BSRIA Revamps Air Quality Hub for Clean Air Day 2023

Hello, Champions of Net Zero!

As we navigate our increasingly indoor-centric lives, spending nearly six and a half days a week within the confines of buildings, the quality of air that envelops us is more crucial than ever. The invisible adversaries of everyday pollutants and inadequate ventilation can contribute to poor indoor air quality (IAQ), affecting not only our health but also our mood and productivity in ways we may not even realise.

In light of Clean Air Day, BSRIA—an esteemed authority in building services testing, intelligence, and research—is stepping up to confront this pressing issue. They have launched an updated Air Quality Hub, a vital resource designed to empower building and facilities managers with indispensable guidance, testing protocols, and practical solutions aimed at improving indoor air quality across commercial and public spaces.

The refreshed Air Quality Hub from BSRIA is now equipped with expanded resources focusing on IAQ testing, monitoring, and improvement strategies, all meticulously aligned with contemporary certification standards such as BREEAM, LEED, and WELL. These frameworks are essential for ensuring that the environments we inhabit are not only efficient but also safe and healthy.

Calum Maclean, a Specialist in Building Performance at BSRIA, emphasised the importance of addressing poor indoor air quality: “The ramifications of inadequate indoor air quality can be profound, ranging from immediate effects like eye irritation and coughs to severe long-term health concerns, including respiratory infections. Our revamped Air Quality Hub equips facilities managers with the necessary knowledge and tools to foster healthier indoor environments.”

Within this hub, users will find rigorous assessment protocols accredited by UKAS, the national accreditation body of the UK, alongside insightful case studies, practical technical guides, and access to BSRIA’s extensive collection of air quality measuring instruments available for hire or purchase. This wealth of information is designed to facilitate actionable improvements in indoor air quality.

Four Cost-Effective Actions for Building Managers to Improve Indoor Air Quality

BSRIA experts have pinpointed five practical, low-cost steps that building managers can implement immediately to enhance indoor air quality:

1. Implement a thorough ventilation maintenance programme – Establish a regular schedule for inspecting and maintaining all ventilation systems. This should include a visual inspection of ductwork for blockages, checking and cleaning air filters, ensuring fans are operational, and verifying that air intake and exhaust points are unobstructed. Even basic maintenance can significantly boost system efficiency and air quality without necessitating costly equipment or specialist contractors.
2. Conduct regular contamination audits – Carry out visual inspections to identify common indoor pollutants and their sources. Look for visible signs of mould, such as dark spots on walls or ceilings, and assess areas for water damage, including cracking, bubbling, or flaking surfaces, as well as persistent odours. Document these issues with photographs and maintain a simple register of potential contamination sources that can be systematically addressed.
3. Address problem areas with targeted solutions – Rather than implementing building-wide systems, focus on specific areas known to have issues. Installing local extraction fans in high-humidity zones or areas with specific contaminants can be a cost-effective strategy. Similarly, deploying portable air purifiers in problem areas rather than throughout the entire building can be a more feasible option. BSRIA recommends monitoring carbon dioxide (CO2) levels to gauge overall air quality; concentrations below 800 ppm are considered good, while levels above 1000 ppm indicate potential issues, in accordance with REHVA guidance for ventilation.
4. Educate occupants and maintenance staff – Develop straightforward guidance for building users regarding practices that influence air quality, such as the proper use of cleaning products, promptly reporting water leaks, and avoiding the obstruction of air vents with furniture. Training maintenance personnel to recognise early signs of air quality issues during their regular inspections is vital. This human-centred approach requires minimal investment but can prevent many common IAQ problems.

“These five actions provide a practical, cost-effective framework for facilities managers to significantly improve indoor air quality without the necessity for substantial capital investment,” Maclean pointed out. “By measuring carbon dioxide levels, we can effectively monitor the overall air quality in a given space, which is directly linked to the ventilation rate and occupancy levels.”

He further elaborated, “Implementing these measures not only cultivates healthier and more productive environments but can also lead to reductions in energy consumption and operational costs. Many indoor air quality challenges can be addressed through diligent maintenance and straightforward interventions before resorting to more expensive solutions.”

For those seeking more in-depth information, BSRIA’s Air Quality Hub is a treasure trove of resources. To explore it further, click here.

As we strive for a net zero future, it is imperative that we consider the air we breathe indoors as a vital component of our overall health and well-being. By taking proactive steps to improve indoor air quality, we can create spaces that not only support our productivity but also safeguard our health. Together, let’s champion cleaner air and healthier environments for all.