
- Ensuring that HVAC equipment is well maintained and working optimally.
- Creating a door and window opening protocol to maintain sufficient air flow.
- Avoiding dust blowing equipment such as leaf blowers and diesel-powered engine equipment.
- When using pesticides, fertilisers and lime applications, ensuring there is little or no wind.
- Maintaining buildings and furnishings to a high standard reducing the need for renovation and remodelling.
- Ensuring filters in HVAC systems are properly maintained.
- Optimising lighting.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Air change rates.
- Air filtration and clean indoor air quality standards.
- Air quality.
- Arrestance.
- BREEAM Indoor air quality plan.
- BREEAM Indoor air quality Ventilation.
- BREEAM Indoor pollutants VOCs.
- BREEAM NOx emissions.
- BS ISO 17772 - Indoor environmental quality.
- BSRIA Noise in the built environment TG 20/2021.
- Building Back Better: Health.
- Building related illness.
- Ensuring good indoor air quality in buildings.
- Environment.
- Health effects of indoor air quality on children and young people.
- Health and wellbeing impacts of natural and artificial lighting.
- HVAC 2030: BSRIA puts opportunities and challenges to the industry.
- Indoor air quality.
- Lighting and health infographic.
- Sick building syndrome.
- TG10 2016 At a glance, wellbeing.
- TSI Environmental dust monitoring system.
- Use of lighting to improve health and wellbeing.
- Ventilation.
- Wellbeing.
Featured articles and news
Professional practical experience for Architects in training
The long process to transform the nature of education and professional practical experience in the Architecture profession following recent reports.
A people-first approach to retrofit
Moving away from the destructive paradigm of fabric-first.
International Electrician Day, 10 June 2025
Celebrating the role of electrical engineers from André-Marie Amperè, today and for the future.
New guide for clients launched at Houses of Parliament
'There has never been a more important time for clients to step up and ...ask the right questions'
The impact of recycled slate tiles
Innovation across the decades.
EPC changes for existing buildings
Changes and their context as the new RdSAP methodology comes into use from 15 June.
Skills England publishes Sector skills needs assessments
Priority areas relating to the built environment highlighted and described in brief.
BSRIA HVAC Market Watch - May 2025 Edition
Heat Pump Market Outlook: Policy, Performance & Refrigerant Trends for 2025–2028.
Committing to EDI in construction with CIOB
Built Environment professional bodies deepen commitment to EDI with two new signatories: CIAT and CICES.
Government Grenfell progress report at a glance
Line by line recomendation overview, with links to more details.
An engaging and lively review of his professional life.
Sustainable heating for listed buildings
A problem that needs to be approached intelligently.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson apprentice award
Deadline for entries has been extended to Friday 27 June, so don't miss out!
CIAT at the London Festival of Architecture
Designing for Everyone: Breaking Barriers in Inclusive Architecture.
Mixed reactions to apprenticeship and skills reform 2025
A 'welcome shift' for some and a 'backwards step' for others.