Stroma Built Environment offers indoor air quality plans and third-party testing for projects working towards BREEAM.
We support clients in achieving up to two BREEAM HEA 02 credits, whilst maximising health and comfort for building occupants.
Our Indoor Air Quality Services
Clean and fresh air minimises the risk of indoor air pollution from a variety of sources, including dirty air ventilation, moulds, and carbon monoxide. Poor indoor air quality is not only uncomfortable for many building occupants, but also poses significant risks to their health.
Our professional air quality consultants work with clients to protect occupants and the environment. We deliver a complete set of indoor air quality services, offering:
- Low-cost & effective methods for achieving up to two BREEAM credits for indoor air quality
- Interpretation of changing Building Regulations, including air quality & environmental legislation to generate lifetime value
- Indoor air quality services deployed from technical design to handover & close-out
Indoor Air Quality Plan & Third-Party Testing for BREEAM
Stroma Built Environment supports a wide range of projects in achieving up to two BREEAM credits. These include indoor air quality plans and third-party testing for gases, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and formaldehyde.
Our indoor air quality testing is carried out before handover to sample test areas for exceeded limits of harmful gases. If excessive gas levels are found, our team will advise on remedial measures per the indoor air quality plan.
The Indoor Air Quality Plan influences the design, specification, and installation of projects and considers:
- Removal of contaminant sources
- Dilution & control of contaminant sources
- Procedures of pre-occupancy flush-out
- Third-party testing & analysis
- Maintaining in-use indoor air quality
By working with designers and contractors to provide indoor air quality plans, we can minimise poor indoor air quality for occupants. Our services are also available for in-use buildings to identify causes of poor air quality and recommend remedial measures to reduce risks.
Indoor Air Quality Guidance: Assessment, Monitoring, Modelling & Mitigation
Using recently released guidance by the Institute of Air Quality Management, Stroma undertakes indoor air quality assessments for proposed and existing structures.
Our specialists will identify potential sources of pollution, provide mitigation measures, and suggest monitoring strategies. With IoT sensors, our services can:
- Improve occupants’ comfort & well-being
- Monitor CO2, NO2, PM, TVOC, temperature & humidity
- Set up alerts & provide guidance to improve the internal environment conditions
- Facilitate returning to work by creating a safer & more productive environment
“We can also investigate odours and air leakage issues using air and smoke testing methods, odour testing / monitoring, thermographic and visual surveys, remedial air and odour sealing advice, and on-site remedial works.”
JAMES POLLARD – Air Quality Consultant
Home Quality Mark (HQM)
Compliance with the Home Quality Mark (HQM) requirements enables home builders to satisfy Building Regulations, demonstrate the high quality of their developments, and differentiate themselves in the marketplace. Homebuyers are also given the confidence that any new home built to the HQM is well-designed, accurately built, and cost-effective to run.
Our comprehensive indoor air quality service is aligned with HQM requirements and includes a detailed assessment of the building’s ventilation system(s). This enables us to:
- Identify the most appropriate effective run modes
- Define a methodology to maximise air changes & deliver the maximum outside air
- Install monitoring equipment to confirm air changes & limit stagnant air zones
WELL Indoor Air Quality Testing
The WELL Building Standard aims to enhance human health and well-being by improving the indoor environment. At Stroma, we can carry out thorough air quality pre-tests to check performance before the WELL verification test. Acting as your technical partner, we will work with you to ensure your developments support the safety of occupants and achieve compliance.
Stroma Built Environment and its team of experts are here ready to discuss a range of packages for any new project. Get in touch today!
FAQs
Why is indoor air quality testing important?
Indoor air quality assessments are crucial for enhancing the overall well-being of your building’s occupants, decreasing the risk of adverse health effects, and increasing comfort. Implementing appropriate remediation methods can also help to reduce odours, improve performance, and lower energy costs.
What is included in an indoor air quality test?
Indoor air quality testing provides the measurement of a wide range of parameters within a building. This could include visual evaluations, humidity readings, samples for VOC testing, and samples of mould.
Is BREEAM mandatory in the UK?
BREEAM is a long-established method of assessing, rating, and certifying the sustainability of buildings. While BREEAM assessments are not required by law in the UK, in certain areas (including London) BREEAM accreditation is mandatory for planning permission.
Stroma Built Environment supports a variety of projects in achieving up to two BREEAM credits for indoor air quality. Talk to us for more details.
What is the Home Quality Mark?
The Home Quality Mark (HQM) is an established standard for new homes in the UK. It employs a single 5-star rating system to certify homes based on design, construction, and sustainability. Stroma offers indoor air quality assessments aligned to the HQM requirements.
What is the WELL Building Standard?
The WELL Building Standard is an international assessment method that aims to enhance health and well-being around the world. Part of WELL includes promoting a high standard of indoor air quality, which our team at Stroma can help to achieve before your WELL verification test.