International Indoor Air Quality Institute

International Indoor Air Quality Institute (IIAQI) Healthy IAQ Certificate Standards
For Commercial Properties and Spaces

Standards Index

Introduction

The Institute is firmly committed to promoting excellence in indoor air quality for all. This commitment is evident in the rigorous standards we uphold, which form the basis for certifying and evaluating commercial spaces.

Whether it’s a state-of-the-art new construction, a venerable building, or a meticulously renovated or retrofitted area, our standards apply universally.

Our approach to certification achievements is primarily quantitative, relying on measurable metrics. For certain grades (see Commercial Properties and Spaces Certificate Grades), we use both quantitative and qualitative assessments. This combined approach considers various conditions and factors that affect overall air quality.

Commercial

Corporations:

  • Multinational Organisations
  • Small to Medium Companies 
  • Co-working Spaces (Business Hubs)

Educational Institutions and Hospitality:

  • Schools
  • Daycares and Day Homes
  • Hotels, B&Bs
  • Cottages, and Airbnbs

Others:

  • Energy Upgrade Companies
  • Manufacturers
  • Medical Centers
  • Retirement Homes 
  • Yoga and Meditation Studios
  • Renovations & retrofits

Objectives

The Institute has created these meticulous standards for commercial properties to help businesses demonstrate their commitment to healthy indoor air quality.

This goal is achieved through comprehensive assessments, evaluating a wide range of pollutants. By promoting good indoor air quality practices, we ensure healthier environments for all commercial premises.

Our Aims

We aim to contribute:

  • Public Awareness and Education:
    • Raise awareness among building occupants, facility managers, and the public about the importance of IAQ.
    • Educate stakeholders on the impact of IAQ on health, productivity, and overall well-being.
    • Provide information about best practices for maintaining good IAQ.
  • Trust and Transparency:
    • Establish trust by ensuring that IAQ-related information is accurate, transparent, and accessible.
    • Communicate openly with building occupants, addressing any concerns related to IAQ.
    • Regularly share IAQ monitoring data and improvement initiatives.
  • Opportunity for Improvement:
    • Create opportunities for continuous improvement in IAQ.
    • Encourage regular assessments of IAQ performance.
    • Implement measures to enhance IAQ, such as adequate ventilation, air filtration, and pollutant control.

 

Parameters Measured

For our Healthy IAQ Certificates for commercial properties and spaces, these parameters need to be measured:

  • Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
  • Carbon Monoxide (CO)
  • Formaldehyde (HCHO)
  • Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2)
  • Ozone (O3)
  • Particulate Matter (PM) PM2.5, PM10
  • Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
  • Radon (Rn)
  • Temperature
  • Humidity

For the performance targets policy for each parameter, please check section: Performance Targets Policy Guidelines Per Parameter Measured section

IAQ Monitors Deployment for Commercial Certification

IIAQI assessments for commercial projects certifications, new and old premises must demonstrate that the air in the breathing zone of the building occupants meets IIAQI performance targets (guidelines).

 

 

1) IAQ Monitor Room Placement

To meet IIAQI standards, IAQ monitors must be installed as follows:

  1. Central Placement: Monitors must be placed centrally to the room. The IAQ monitors cannot be placed in corners of a room, nor can they be placed under windows or vents.
  2. Distance from Air Sources: Monitors must be located at least 5 metres (16 feet) away from air filters and fresh-air diffusers. If this is not possible, monitors must be located closer to air returns than air diffusers.
  3. Breathing zone: Monitors must be placed within the breathing zone: 90cm – 180cm (3-6 feet) from the ground.
  4. Distance from windows and doors with outdoor access: IAQ monitors must be at least 5 metres (16 feet) away from operable windows and doors with outdoor access. If not possible, place the monitor in the middle of the room.
  5. Monitor density: One monitor is required for every 100 square metres (1076.39 square feet) of space in each room. Larger rooms (100m2 and above) require additional monitors to ensure accuracy.
 

2) Occupancy Coverage

It is required that the IAQ monitors used for the certification assessment cover a minimum of 80% of the occupancy rate.

Occupants include tenants, employees (full and part-time as well as maintenance and cleaning staff), clients, customers, guests and visitors.

