Indoor air quality (IAQ) is no longer a secondary consideration—it’s a cornerstone of healthy, sustainable building design. With most people spending over 90% of their time indoors, the air we breathe in homes and offices profoundly impacts our health, productivity, and well-being. Recognizing its importance, Level(s) Indicator 4.1, "Indoor Air Quality," provides a structured framework for evaluating and improving IAQ in residential and office buildings.
"By understanding the interplay between materials, ventilation, and environmental factors, you can transform indoor environments into healthier, more sustainable spaces that set your projects apart in today’s competitive market."
A strategic approach is required to achieve optimal IAQ, from identifying pollutant sources like VOCs and CO₂ to implementing ventilation strategies and selecting low-emission materials. This article explores actionable insights and proven strategies to help professionals master IAQ, aligning with sustainability goals while enhancing occupant comfort. By understanding the interplay between materials, ventilation, and environmental factors, you can transform indoor environments into healthier, more sustainable spaces that set your projects apart in today’s competitive market.
The Pillars of Indoor Air Quality
Achieving optimal IAQ involves addressing these core components:
Key Parameters
Ventilation Rate (L/s/m²): Essential for maintaining acceptable CO2 levels and humidity.
Target Pollutants Include VOCs, formaldehyde, radon, and particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10). These pollutants are measured from indoor and outdoor sources.
Implementation Levels
Level 1: Concept Design
Focuses on early-stage planning, such as designing ventilation systems, selecting low-emission materials, and assessing humidity control measures.
Includes a checklist to ensure consideration of expected building usage and pollutant minimisation.
Level 2: Detailed Design and Construction
Requires verification that as-built components align with the design.
Uses standards like EN 16798-1 for ventilation and EN 16516 for VOC emissions.
Level 3: In-Use Performance
Involves in-situ monitoring and occupant surveys post-occupancy.
Measures real-time IAQ parameters and correlates them with occupant satisfaction.
Measurement and Reporting
Units: Parameters like VOCs (µg/m³), formaldehyde (ppb), and particulate matter (µg/m³) are measured using established standards.
Tools: Air sampling, monitoring equipment, and lab testing are required, complemented by occupant perception surveys.
Templates: Reporting templates help compare design, as-built, and operational IAQ data.
Challenges and Considerations
Material Selection: Emphasis on using materials with low VOC emissions and managing pollutants from outdoor air.
Humidity Control: High humidity can lead to mould, while low humidity may cause discomfort. Effective ventilation is crucial.
Cost-Effectiveness: A key challenge is balancing high air quality expectations with energy efficiency and cost.
Standards and Compliance
Relevant Standards: EN 16798-1 for ventilation, ISO 13788 for humidity-related risks, and WELL standards for VOCs.
Health Benchmarks: Formaldehyde limits set by WHO, WELL, and EU standards guide IAQ assessments.
Turning Standards into Action
Effective IAQ strategies require integrating best practices into every stage of building design:
"Misaligned materials, poorly designed ventilation systems, and inadequate humidity controls can compromise occupant health, inflate operational costs, and jeopardize compliance with necessary labels."
Indoor air quality (IAQ) is often relegated to the later stages of building design, treated as a secondary consideration behind aesthetics or cost efficiency. However, neglecting IAQ from the outset can have cascading consequences. Misaligned materials, poorly designed ventilation systems, and inadequate humidity controls can compromise occupant health, inflate operational costs, and jeopardize compliance with necessary labels. Worse still, these oversights risk undermining sustainability certifications that are increasingly critical for market differentiation.
IAQ must be integrated into every building design phase to avoid these pitfalls, starting with material selection. Here’s how to turn the principles of IAQ into actionable strategies that enhance project outcomes:
Material Selection
Prioritise materials certified by the EU Ecolabel or equivalent standards.
Use low-VOC products with a VOC content ≤ 10 g/L.
Incorporate hygrothermal materials to control humidity between 40–60%, reducing mould and allergens.
Avoid products containing formaldehyde, which can significantly degrade indoor air quality.
By embedding these practices into the design process, building professionals can achieve compliance and create spaces prioritising occupant well-being and environmental stewardship from the ground up.
Key Takeaways
By embedding IAQ-focused strategies into every stage of building development—from material selection to post-occupancy management—practitioners can align their practices with highest standards. This enhances health and comfort and reinforces a commitment to sustainability and regulatory compliance. Sustainable building is no longer optional; it is imperative for the future of the built environment.
Your Next Steps:
Learn More: Explore IAQ strategies in our upcoming Training course.
Take Action: Integrate IAQ best practices into your projects today.