Services

LEED™ IAQ Testing

Environmental Quality Experts specializes in LEED™ IAQ Testing. While this credit is often referred to as “The Flush-Out” credit – it is far more than that. Yes, some facilities can ‘flush-out’ after construction, prior to occupancy, however this can be an extremely challenging and costly approach. Many find the alternate path EQE offers of conducting Indoor Air Quality Tests to be far more cost effective and a huge time saver at the end of construction. IAQ Testing can often be conducted in a matter of hours, while the ‘flush-out’ approach can often take weeks or even months. This is time your facility is sitting construction-complete but completely empty – and that alone is very costly. Choosing to conduct IAQ tests not only saves a tremendous amount of time and money, but it also provides real data about the health of the facility åafter construction. At EQE we have found time and time again, that contractors take great pride in their work, they select healthy materials and resources in the building process, and having a report at the end of construction that shows the owner and occupants the care with which their facility was created is of great value. EQExperts has been providing contractors and building owners peace of mind, and assistance in obtaining LEED™ points for IAQ throughout multiple versions of the rating system. We have a LEED-Accredited Professional review every project, and we work closely with the construction team to guide them to healthy results throughout the building process.

Baseline IAQ Evaluation and Testing

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) is a complex issue that Environmental Quality Experts understands from top to bottom. IAQ involves relationships among factors such as building design, usage, operating conditions, occupancy, furnishings, equipment, and layout. An initial investigation designed to characterize factors that affect a building’s air quality must be broad based rather than specific, and the building and surrounding potential sources should be inspected and observed before any air testing and laboratory analysis are conducted.

An IAQ evaluation should include defining and characterizing the current status of factors that affect air quality.

The following 13 items should be considered:

The building itself
Building design vs. usage
Building occupants
Occupants activities
Ventilation system type
Building maintenance
Interior layout
Furnishings
Office equipment
Outdoor air quality
Housekeeping procedures
Ongoing remodeling or renovation
Accidents

IAQ Construction Management Review

When embarking on a new construction and/or renovation project, there has to be a plan of action for dealing with a wide variety of situations which may occur that would release contaminants and pollutants into the environment. Especially when these contaminants could potentially impact the indoor air quality (IAQ) of a building. Environmental Quality Experts will work with you to review your plan to make sure all factors have been considered such as whether contaminants may be transported to other areas via the heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems and subsequently affect populations beyond the immediate project area. Advance planning by Project Managers, material review and selection processes, and effective control strategies combined with proactive communication efforts can successfully control pollutant levels, allay concerns, and maintain occupant comfort during and after construction or renovation activities.

IAQ Consultation

Achieving a healthy indoor environment - the goal of every new construction or renovation project - promotes the comfort, health, and well-being of the building users. Temperature and humidity are controlled within a comfort zone. Normal concentrations of respiratory gases, such as carbon dioxide, are maintained. The air is free of significant levels of contaminants and odors. Environmental Quality Experts will partner with you from the beginning, consulting with you on every aspect and detail of your project that impacts IAQ.