BREEAM Version 7: Indoor Air Quality Requirements

BREEAM Version 7: Indoor Air Quality Requirements and How Redmore Environmental Can Support

The release of Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) UK New Construction Version 7 introduces a strengthened approach to sustainability assessment, with an increased focus on health, wellbeing and indoor environmental quality.

A key development within Version 7 is the requirement for a structured and evidence-led approach to Indoor Air Quality, with the Indoor Air Quality Plan now forming part of the minimum standards required to achieve a BREEAM rating.

This shift means that air quality must be considered throughout the entire building lifecycle, from early design decisions through to construction and post-completion verification.

Indoor Air Quality Under BREEAM Version 7

Within Version 7, Hea 04 ‘Indoor Air Quality’ requires a coordinated strategy to minimise indoor air pollution and protect building occupants.

This includes:

• Development and implementation of an Indoor Air Quality Plan;
• Selection of low-emission construction materials;
• Consideration of ventilation design and pollutant pathways;
• Management of construction-phase contamination risks; and,
• Provision of robust evidence to demonstrate compliance.

Importantly, the Indoor Air Quality Plan is now a mandatory element of the minimum standards, meaning that projects cannot achieve target ratings without demonstrating compliance with Indoor Air Quality planning requirements.

The Role of the Indoor Air Quality Plan

The Indoor Air Quality Plan is a project-wide document that establishes how indoor air quality will be managed throughout:

• Design development;
• Material specification;
• Construction sequencing; and,
• Commissioning and handover.

Under BREEAM Version 7, the Indoor Air Quality Plan must be supported by verifiable, auditable evidence, ensuring that design intentions are implemented on site and validated at post-construction stage.

How Redmore Environmental Supports All Indoor Air Quality Credits

As specialist Air Quality Consultancy, Redmore Environmental can support project teams and BREEAM Assessors throughout the assessment process.

Our services are aligned with the full scope of Indoor Air Quality-related credits and requirements, including:

Indoor Air Quality Plans – Preparation of project-specific Indoor Air Quality Plans that meet BREEAM Version 7 requirements and integrate Indoor Air Quality considerations into the design and construction process from the outset.

Construction Product Reviews – Assessment of internal finishes and construction materials to ensure compliance with low-emission product criteria, reducing concentrations of Volatile Organic Compounds and formaldehyde.

Ventilation Reviews – Review of building ventilation strategies to ensure systems are designed to:

• Minimise pollutant ingress;
• Reduce recirculation of contaminants; and,
• Support good indoor air quality during operation

Post-Construction Indoor Air Quality Monitoring – Undertaking Indoor Air Quality Monitoring in accordance with BREEAM methodologies to verify that completed buildings meet required performance criteria prior to occupation.

Delivering Indoor Air Quality Compliance Under BREEAM Version 7

The introduction of BREEAM Version 7 reinforces the importance of early-stage planning, coordinated delivery and evidence-based verification of indoor air quality.

With Indoor Air Quality Plans forming part of the minimum standards and increased emphasis on compliance across all project stages, engaging specialist air quality consultants is essential.

Redmore Environmental is ideally positioned to support this process, acting as a single point of contact for all Indoor Air Quality requirements, ensuring that projects meet BREEAM criteria and deliver healthier, high-performing buildings.

How Can We Help?

Please get in touch with a member of our team today to find out more about how we can help with the indoor air quality aspect of your BREEAM development, or to request a quote for your project.