Public Areas: All public areas where visitors, customers or guests are likely to stay for 30 minutes or more must be assessed, regardless of occupancy coverage. This means that even if 80% of the occupancy is covered by non-public/employee-only areas alone.

For example, the reception area of an office building.

 

Calculating Occupant Coverage

  1. Determine the total number of occupants within the project boundary. This requires the number of occupants per room to be indicated on the floor plan. For unoccupied projects or rooms, it is necessary to indicate the projected occupancy.
  2. Calculate the minimum coverage rate of 80%. Multiply the total number of occupants by 0.80. Calculations for occupants are to be rounded up to the nearest whole number.
 

Example Occupancy Coverage Calculation:

  • Total Occupants: 138
  • Minimum Requirement of 80%: 0.80 x 138 = 110.4
  • Round up: 111 occupants

With the calculations completed, it’s time to start the deployment of the indoor air quality monitors.

 

Occupancy Coverage – Deployment of the IAQ monitors

Place IAQ monitors starting in the rooms with the most occupants and moving to the least occupied rooms until 80% coverage is achieved.

Example Deployment:

The project includes 4 office rooms and a reception area:

  • Room A: 50 occupants
  • Room B: 20 occupants
  • Room C: 40 occupants
  • Room D: Meeting room for 15 Occupants
  • Reception Area: 2 permanent occupants

 

Start by calculating the occupancy coverage:

  • Total Occupants: 127
  • Minimum Requirement of 80%: 0.80 x 127= 101.6
  • Round up: 102 occupants

 

The deployment of monitors planning:

Place the monitors starting with room A (the most occupied), then room C, then room B. At this point you will have 110 occupants or 87% coverage.

However, the reception area is a public area and must also be assessed.

In total, this project will require at least 4 IAQ monitors (provided that each room is not larger than 100m2).

 

Not Regularly Occupied and Transient Rooms

In the context of assessing indoor air quality (IAQ) in commercial buildings, a fundamental principle guides our approach: ensuring that a minimum of 80% of occupants receive adequate coverage, irrespective of the specific room types.

However, it is recognised that certain spaces may not warrant the use of air quality monitors.

If a space is not regularly occupied or is a transient space, it does not require IAQ monitor deployment.

 

Rooms Not Regular Occupied Examples

  • Meeting Rooms
  • Break rooms
  • Office Kitchen Areas
  • Cafeteria (If not occupied by public/non-employees)
  • Storage Rooms
  • Warehouses

 

Transient Spaces Examples

  • Hallways
  • Corridors
  • Lifts (elevators)
  • Stairways
  • Bathrooms
 
 

3) IAQ Monitor Deployment Compliance Documentation

To validate results, IIAQI requires evidence that the assessment and IAQ monitor deployments adhere to standards

This evidence ensures accuracy, reliability and compliance with the guidelines.

Required Evidence:

  • Floor Plans:  To determine the area size, space types and the number of occupants:
    • Every room has to be detailed on the floor plan with room measurements
    • All windows, doors, air vents, air diffusers, air exhaust, air condition units, heating units must be identified in the floor plans
    • Each room must specify the number of occupants and its use
  • Photos: Photographs of all IAQ monitors deployed are required to confirm compliance with the standards
  • Notes: Document visual inspections to confirm floor plan accuracy.
Monitor Deployment Plan Examples

Example 1

Office floor with 5 distinct rooms:

  • Room A: Reception area, occupied by 1 permanent occupant – 20m2
  • Room B: Open Plan area with 40 people- 90m2
  • Room C: Open plan area with 12 people – 15m2
  • Room D: Private office 1 permanent occupant -10m2
  • Room E: Private office 1 permanent occupant – 10m2



First start by calculating Occupancy Coverage

Total occupancy: 55 (1+40+12+1+1)

80% Coverage: 55 x 0.8= 44 Occupancy coverage

 
    1. Identify Rooms by Occupancy: To calculate the number of IAQ monitors required, begin by ordering the rooms from the highest occupancy rate to the least.
      • Room B: 40 occupants
      • Room C: 12 occupants
      • Room A, D, and E: 1 occupant each

    2. Determination of rooms for minimum occupancy coverage: Start adding the occupancy of each room from the highest occupancy until it reaches 44 or more occupancy coverage.
      • Room B +C = 52 occupants (exceeds the minimum requirement of 44)

    3. Determine Number of Monitors:
      • Room B: 1 IAQ monitor (room < 100m²)
      • Room C: 1 IAQ monitor (room < 100m²)
      4.  
      Room B and C are required to be measured, in other words, you need two IAQ monitors, one for each room as the rooms don’t exceed 100m2 each.

