International Indoor Air Quality Institute

International Indoor Air Quality Institute (IIAQI) Healthy IAQ Certificate Standards
For Residential Properties

Standards Index

Introduction

  • New Houses and Apartments
  • Energy Retrofitted Homes
  • Renovated Homes
  • Rental properties
  • Real estate Investments  (Built To Rent, Student Accommodation)
  • Social Housing

 

Objectives

The institute undertakes a meticulous process to assess and certify indoor spaces. Its commitment to optimal air quality extends to residential environments. This goal is achieved through Comprehensive Assessments, where the institute carefully evaluates a wide range of pollutants present in these spaces. By doing so, we actively promote good indoor air quality practices, ensuring healthier environments for all residential premises.

Our Aims

We aim to contribute:

Public Awareness and Education

  • Raise Awareness:
    • Increase awareness among homeowners, tenants, and builders about the significance of indoor air quality (IAQ).
  • Educate on Health Impacts:
    • Inform developers and homeowners about the impact of IAQ on health, comfort, and overall well-being.
  • Best Practices:
    • Provide information about best practices for maintaining good IAQ in residential spaces.

 

Trust and Transparency

  • Establish Trust:
    • Ensure that IAQ-related information is accurate, transparent, and accessible.
  • Open Communication:
    • Communicate openly with builders, property managers, and homeowners, addressing any concerns related to IAQ.
  • Share Data:
    • Regularly share IAQ monitoring data and improvement initiatives with occupants.

 

Opportunity for Improvement

  • Continuous Improvement:
    • Create opportunities for continuous improvement in IAQ for both existing and new residential buildings.
  • Regular Assessments:
    • Encourage regular assessments of IAQ performance.
  • Enhancement Measures:
    • Implement measures to enhance IAQ, such as adequate ventilation, air filtration, and pollutant control.



Parameters Measured

For our Healthy IAQ Certificates for Residential Properties, below parameters are required to be measured.

Indoor Air Quality Parameters:

  • 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

 

Outdoor Air Quality Parameters (Healthy IAQ Grade A+ Certificate):

  • Carbon Monoxide (CO)
  • Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2)
  • Ozone (O3)
  • Particulate Matter (PM) PM2.5, PM10

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

IAQ Monitors Deployment for Residential Certification

The IIAQI Assessments for certifications of residential spaces must demonstrate that the air in the breathing zone of the building occupants adheres to IIAQI performance targets (guidelines). To adhere to IIAQI standards, IAQ monitors must be installed according to the following requirements.

 

1) IAQ Monitor Room Placement

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

  1. Regularly Occupied Spaces: All regularly occupied spaces require IAQ monitors deployment. 

    • These spaces are defined as those frequently used by the occupants and include the following: living room(s), kitchen, bedroom(s), office, habitable attic, playroom, etc.

    • If a space is not regularly occupied or is a transient space, it does not require IAQ monitor deployment, for example: hallways, entryways, landing, bathrooms, utility rooms, boiler rooms, kitchen cupboards, corridors, Lifts (elevators), stairways, etc

  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.

  6. Placing outdoor monitor for Healthy IAQ Grade A+ Certificate assessments – For the Healthy IAQ Grade A+ Certificate, both indoor and outdoor air quality must meet stringent standards. After conducting the initial assessment, if the indoor readings fall within the very low range for all parameters, the following steps must be taken to evaluate the outdoor air quality:

    • Proximity to Air Intake:

      1. The outdoor monitor must be located within 5 metres (16 feet) of air intake points. This includes:

        1. Mechanical Ventilation

        2. HVAC systems

        3. Natural Ventilation (vents, windows)

    • Distance from Air Exhausts:

      1. The outdoor monitor must be positioned at least 10 metres away from air exhausts whenever possible. This includes:

        1. Mechanical Ventilation

        2. HVAC systems

 

2) 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 rooms area size and room types 

    • 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 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 Example

Example 1

2 bedroom house over 2 floors

Ground Floor Configuration:

  • Kitchen/ Living Room –  23 m2
  • Bathroom – 5 m2
  • Entryway – 7 m2
  • Utility Room -3 m2

 

First Floor Configuration:

  • Bedroom 1 – 12 m2
  • Bedroom 2 – 11 m2
  • Bathroom -5 m2
  • Hallway – 6 m2
  • Varanda -4 m2

  1. First step is to identify Rooms by regularly occupied or not:

Ground Floor:

  • Kitchen/ Living Room –  Regularly occupied 

  • Bathroom –  Not Regularly occupied

  • Entryway –   Not Regularly occupied

  • Utility Room –  Not Regularly occupied

 

First Floor:

  • Bedroom 1 –  Regularly occupied

  • Bedroom 2 –  Regularly occupied

  • Bathroom – Not Regularly occupied

  • Hallway –  Not Regularly occupied

  • Varanda –  Not Regularly occupied

 

  1. Determine Number of Monitors:

    • Regularly occupied spaces:

      1. Kitchen/ Living Room  (room < 100m²)

      2. Bedroom 1 –  Regularly occupied  (room < 100m²)

      3. Bedroom 2 –  Regularly occupied  (room < 100m²)

 

                Total Monitors: 3

 

  1. 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):

 

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 residential properties, 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

 

Outdoor Air Quality Monitor Panel

  • Ethera – Model: NEMo Outdoor + gas
  • uRAD- Model: uRADMonitor MODEL A4

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

These guidelines apply for Indoor and Outdoor measurements as per ”Parameters Measured” section.

