Indoor Air Quality
Increasing health awareness and potential for Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) related litigation are convincing building owners and property managers of the value and necessity of implementing formal IAQ management systems. The trend is towards integrating indoor air quality management practices into building operating and maintenance procedures. For new buildings, IAQ issues are being considered in all project phases from design and specification to commissioning.
Many IAQ problems related to marginal ventilation can be mitigated cost effectively with commercially available energy-efficient ventilation technology. While the causes of occupant complaints are multi-factorial and often elusive, the majority can be resolved or prevented by having an IAQ management plan in place that:
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Ensures building ventilation rates, particulate filtration, humidity, and temperature parameters meet and preferably exceed minimum standards
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Controls microbial contaminant sources by 1) routinely cleaning and maintaining HVAC systems, and 2) ensuring water damaged building areas are dried within 24 hours before mold spores can germinate
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Minimizes chemical contaminant sources by 1) taking remedial action during and after building renovation activities, and 2) containing and removing known contaminants such as combustion gases and tobacco smoke
To learn more about the factors and sources affecting indoor air quality and comfort, click here.
To learn more about the types of commercial ventilation technology available, click here.
Saving Money
Usually the expense and effort required to prevent most IAQ problems is much less than the expense and effort required of addressing problems after they develop. Furthermore, managing IAQ proactively can reduce operating costs by improving heating/cooling efficiencies and help make buildings more marketable to prospective tenants or buyers.
Healthy and Profitable
Proper IAQ is a good business investment. Maintaining building hygiene should be part of routine procedures rather than reactive responses to IAQ complaints. The current trend toward sealing (tightening) buildings to reduce air and moisture infiltration makes them more energy-efficient and less costly to own and operate. However making them very tight, but with poor ventilation, can create many indoor air quality problems including mould, persistent and objectionable odours, and what is commonly known as "sick building syndrome.
To learn about IAQ problems, click here.
To learn about new trends in emerging IAQ technologies, click here.
Contact a firm for more information on ventilation and indoor air quality, click here.