BREEAM Indoor Air Quality Assessment

Wardell Armstrong were commissioned by St Modwen Logistics (now called Indurent following the integration of St Modwen Logistics and Industrial REIT), to prepare an Indoor Air Quality Plan (IAQP) to accompany a full planning application for two proposed warehouse units and supporting infrastructure at Indurent Park Trident, Warrington. An Air Quality Screening Assessment had previously been prepared by our Air Quality team, concluding that the operation of the proposed development would not have a significant impact on local outdoor air quality.

The proposed development is registered to achieve an ‘Excellent’ rating to address credit Hea 02 of the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM), by following the BREEAM UK New Construction Technical Manual v6 standard (2022) which was the latest version for use at the time of assessment and has since been updated to v6.1 in June 2023. This guidance evaluates the procurement, design, construction and operation of a scheme against targets that are based on performance benchmarks.

Up to 4 BREEAM credits can be awarded for the BREEAM category Hea 02 ‘Indoor Air Quality’. This category requires an IAQP as a prerequisite, which is intended to help facilitate design, specification and installation decisions and actions to minimise indoor air pollution during occupation of the building.

The assessment involved a review of procedures for diluting and controlling contaminant sources in the building via management of the ventilation strategy, pre-occupancy flush-out and purge ventilation as well as requirements for a programme of Air Quality Testing to be undertaken following completion and fit-out, but prior to occupancy. As part of our air quality works, we worked closely with the project team to assist in the client’s requirements to achieve all the design stage BREEAM credits through the provision of an indoor air quality plan.

In addition to our capabilities to producing IAQPs for the requirement of the BREEAM UK New Construction Technical Manual v6.1 standard, we are also able to provide IAQPs for developments required to achieve a rating through the BREEAM UK Refurbishment and Fit-out 2014 (non-domestic buildings) Technical Manual v2.0 standard (revised in 2020).

Wardell Armstrong has the skills and experience to provide advice on, and assistance in the provision of BREEAM Indoor Air Quality Assessment related services to assist with all elements of Hea 02 ‘Indoor Air Quality’ (in accordance with both the BREEAM UK New Construction Technical Manual v6.1 standard and BREEAM UK Refurbishment and Fit-out 2014 (non-domestic buildings) Technical Manual v2.0 standard) with an air quality team who are fully up-to-date with the latest guidance and new technologies in the industry in order to ensure we are providing the most accurate assessments possible.