       
    4. Public Areas: The reception area as a public space, it needs to be assessed.
      • Deploy: 1 IAQ monitor (room < 100m²)
     
    • Total IAQ Monitors Required:
      • Room B: 1 monitor
      • Room C: 1 monitor
      • Reception Area: 1 monitor
     

    Total Monitors: 3   Deployment Plan   The next stage is the placement of IAQ monitors in each room according to the established standards.   Using the floor plan in this example, below are possible placements (red dots):

Example 2

 

Office Building with 3 Floors:

  • Floor 1:
    • Reception area – occupied by 2 permanent occupants – 60m2
    • Open Plan area 1 – 100 desks fully occupied – 190 m2
    • Meeting room 1 –  with capacity for 15 people – 20m2
    • Meeting room 2 –  with capacity for 15 people – 20m2

 

  • Floor 2:
    • Open Plan area 2 – 100 desks fully occupied – 190m2
    • Meeting Room 3  – with capacity for 5 people – 10m2
    • Meeting Room 4 – with capacity for 20 people – 30m2
    • Meeting Room 5 – with capacity for 15 people – 20m2
    • Private Office 1 – 1 permanent occupant – 10m2
    • Private Office 2 – 1 permanent occupant – 10m2
    • Private Office 3 – 1 permanent occupant – 10m2
    • Corridor Area 1 –  no occupants – 10m2

 

  • Floor 3:
    • Open Plan area 3 – 50 desks fully occupied – 95m2
    • Meeting Room 6 – with capacity for 50 people – 95m2
    • Private Office 4 – 1 permanent occupant – 10m2
    • Private Office 5- 1 permanent occupant – 15m2
    • Private Office 6- 1 permanent occupant – 15m2
    • Private Office 7- 1 permanent occupant – 20m2
    • Private Office 8- 1 permanent occupant – 20m2
    • Corridor Area 2 –  no occupants – 10m2




IIAQI Comercial Standards Example 2 before


First start by calculating Occupancy Coverage. 

Note: Not regularly occupied rooms like meeting rooms are not used in these calculations


Total occupancy = 260

80% Coverage = 260 x 0.8= 208 Occupancy coverage


  1. Identify Rooms by Occupancy: To calculate the number of IAQ monitors required, begin by ordering the rooms from the highest occupancy rate to the least.

    • Open Plan area 1: 100 occupants
    • Open Plan area 2: 100 occupants
    • Open Plan area 3: 50 occupants
    • Reception area: 2 occupants
    • Private Office 1- 8: 1 occupant each


  1. Determination of rooms for minimum occupancy coverage: Start adding the occupancy of each room from the highest occupancy until it reaches 208 or more occupancy coverage.

    • Open Plan area 1,2 and 3 = 250 occupants (exceeds the minimum requirement of 208)

  1. Determine Number of Monitors:

    • Open Plan area 1: Two IAQ monitor (room > 100m²)
    • Open Plan area 2: Two  IAQ monitor (room > 100m²)
    • Open Plan area 3: One  IAQ monitor (room < 100m²)


Open plan areas 1 and 2 are larger than 100m2 therefore they require an additional IAQ monitor each ( two monitors for each of these areas). Open plan area 3 is smaller than 100m2, therefore only one monitor is required.


  1. Public Areas: The reception area as a public space, it needs to be assessed.

    • Deploy: 1 IAQ monitor (room < 100m²)


  1. Total IAQ Monitors Required:

    • Open Plan area 1: 2 monitors
    • Open Plan area 2: 2  monitors
    • Open Plan area 3: 1 monitor
    • Reception Area: 1 monitor

     Total Monitors: 6


The next stage is the placement of IAQ monitors in each room according to the established standards.

