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Enhancing Indoor Environmental Quality

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Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) is most simply described as the conditions inside a building. It does not refer to the air quality alone, but the entire environmental quality of a space, which includes air quality, access to daylight and views, pleasant acoustic conditions, and occupant control over lighting and thermal comfort. Americans spend a majority of their time indoors; not surprisingly, studies have shown an increase in worker productivity when improvements are made to a space’s IEQ. Building managers and operators can increase the satisfaction of building occupants by including thoughtful IEQ details in the design and operation of a space.

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The following elements of an IEQ Best Management Practices plan are discussion points (in this link):

  • Facilitate Quality IEQ through Good Design, Construction, Renovation and O&M Practices
  • Value Aesthetic Decisions
  • Provide Thermal Comfort
  • Supply Adequate Levels and Quality of Ventilation and Outside Air
  • Prevent Radon Entry, Airborne Bacteria, Mold, and Other Fungi
  • Limit Spread of Pathogens
  • Use Materials that do not Emit Pollutants or are Low-emitting
  • Assure Acoustic Privacy and Comfort
  • Control Disturbing Odors through Contaminant Isolation and Product Selection
  • Create a High—Performance Luminous Environment
  • Provide Quality Water
  • Be Aware of Exposure to Electromagnetic Fields (EMF)
  • Balance IEQ Strategies with Security Requirements

Link/Upload

Enhance Interior Environment Quality – Whole Building Design Guide                                      http://www.wbdg.org/design/ieq.php

 

Attributions

Image courtesy of Sustainable Facility Tool – U.S. General Services Administration

Content courtesy of Whole Building Design Guide – National Institute of Building Sciences.