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%

Residential Properties Certificate Grades

The International Indoor Air Quality Institute (IIAQI) has established a system of Residential Certifications with four distinct grades. These grades are designed to assess and recognise different levels of indoor air quality (IAQ) excellence within residential 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 IAQ Grade C

  • This is the basic level of certification. It signifies that the residential space meets minimum IAQ requirements.

  • Specific 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 IAQ Grade B

  • The next level beyond Grade C certification, indicating 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 IAQ Grade A

  • Residential properties that attain this certification surpass the standards of previous certifications.

  • The stringent performance metrics associated with this certification contribute to its high grade.

Low

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

Healthy IAQ Grade A+

  • 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.

Very Low

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

Refer to Performance Targets Policy Guidelines Per Measured Parameters.

* Outdoor Air Quality monitors: To achieve the Healthy IAQ Grade A+ Certificate, the outdoor air monitoring must measure the required outdoor parameters (refer to section “Parameters Measured”). The readings must be within the “Low” range for all parameters measured.

 

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 (see section).
  • A parameter exceeds the acceptable target level when the readings are above “Acceptable” for more than 30 minutes 
 

What Constitutes a Pass

  • A certificate is considered when all parameters’ readings are at least within “Acceptable” target levels of the performance target guidelines (see section).
  • In order to pass, parameter readings must be at least “Acceptable” for the entire monitoring 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 IAQ Grade C”. 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 at least “Low”, the grade awarded is “Healthy IAQ Grade B”. All it needs is for one of the parameters’ daily average to be within the “Low” level, even if the remaining daily averages for that parameter and the daily averages for the other parameters or very low.
  • If all parameters’ daily averages are “Very Low”, the grade awarded is “Healthy IAQ Grade A” .
  • If all parameters’ daily averages are “Very Low” indoors, and the outdoor air is assessed and all parameters’ daily averages are “Low” or “Very Low”,  the grade awarded is “Healthy IAQ Grade A+”.

 

IIAQI Certificates Validity Period

The certificate can only attest to the IAQ conditions observed at the time of the assessment, therefore Residential certifications are valid at the date of certificate issuance. These certificates are granted based on the assessment readings and the usage of the premises during the assessment. 

In the case of multi-tenant developments, such as Build-to-Rent (BTR) and Student Accomodation, please read the section for Certifications’ Validity Period For BTR and Student Accommodation.

 

Certification Process

  1. A Request and Initiation:
    • A request is received to certify a residential project.
    • 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 rooms 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 Residential 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.

New Build Developments, Build to Rent (BTR) and Student Accomodation

Assessment Property – Coverage

A systematic approach is essential when assessing indoor air quality (IAQ) in residential buildings for new build developments, build to rent and student accommodation. To achieve this, properties are categorised by unit type and a representative number of units need to be assessed.

Rather than assessing every single unit, which could be impractical, at least one unit type must be considered. The institute has different criteria for houses and apartments.

Criteria for Houses

  • Assessment Requirements:

    • At least 10% of the total development must be assessed.

    • At least one of each house unit type must be assessed.

  • House Unit Types – We consider Unit types a combination of house type and number of bedrooms:

    • Types:

      • Detached

      • Semi-Detached

      • Terraced

      • End-Terraced

      • Bungalows

    • Number of Bedrooms:

      • 2 Bedrooms

      • 3 Bedrooms

      • 4 Bedrooms

      • 5 Bedrooms

      • 6 Bedrooms or more


Example Calculation:

For a development with 40 houses (20 of which are 3 bedroom semi-detached houses and 20 are 4 bedroom detached houses):

  • Total units to be assessed: 10% of 40 = 4 houses (40 X 0.1)

  • Unit types to be assessed: 

    • we have 2 unit types: 

      • 3 Bedrooms Semi Detached

      • 4 Bedrooms Detached

  •  At least one of each house unit type must be assessed, therefore, you can choose different combinations:

    • 1 unit of 3 bedroom houses + 3 units of 4 bedroom houses or

    • 3 units of 3 bedroom houses + 1 unit of 4 bedroom houses or

    • 2 units of 3 bedroom houses + 2 units of 4 bedroom houses


Criteria for Apartment Building and Student Accomodation

  • Only the first two residential floors and the top floor are required to be assessed

  • At least one of each unit type has to be assessed for each of the floors (mentioned above)


We consider "Unit Types" the number of bedrooms of each apartment.

Apartment Unit Types:

  • Studio

  • 1 Bedroom

  • 2 Bedrooms

  • 3 Bedrooms

  • 4 Bedrooms

  • 5 Bedrooms

  • 6 Bedrooms


For instance, if a development consists of 3 apartment buildings, the certification assessment should cover the first two residential floors and the top floor of each building. On each of these floors, one unit of each type should be assessed. 


Examples

For instance,  a development consisting of 3 apartment buildings of 6 floors each:

  • Floors to be assessed: First two residential floors and the top floor of each building.

  • Unit types to be assessed: On each of these floors, one unit of each type should be assessed.


Another example, a student accommodation consisting of an apartment building with 3 floors:

  • Floors to be assessed:  All floors will need to assessed

  • Unit types to be assessed: On each of these floors, one unit of each type should be assessed.


Certifications’ Validity Period For BTR and Student Accomodation

Certifications for Built To Rent (BTR) and Student Accommodation remain valid for a duration of 12 months from the date of certificate issuance. Once this period elapses, a new assessment becomes necessary to obtain another certification. The subsequent certification will be assigned a corresponding grade based on the updated assessment.

New build development certifications are valid at the date of certificate issuance. These certificates are granted based on the assessment readings and the usage of the premises during the assessment.


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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