Using the floor plan in this example, below are possible placements:

IIAQI Comercial Standards Example 2 after

IAQ Assessments’ Length of Time

After thorough deliberation and extensive research, the IIAQI has refined its methodology for measuring indoor air quality (IAQ) pollutants. The institute’s goal is to balance accuracy with practicality. The conclusion is that monitoring over a period of nine consecutive days is the most effective approach.

 

Rationale for Nine-Day Monitoring

  • Consistent Data Collection: This period allows for the collection of consistent data, capturing variations due to daily activities, occupancy patterns, and environmental conditions.

  • Robust Dataset: By monitoring pollutants continuously for nine days, the institute ensures a robust dataset that reflects real-world scenarios.

  • Comprehensive Assessment: This extended time frame minimises the impact of short-term fluctuations, providing a comprehensive assessment.

 

After the nine-day monitoring period, the institute will have reliable and representative data. With this data, the institute can confidently issue a suitable certification, provided that the IIAQI standards are met. This certification acts as a valuable endorsement for buildings, assuring occupants that their indoor environment meets stringent IAQ standards.

IIAQI Approved Monitors

The International Indoor Air Quality Institute (IIAQI) has thoughtfully selected indoor air quality (IAQ) monitoring devices based on their performance, accuracy, and specific parameters. These devices are suited for conducting assessments necessary for obtaining relevant certifications.

By carefully evaluating and selecting these monitors, IIAQI aims to:

  • Enhance indoor air quality awareness

  • Promote healthier living and working environments

  • Ensure that spaces meet the necessary standards for certification

These devices play a crucial role in ensuring that indoor environments adhere to the required IAQ standards, thus supporting the certification process and contributing to overall well-being.

 

The following IAQ monitors have been approved:

 

Indoor Air Quality Monitor Panel

  • InBiot – Model: Well

  • Ethera – Model: NEMo Audit or Mini XT Urban+

  • uHoo – Model: Aura with Module A (NO2+O3)

 

Radon Monitor Panel

  • AirThings – Model: Corentium Pro or Corentium Home

  • Radon FTLab – Model: RadonEye or RadonEye Pro

  • Ecosense – Model: EcoQube or EcoQube Pro

IIAQI Non-Approved Monitors

The International Indoor Air Quality Institute (IIAQI) carefully evaluates the suitability of non-approved monitors for measuring indoor air quality (IAQ). These monitors are considered only if they meet the IIAQI criteria for assessing all the relevant parameters required by the institute. Additionally, the IAQ data collected by these monitors must be accurately received and processed by the institute’s software.

Evaluation Process for Non-Approved Monitors

  1. Criteria Assessment:

    • The monitor must meet IIAQI's criteria for assessing all relevant IAQ parameters.

  2. Data Compatibility:

    • The IAQ data collected by the monitor must be accurately received and processed by IIAQI's software.

  3. Rigorous Testing:

    • Any non-approved monitor undergoes rigorous testing by the institute.

    • Only after successful testing and agreement on its use can the assessment proceed.

  4. Certification Issuance:

    • Without this approval process, no certification will be granted.


By ensuring that non-approved monitors undergo this stringent evaluation process, IIAQI maintains the integrity and reliability of its IAQ assessments and certifications.


Performance Targets Policy Guidelines Per Measured Parameter

Particulate Matter (PM 2.5)

Thresholds µg/m3
Acceptable
10 - <15
Low
5 - <10
Very Low
<5

Particulate Matter (PM 10)

Thresholds µg/m3
Acceptable
30 - <45
Low
10 - <30
Very Low
<10

Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

Thresholds ppm
Acceptable
800 - <1000
Low
550- <800
Very Low
<550

Carbon Monoxide (CO)

Thresholds mg/m3
Acceptable
3 - <4
Low
1 - <3
Very Low
<1

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

Thresholds µg/m3
Acceptable
200 - <300
Low
100 - <200
Very Low
<100

Formaldehyde (HCHO)

