Indoor Air Quality Plan

An Indoor Air Quality Plan (IAQ Plan) is a design-stage document setting out how a building will achieve acceptable pollutant levels, adequate ventilation, and source control throughout construction and occupation. Under BREEAM v7, an IAQ Plan is mandatory for projects targeting certification, covering VOC limits for specified materials, the construction phase ventilation strategy, and post-completion air quality monitoring. Build Energy produces BREEAM-compliant Indoor Air Quality Plans for new build and refurbishment projects across the UK.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

IAQ Plans are typically followed by Indoor Air Quality Testing on completion. For mechanical ventilation compliance, see Part F Ventilation Testing. For wider BREEAM support, see BREEAM Consultancy. Return to the Air Quality hub.

What is an Indoor Air Quality Plan?

An Indoor Air Quality Plan (IAQP) is a document that sets out how indoor air quality will be managed before, during and after construction to protect occupant health. It specifies the pollutants of concern, sets target concentrations, identifies construction management measures and defines how compliance will be verified – typically through post-construction air quality testing.

When is an IAQP required for BREEAM?

An IAQP is required to achieve the Hea 02 Indoor Air Quality credit under BREEAM New Construction, BREEAM Residential and BREEAM v6.1/v7 schemes. The credit is also linked to post-construction IAQ testing, which must confirm that target pollutant concentrations have been met.

What pollutants does an IAQ Plan address?

BREEAM IAQ Plans typically address formaldehyde, total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO) and particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10). The target concentrations are based on WHO guidelines and are set out in the BREEAM Technical Standards.

Does an IAQ Plan require post-construction testing?

Yes. Under BREEAM, the IAQ Plan must be followed by post-construction testing to verify that the target concentrations have been achieved. Build Energy can provide both the IAQ Plan and the post-construction testing as an integrated service.

Can Build Energy produce IAQ Plans for BREEAM v6.1 and v7?

Yes. Build Energy produces IAQ Plans compliant with both BREEAM v6.1 and the latest BREEAM v7 requirements. The v7 standard includes updated pollutant targets and a revised assessment methodology, which Build Energy is familiar with.

What RIBA stage should an Indoor Air Quality Plan be produced?

The IAQ Plan must be produced at RIBA Stage 2 (Concept Design) as a BREEAM Hea 02 prerequisite – this is when decisions about materials, ventilation strategy and construction management can still be made cost-effectively. The ventilation and materials specification review follows at RIBA Stage 4, with post-construction IAQ testing carried out at RIBA Stage 6 prior to occupancy.

Is an Indoor Air Quality Plan required for planning permission?

An IAQ Plan is not a standard national planning requirement in the UK, but local planning authorities in Air Quality Management Areas – particularly London boroughs – may require evidence of indoor air quality protection as a planning condition. Where this applies, an IAQ Plan can satisfy both the planning condition and the BREEAM Hea 02 prerequisite simultaneously.