Keeping in Mind IAQ Design and Build Fundamentals in a COVID-centric World

“All it takes is a sneeze. Whether you’re working at home or in an office, that simple sound triggers a response. For most people, it goes something like this: “Hmm, maybe it’s just a winter allergy. No, that sounded more like a cold. What if there’s a fever? How do I know if it’s the flu or COVID-19? How do I know those germs aren’t spreading through the HVAC system?”

Fortunately, there are multiple rating systems and certifications already available to help guide the design and construction of buildings that support occupant health, whether during a pandemic or not.”

From Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Certification to Floorscore, Health Product Declarations (HPDs) to the WELL Building Standard, International Living Future Institute’s (ILFI) Living Building Challenge, and many more programs, this article lays out the different certifications and discusses the occupant benefits. You’ll also learn 3 of the most common sources of pollution in building products and how to avoid them.

By Nicole Munoz, VP of Environmental Certification Services for SCS Global Services
Published by I+s