Thresholds µg/m3
Acceptable
10 - <20
Low
5 - <10
Very Low
<5

Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2)

Thresholds µg/m3
Acceptable
10 - <20
Low
5 - <10
Very Low
<5

Ozone (O3)

Thresholds µg/m3
Acceptable
40 - <60
Low
20 - <40
Very Low
<20

Radon (Rn)

Thresholds µg/m3
Acceptable
100 - <150
Low
50 - <100
Very Low
<50

Temperature

Thresholds Temperature °C / °F
Pass
20°C to 24°C / 68°F to 75°F

Humidity

Thresholds Percentage
Pass
30% to 60%

Commercial Properties and Spaces Certificate Grades

The International Indoor Air Quality Institute (IIAQI) has established a system of Commercial Certifications with four distinct grades to assess and recognise different levels of indoor air quality (IAQ) excellence within commercial buildings and spaces.

 

Grades

The certification level is determined based on the highest reading within the acceptable, low, and very low ranges for each parameter.

Certificate Grades

Description

IAQ Parameters Threshold 

 Healthy Certificate

  • This is the basic level of certification.

  • It signifies that the building meets minimum IAQ requirements.

  • Minimum requirements and standards for achieving this certification are outlined by IIAQI.

Acceptable 

(All parameters must be below the maximum limit within the “Acceptable” performance target threshold) 

Healthy Plus Certificate*

  • The next level beyond Healthy Certification.

  • Indicates a higher standard of IAQ.

  • Additional criteria must be met to qualify for this certification.

Low

(All parameters must be below the maximum limit within the “Low” performance target threshold.) 

Healthy Excellence Certificate**

  • Buildings achieving this certification go above and beyond the Healthy Certification.

  • Performance metrics are the same as for Healthy Plus Certification, with additional requirement of continuously monitoring

Low

(All parameters must be below the maximum limit within the “Low” performance target threshold + continuous monitoring standards apply)

Healthy Leader Certificate**

  • The highest level of certification.

  • Reserved for buildings that demonstrate industry-leading IAQ practices.

  • Achieving this certification involves meeting stringent requirements and maintaining exceptional IAQ consistently, including continuously monitoring.

Very Low

(All parameters must be below the maximum limit within the “Very Low” performance target threshold + continuous monitoring standards apply)

Refer to Performance Targets Policy Guidelines Per Measured Parameter.

 

* Healthy Plus Certificate: If Continuously Monitoring is agreed then the Healthy Excellence Certificate takes place.

** Requires Continuously Monitoring. All instances of Continuously Monitoring are detailed in the Continuously Monitoring Section.

 

Healthy Leader Certificate Additional Requirements

For achieving this level of certification, other than the current standard for each parameter, there are further conditions that need to be met, such as the following policies:

  • Non smoking policy

  • Low VOCs Cleaning products policy

  • Healthier Building materials (at least 75% or more of the materials)

  • Healthier Building interiors (at least 75% of the furniture and furnishings)

Certification – Data Assessment

Data collection

  • The data collection period spans 9 days.
  • The first 2 days are not considered, as this time is allocated for the calibration of different monitor devices.
  • The data analysed will correspond to the period of regular occupancy, and each parameter will be averaged over the last 7 days.

Criteria for Certification

Pass and Failure

What Constitutes a Failure 

  • The entire certification process will fail and no certification will be issued if even one parameter exceeds the acceptable target level of the performance target guidelines.
  • A parameter exceeds the acceptable target level when the readings are above “Acceptable” for more than 30 minutes during regularly occupied periods (such as working hours when people are present in these spaces)
 

What Constitutes a Pass

  • A certificate is considered when all parameters’ readings are at least within “Acceptable” target levels of the performance target guidelines.
  • In order to pass, parameter readings must be at least “Acceptable” for the entire regularly occupied period

 

Award Of The Certificate Grade Standards

Once the data collection of readings is complete, we will assess the data to attribute the certificate grade level.

We calculate the daily average for each parameter.

The daily average of each parameter will be classified following the established performance target policy guidelines per measured parameter, above “Acceptable”, “Acceptable”, “Low” and “Very low”

As per “Pass and Failure” standards described above, we ascertain the project is a “pass” or  “failure”.

