Air quality in office spaces has come under increased scrutiny in recent years, as poor air quality can lead to a variety of health problems for occupants. As a result, many organizations are now looking to improve the air quality in their office spaces.
One way to do this is to adhere to the air quality standards set forth by green building rating systems. The two most common rating systems are LEED and WELL.
The LEED Rating System
LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is a green building certification program that was developed by the US Green Building Council (USGBC). LEED provides third-party verification that a building or space has been designed and built using green building practices that aim to improve energy efficiency, water conservation, and indoor air quality.
LEED Certification Requirements
The Requirements for a LEED Certification in an office space are as follows:
– Use of low-emitting materials: All adhesives, sealants, paints, coatings, flooring systems, and composite wood products used in the space must emit low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
– Improved indoor air quality: The space must have adequate ventilation to maintain good indoor air quality. Additionally, air filtration systems must be used to remove contaminants from the air.
– Use of renewable energy: The space must use renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind power, for a minimum of 10% of its total energy needs.
The LEED Certification comes in different tiers: Certified, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. The different titles are awarded based on how well a building meets the LEED criteria. Being LEED certified can give a building a great reputation and creates a healthier working environment.
The WELL Rating System
WELL is another green building certification program, developed by the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI). WELL focuses specifically on the health and well-being of building occupants.
WELL Certification Requirements
The requirements for a WELL certification in an office space are as follows:
– Thermal comfort: The space must be comfortable for occupants, with adequate air circulation and temperature control.
– Air quality: The space must have good air quality, with air filtration systems in place to remove contaminants from the air.
– Lighting: The space must have adequate lighting that does not cause eye strain or fatigue.
– Acoustics: The space must have good acoustics, with sound-absorbing materials used to reduce noise levels.
Similarly to the LEED certification program, a WELL certification comes in different tiers: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. These tiers are given based on how closely you adhere to the WELL certification requirements.
Both LEED and WELL are voluntary certification programs, but adhering to their standards is a good way to ensure that your office space has good air quality. In addition to these rating systems, there are a few other things you can do to improve air quality in your office space.
Air Purification
Another way to improve air quality in an office space is to use air purifiers. Air purifiers help to remove contaminants from the air, improving air quality.
Air purifiers remove contaminants by passing air through a filter. The air purifier’s filter will capture the contaminants, and the clean air will be passed back into the room.
Some air purifiers are designed specifically for office spaces, and they can be used in conjunction with other air quality improvement strategies, such as increasing ventilation and using green cleaning products.
If you’re looking for an air purifier for your office space, be sure to choose one that is designed for the specific needs of an office. This will ensure that you get the best air quality possible.
When it comes to air quality, every office space is different. However, by following the tips in this blog post, you can help to improve air quality in your office and create a healthier environment for your employees.
Air Quality Monitoring
Another way to improve air quality in an office space is to monitor air quality. Air quality monitors measure the level of pollutants in the air and can be used to track air quality over time.
If you’re concerned about air quality in your office, consider investing in an air quality monitor. This will help you to identify any areas where air quality needs to be improved.
Triton’s Atlas Air Quality Monitor is an all in one air quality sensor that can be used to monitor various air quality parameters, such as temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and particulate matter.
The Atlas Air Quality Monitor is a great option for office spaces, as it can be used to monitor air quality and make sure that the air in your office is clean and healthy. By getting a live look at the quality of air in your office, you can ensure that you are keeping your employees healthy. Healthy employees are more productive, take less sick days, and are more engaged at work.
Improving air quality in an office space can be achieved through a variety of different methods. By using air purifiers, monitoring air quality, and following the standards set by LEED and WELL, you can create a healthier environment for your employees and improve air quality in your office.