An Indoor Air Quality Plan is the first step to improving occupant health, comfort and building performance.
Under new BREEAM v7 requirements an Indoor Air Quality Plan (IAQ Plan) must be produced at Design Stage for projects targeting certification. We produce Indoor Air Quality Plans for BREEAM New Construction Version 6.1 and the new Version 7, helping teams manage construction air quality and demonstrate compliance. We can also provide Indoor Air Quality Testing on completion of the build.
What Is an IAQ Plan?
An Indoor Air Quality Plan sets out design and construction measures to control pollutants from materials, processes and ventilation. It identifies sources, defines low VOC materials strategies, and provides a building ventilation strategy aligned with CIBSE guidance and Building Regulations. The plan supports BREEAM evidence and can align with the WELL Standard Air concept.
- Pollutant source assessment
- Low-emitting product and low VOC materials strategy
- Building ventilation strategy and fresh air provision
- Construction air quality management and dust control
- Moisture and mould prevention
- Pre-occupancy air quality management
- Roles, responsibilities and RIBA Stage 2 deliverables
- BREEAM submission evidence and sign-off
BREEAM v6.1 vs v7 Requirements
| Requirement | BREEAM v6.1 | BREEAM v7 |
|---|---|---|
| IAQ Plan required at RIBA Stage 2 | Yes | Yes |
| Low-emitting materials strategy | Required | Strengthened expectations on VOC management |
| Construction IAQ management | Required | Expanded site controls and duct protection |
| Ventilation and filtration strategy | Required | Required with post-occupation performance focus |
| Roles and responsibilities | Recommended | Mandatory allocation |
| Recognition of WELL Standard alignment | Not stated | Recognised/encouraged |
Why Indoor Air Quality Matters
Buildings can accumulate pollutants from materials, construction activities and outdoor sources. Without early IAQ planning, these can cause health issues, rework and delays.
An Indoor Air Quality Plan manages risks from VOCs, formaldehyde, PM2.5 and PM10, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide and moisture-driven mould, while supporting BREEAM Hea 02 and WELL alignment. Effective control of indoor air quality not only protects occupant wellbeing but also reduces future maintenance issues and the risk of legal or warranty disputes arising from poor environmental conditions.
What an IAQ Plan Covers
Material and Source Control
Selection of low-emission products, off-site protection and storage protocols for absorbent materials, and safe handling to avoid contamination. The plan sets limits for VOCs and aldehydes, promotes compliant product selection and includes measures to prevent pollutant release during cutting and installation. It also ensures that moisture-sensitive materials are kept dry and sealed to prevent mould growth and microbial contamination.
Ventilation Strategy
Fresh air and filtration designed to Building Regulations Approved Document F and CIBSE guidance, limiting pollutant build-up during and after construction. The strategy considers outdoor air quality, air intake position, filter specifications and system commissioning to ensure healthy indoor environments. It also includes temporary ventilation arrangements during construction to control dust and emissions before building services are commissioned.
Construction Phase Management
Dust suppression, filtered temporary ventilation, sequencing of works and protection of ventilation systems and ductwork. These measures help prevent pollutants from being trapped in building fabric and mechanical systems. The plan also requires equipment isolation, staged filter use and cleaning of ductwork before final commissioning to avoid cross-contamination and future IAQ complaints.
Pre-Occupancy Measures
Controlled flush-out strategy before handover and preparation for IAQ verification or testing where relevant to BREEAM (see our IAQ Testing page). The plan outlines the removal of airborne pollutants through increased purge ventilation or extended system operation before occupation. It also sets out procedures for verifying post-construction air quality to ensure compliance and occupant wellbeing.
When Is an Indoor Air Quality Plan Required?
An IAQ Plan is required for BREEAM Hea 02 (BREEAM v6) or Hea 04 credits (BREEAM v7) and is applicable to most new build and refurbishment projects. It also supports projects targeting the WELL Building Standard Air concept. The Plan should be produced early in the design (RIBA stages 2-3) to inform decisions made by the design team.
Our Indoor Air Quality Plan Service
We develop BREEAM-compliant Indoor Air Quality Plans for architects, contractors and developers. Each plan is tailored to the building type and construction methodology, providing clear responsibilities and evidence for submission.
- RIBA Stage 2 IAQ Plan (all BREEAM versions)
- Low VOC materials and product strategy
- Construction air quality management plan
- Ventilation and moisture control guidance
- BREEAM Hea 02 evidence
Get in Touch
Would you like to discuss your project?
Call us on 0330 055 34 05 or email be@buildenergy.co.uk.