If it is a pass,  we will award a grade based on the highest target level achieved by one or more parameters daily average:

  • All it needs is for one of the parameters’ daily average to be within the  “Acceptable” threshold, for the grade to be awarded “Healthy Certificate” grade. Even if the remaining daily averages for that parameter and the daily averages for the other parameters are low or very low.
  • If all parameters’ daily averages are “Low” or “Very Low” and there is no continuous monitoring, the grade awarded is “Healthy Plus Certificate.”
  • If all parameters’ daily averages are “Low” or “Very Low” and there is continuous monitoring, but it does not meet the Healthy Leader criteria, the grade awarded is “Healthy Excellence Certificate.” 
  • If all parameters’ daily averages are “Very Low” and there is continuous monitoring that meets the additional requirements for Healthy Leader criteria, the grade awarded is “Healthy Leader Certificate”. The additional requirements will be assessed by IIAQI through a bespoke process, which we will inform the project owner of if the project decides to apply for this grade.
 

IIAQI Certificates Validity Period

Certificates awarded a grade that does not require continuous monitoring are valid for a period of 12 months from the date of certificate issuance. This applies to the following grades:

  • Healthy Certificate
  • Healthy Plus Certificate

 

For grades that require continuous monitoring, refer to the section “Continuously Monitoring“

This applies to the following grades:

  • Healthy Excellence Certificate
  • Healthy Leader  Certificate

This ensures that buildings maintain their IAQ standards and can re-evaluate their certification status annually or as required by continuous monitoring guidelines.

 

Certification Process

  1. A Request and Initiation:
    • A request is received to certify a commercial property or space.
    • The certification process begins.
  1. Pre-Assessment Steps:
    • The project owner must choose an IIAQI Assessor Accredited Professional (AP) to perform the assessment.
    • The project owner or the chosen IIAQI Assessor AP must provide floor plans of the property requiring certification.
    • The floor plans must annotate the number of occupants of each room and its use.
  1. IAQ Monitors Placement:
    • The number and placement of IAQ monitors must adhere to the IIAQI requirements (refer to the section “IAQ Monitors Deployment for Commercial Certification”).
    • The placement of each IAQ monitor must be marked on the floor plans, and photographs must be taken to confirm placement and compliance with standards.
    • These monitors will continuously collect IAQ data over a 9-day period.
  1. Data Collection and Analysis:
    • The IIAQI Assessor AP will provide the Institute with the API link for each IAQ monitor deployed.
    • After the 9-day assessment period, the Institute will review the collected data and assess if it meets the criteria for certification.
  1. Certification and Reporting: 
    • If the data shows the project has passed the criteria for certification:
      • The grade of the certificate will be decided as per the Award Of The Certificate Grade Standards.
      • The respective IIAQI Healthy Certificate is issued.
      • A full report based on the collected data is generated and sent to the project owner.
    • If the data shows the project has failed the criteria for certification:
      • No certificate will be awarded.
      • A full report based on the collected data is generated and sent to the project owner.
  1. Continuous Monitoring for Healthy Excellence and Healthy Leader Certificates:
    • Continuous Monitoring Requirement:
      • For the Healthy Excellence and Healthy Leader Certificates, continuous monitoring is required.
      • New monitors are permanently placed in the premises based on the IIAQI Continuously Monitoring requirements (refer to the section “Continuously Monitoring”).
    • Ongoing Data Collection:
      • Throughout the year, IAQ data from continuous monitoring is received.
      • At the end of each quarter (for up to 2 consecutive years), the Institute evaluates the data to determine if the certification is maintained or if it needs to be replaced by another grade (refer to the section “Continuously Monitoring”).
    • Reassessment After Two Years:
      • After 2 years, a new assessment takes place.
      • Monitors are checked for calibration and accuracy.

Standards for Continuously Monitoring ( For IIAQI Healthy Certificate Grades: Excellence and Leader)

IIAQI certifications are initially obtained through a rigorous 9-day assessment period. However, some certifications, specifically the Healthy Excellence and Healthy Leader Certificates, require continuous monitoring. This means that after the initial 9-day assessment, new monitors must be permanently installed for ongoing IAQ monitoring. Adherence to specific standards is crucial when installing these monitors.

