Case Study: Achieving Optimal Indoor Air Quality in a Large Commercial Development in Central London
The world of architecture and building design has seen a significant shift in recent years. The focus has moved beyond the aesthetics and functionality of buildings towards creating sustainable, healthy indoor environments. One such move is the emphasis on Indoor Air Quality (IAQ), which has become a cornerstone of sustainable building practices, ensuring the health and comfort of the occupants.
This case study centres around an Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) assessment carried out for a large commercial development in central London. The assessment was conducted to satisfy the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) scheme requirements, specifically the HEA02 part. This measure is designed to promote improved indoor air quality in newly constructed properties by controlling concentrations of potentially harmful pollutants.
One of the primary concerns when assessing IAQ is the presence of Total Volatile Organic Compounds (TVOCs). TVOCs are a group of organic chemicals, many of which have short and long-term adverse health effects, that are released as gases from certain solids or liquids. They are omnipresent in our daily lives, emitted by a diverse range of products including paints, cleaning supplies, building materials, furnishings, and even office equipment like printers and copiers. In an indoor environment, especially a new building, these compounds can be off-gassed from many sources and accumulate in the air, creating potential health risks if not appropriately managed.
Formaldehyde is another compound of concern in new buildings. It is a colourless gas with a strong, pungent smell used in making resins for a variety of construction materials, including composite wood products like particleboard, fibreboard, and plywood. It is also commonly found in glues, permanent press fabrics, and certain insulation materials. In new buildings, as these materials off-gas, formaldehyde can build up in indoor air, causing discomfort and potentially leading to health issues.
In our pursuit of creating healthier buildings, managing and controlling levels of TVOCs and formaldehyde has become a key focus. Through the case study that follows, we illustrate how an IAQ assessment can help in identifying potential concerns and implementing strategies to maintain optimal indoor air quality in a new commercial development.
Our method
Our assessment of the Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) at the commercial development followed a meticulous sampling methodology, strictly adhering to recognised international standards, and taking into account the specific criteria established by the BREEAM HEA02 requirements.
We utilised air quality samplers fitted with TENAX anasorb thermal absorption tubes and SKC 226-119 glass tubes to collect samples of volatile organic compounds and formaldehyde in the air. These samplers were calibrated before and after sampling using a BIOS Defender 510-M flow meter, ensuring precise measurements.
Sampling for formaldehyde was performed in line with the guidelines set forth by ISO 16000-3:2011 and BS EN ISO 16000-2:2006. These standards outline a strict active sampling method for formaldehyde and other carbonyl compounds in indoor air, along with a comprehensive sampling strategy. Simultaneously, total volatile organic compounds (TVOC) were sampled following the strict procedures specified by ISO 16000-6:2011 and BS EN ISO 16000-5:2007. These methods focus on active sampling on Tenax Ta sorbent, thermal desorption, and gas chromatography using MS or MS-FID, accompanied by a rigorous VOC sampling strategy.
The gathered samples were then sent to 3rd party laboratory for analysis. The VOC samples were analysed using Thermal Desorption Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry, while formaldehyde samples were scrutinised using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The interpretation of the results was subsequently performed by Sysco Environmental Ltd.
The BREEAM HEA 02 document "Indoor Air Quality" provides the specific criteria to guide our assessment. According to this document, the maximum permissible limit for formaldehyde concentration in habitable rooms is 100 µg/m3, averaged over a 30-minute period. For Total volatile organic compounds (TVOC), the maximum limit is set at 300 µg/m3, averaged over an 8-hour period. These limits form the benchmarks against which we measure the quality of the indoor air within the development.
How to ensure the project passes strict air quality criteria?
To ensure that a BREEAM project successfully passes the stringent air quality criteria, careful planning and rigorous preparation are necessary. Below are several critical actions that must be taken ahead of the assessment:
1. Restrict Construction: Complete the construction phase prior to assessment. If construction is ongoing in parts of the development, minimize activities and refrain from using products containing VOCs, such as paints, sealants, and adhesives, at least 24 hours before the air quality evaluation.
2. Decorative Finishes: Cease all finishing activities like spot painting, silicone application, and other minor decorative work at least 48 hours before the assessment, as they can significantly impact indoor air quality.
3. Building Flush Out: Ventilate the building thoroughly using as much outside air as possible, either by opening windows or running HVAC systems. This step should be taken 48 hours prior to the assessment.
4. Finishes: All interior finishes, including carpeting, doors, and suspended ceilings, should be installed. Movable furnishings such as workstations or other furniture items should not be present in the areas to be tested.
5. Restrict Cleaning: Refrain from activities that might introduce volatiles into the indoor environment, including the use of air fresheners, window or surface cleaners, polishes, waxes, or other surface treatments. Removal of rubbish, packaging, or vacuuming in interior areas is acceptable.
6. Onsite Assistance: A competent staff member should be available onsite during the assessment to assist with accessing the necessary areas.
7. Presence of Other Personnel: While it is preferable to have the building empty during the assessment, personnel whose activities do not impact indoor air quality, such as electricians and plumbers, can continue to work.
These steps, if followed carefully, will significantly increase the chances of successfully achieving the BREEAM indoor air quality standards. It is important to inform the assessment team at least 48 hours in advance if there are any issues with the preparations.
Conclusions
The successful completion of this project showcases the value of adhering strictly to guidelines and implementing recommended practices for indoor air quality. By diligently applying all provided advice and recommendations, our client ensured all tested locations achieved acceptable levels of TVOC and formaldehyde, thus surpassing the rigorous criteria set by the BREEAM scheme.
This outcome illustrates not only the project team's commitment to sustainable practices and health-centric design but also their proactive stance towards ensuring the highest standard of indoor air quality. In effect, the team has set a strong precedent for future developments, demonstrating that the conscientious pursuit of environmental health and safety can yield successful results even under the strictest of standards.
Moreover, the project's success underscores the significance of teamwork, effective communication, and the unwavering commitment of all stakeholders to achieve a shared objective. It is also a testament to our firm's capacity to offer expert guidance and critical insights necessary to navigate complex air quality standards.
In recognition of their efforts, the project was awarded the BREEAM credit, further enhancing their reputation for sustainability and dedication to creating healthier indoor environments. This accomplishment does not only represent a significant milestone for this project but also provides an influential model for the industry at large, inspiring other developers to strive for similar achievements in indoor air quality.
In conclusion, this project serves as a compelling case study demonstrating that with the right guidance, rigorous planning, and dedication to implementing robust health and safety measures, it is entirely possible to achieve and exceed the stringent air quality criteria set by reputable schemes such as BREEAM.
Our expert guidance and robust testing methodologies played an instrumental role in the successful attainment of BREEAM's strict indoor air quality criteria for our client's large commercial development project in central London. The achievement of acceptable levels of TVOC and formaldehyde, resulting in the awarding of the BREEAM credit, not only enhances the project's sustainability profile but also assures future occupants of a healthier indoor environment.
Value Delivered
The value we delivered extends beyond the successful completion of the project. The experience gained from working in tandem with us has equipped the client with a deeper understanding of the importance of indoor air quality, sustainable practices, and the role they play in modern construction. Furthermore, by passing the stringent air quality test, the client's development has gained a competitive advantage, showcasing their commitment to environmental responsibility and occupant well-being.
Finally, our collaboration has set a strong foundation for any future projects, ensuring that the client is well-equipped to navigate and successfully meet rigorous environmental and health safety standards.