 

Purpose

  • Continuous monitoring involves generating quarterly reports to keep stakeholders informed about the ongoing IAQ status and any necessary actions.
  • The same parameters used in the initial assessments are monitored continuously:
    • Carbon Dioxide (CO₂)
    • Carbon Monoxide (CO)
    • Formaldehyde (HCHO)
    • Nitrogen Dioxide (NO₂)
    • Ozone (O₃)
    • Particulate Matter (PM₂.₅, PM₁₀)
    • Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
    • Radon (Rn)
    • Temperature
    • Humidity

Monitor Installation Requirements

    • Required:
      • Breathing Zone: Monitors must be permanently mounted within the breathing zone, with the center of the monitor between 0.9 – 1.8 meters (3-6 feet) from the finished floor.
      • Windows: Monitors must be at least 5 meters (16 feet) away from operable windows. If this is not possible, they should be placed no closer to windows than half the width of the space, measured linearly from the windows inward.
      • Air Filters and Air Exhausts/Diffusers: Monitors must be at least 5 meters (16 feet) away from air filters and fresh air diffusers. If this is not possible, they should be closer to air returns than air diffusers.
  • Occupancy Coverage: no rule changes, check Occupancy Coverage section
  • Recommended:
    • Monitors should be wall-mounted and centrally located within monitored spaces.
    • Monitors should be hardwired to a permanent power source.

 

Continuously Monitoring Data Analysis and Quarterly Reports 

In the context of indoor air quality (IAQ) management, the following process occurs:

  • Data Collection:
    • IAQ parameters are continuously recorded over time.
  • Data Analysis:
    • Quarterly analysis involves identifying trends, patterns, and deviations from recommended IAQ standards.
  • Quarterly Reports:
    • Reports include an overview of readings, significant findings, and recommendations for improvement.
  • Client Communication:
    • Reports are provided to project owners for informed decision-making.

 

Continuously Monitoring Certification Requirements

Certification Compliance:

  • Continuous monitoring readings must align with the same variables as those assessed during the initial certification.
  • Parameters must not exceed the maximum limits of the Low threshold for the Healthy Excellence Certification or the Very Low threshold for the Healthy Leader Certification.
  • Regular communication and enforcement through quarterly reports are essential.

 

Threshold Exceedance and Responses

These certificates consider the current Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) conditions, account for changes, and provide opportunities for improvement through quarterly reports. While the conditions for continuously monitoring certificates may be stringent to ensure accuracy, there is also flexibility with quarterly reports. Warnings are issued if the readings deviate from specific standards corresponding to certificate grades. Additionally, the institute acknowledges situations beyond an individual’s control where no action can be taken.

 

No Action

If indoor air quality (IAQ) readings exceed the maximum thresholds due to unforeseen or uncontrollable circumstances for more than one (1) quarter, the institute acknowledges this period. Depending on the specific circumstances and how stakeholders respond to protect their IAQ spaces, no action is taken regarding the certification status. IAQ can fluctuate due to external factors beyond one’s control, such as nearby construction activities or wildfires impacting the air indoors. The institute recognizes that some variations are inevitable and may grant exceptions. For instance, evidence of nearby construction could lead to a time-limited exception based on the construction duration. Despite such challenges, proactive measures like using air purifiers can help mitigate IAQ impact. In cases where clients actively seek solutions to improve IAQ but still fall outside the thresholds due to unavoidable or unforeseen circumstances, the certification status remains unchanged.

 

Warning

If levels exceed the maximum limit of each respective threshold up to three (3) times in a quarter, then a warning is issued. When a warning is issued, it signifies that there have been three occasions within a quarter where readings exceeded the maximum thresholds for parameters corresponding to a specific certificate grade. By documenting the dates of these events, stakeholders can pinpoint potential factors affecting the indoor air quality (IAQ) spaces and take necessary steps for improvement.

 

Temporary Suspension

If levels exceed the maximum limit of each respective threshold for four (4) times or more in a quarter, then the certification is temporarily suspended. When readings fall outside the respective thresholds four (4) times or more in one (1) quarter, the status of the certification changes to temporarily suspended. In the following quarters, once the readings fall back within the specified thresholds again, the certification is then reinstated.

 

Permanent Withdrawal

If readings exceed the maximum limit of each respective threshold for four (4) times or more each quarter for two (2) consecutive quarters, then the certification is withdrawn. At the end of the first quarter where such readings take place, the stakeholders receive a detailed report, giving them a fair chance to improve their IAQ for the following quarter. If in the next quarter the readings fall outside the thresholds four (4) times or more, then the certification needs to be withdrawn permanently. No reinstatement applies in such cases. In order to acquire a new certificate, the process starts all over again through an initial assessment.

 

Downgraded

Readings must conform within the current certification grade (the readings must be within the maximum limit thresholds) for each respective parameter for at least 80% of the time for every quarter. If less than 80% for two (2) consecutive quarters, then the certification is downgraded. For instance, if readings conform within the certification grade but for 70% of the time for two (2) consecutive quarters, then the current certification is replaced with one that matches the current readings.

 

Upgraded

Certificates can be upgraded if the readings consistently improve beyond the current certification grade’s performance target policy guidelines per measured parameter for two consecutive quarters (six months) and meet any additional requirements.

 

Validity Period For Continuously Monitoring Certificates

The institute reviews the readings every 2 quarters (equivalent to 6 months) to issue new certificates based on the most recent data. Consequently, every 6 months, the institute will release a new certificate reflecting the readings from the respective 2 quarters.

 

Conditions for New IAQ Assessments

  • Permanent Withdrawals:
    • New assessments are mandatory if a certificate has been permanently withdrawn due to prolonged non-compliance with IAQ standards.
  • Biennial Assessments:
    • In the absence of permanent withdrawals, new assessments are required every two (2) years to ensure ongoing compliance and to accommodate any changes in building use, occupancy, or environmental conditions.

 

By adhering to this process, the institute ensures that certifications remain relevant and reflective of the most current IAQ conditions, while also accommodating the practical realities of maintaining high indoor air quality standards over time.

Warranties and Safety

  • The Healthy Indoor Air Quality Certificate does not constitute any warranties regarding premises safety or air quality.
  • Customers acknowledge that the certificate is based on an assessment at a specific point in time and does not guarantee future conditions.
  • IIAQI disclaims all implied warranties, including fitness for a particular purpose.
  • Customers agree to indemnify and hold harmless IIAQI, its officers, employees, and affiliates from any claims, damages, or liabilities arising from the use of the certificate.
  • This includes claims related to third-party reliance on the certificate or any inaccuracies therein.

Disclaimer

  • We expressly disclaim all warranties, whether express or implied, regarding the Healthy Indoor Air Quality Certificate and its use.
  • We shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from the use or inability to use the certificate.
  • The International Indoor Air Quality Institute (IIAQI) and all parties involved in its funding or creation, including affiliates, members, employees, and contractors, assume no liability or responsibility to the user or any third parties.
  • This includes any claims related to the accuracy, completeness, or reliance on information contained in the IIAQI resources.
  • While the information within the International Indoor Air Quality (IIAQI) is believed to be reliable and accurate, all materials are provided without warranties of any kind.
  • We do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of information or its suitability for any particular purpose.
  • The IIAQI and related resources are intended to educate and assist organisations, building stakeholders, real estate owners, tenants, occupants, and other users.
  • They aim to create healthier spaces, organizations, and communities.
  • Nothing in the IIAQI resources should be considered a substitute for quality control, safety analysis, legal compliance (including zoning), comprehensive urban planning, medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
  • As a condition of use, the user covenants not to sue and agrees to waive and release the International Indoor Air Quality Institute (IIAQI), its affiliates, members, employees, or contractors.
  • This waiver covers any and all claims, demands, and causes of action arising from the use of or reliance on the IIAQI resources.

Governing Law and Jurisdiction:

  • The terms and conditions are governed by the laws of Ireland where IIAQI is headquartered.
  • Any disputes arising from or related to the certificate shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the competent courts in that jurisdiction.
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