Hallmark Indoor Climate Inspection & Advice
The Binnenklimaat Inspectie & Advies quality mark consists of several companies involved in researching, analyzing and advising on the air quality in buildings. Together with the various stakeholders, Indoor Climate Inspection & Advice develops research protocols for carrying out various forms of indoor climate research.
Our mission is to ensure a uniform method of conducting indoor climate research and assessing the results. By following this working method, the ultimate clients are assured of expert research and appropriate advice. Members of the Indoor Climate Inspection & Advice hallmark conform at all times to following these working methods.
Why research through hallmark members
Performing indoor climate research is specialized work. The basis of a good quality indoor climate is a well-functioning and maintained air handling system, where it is important that cleaning activities are carried out sufficiently and properly. Performing an indoor climate survey helps to identify the condition of the air handling system and cleaning maintenance. This ensures that problems are noticed in a timely manner.
The execution of an indoor climate survey requires a prior research plan by an air quality consultant, with the actual execution of the survey being carried out according to a standardized method. The Binnenklimaat Inspectie & advies quality mark has drawn up measurement protocols for this, in cooperation with the Dutch Association of Occupational Hygienists, TVVL, NVRL and the Focus Group Air Filters, among others.
The companies affiliated with the Indoor Climate Inspection & Advice Seal of Approval are monitored for adherence to the proper working method for conducting the required indoor climate surveys. This guarantees the proper performance of an indoor climate survey.
Importance of hallmark
The call for a seal of approval arose with the emergence of indoor microbial research. This type of indoor air quality research has been used in homes, schools and other buildings for over a century. In the 1970s, microbiological air research was associated with sick building syndrome.
After the World Health Organization commissioned research on sick building Syndrome in 1984, studies were commercialized. In the Netherlands, one of the first commercial agency started in 1989. After the start of the first company, several agencies with a specialty in indoor climate surveys soon followed.
Competition is obviously good for diversity within the market, but the research firms had different practices and limits. This caused a false image of the industry which could eventually lead to image damage.
In 2006, a helping hand was offered by Binnenklimaat Nederland. Several companies were approached with the question of whether they wanted to unite with the aim of standardizing working methods and limits. With this, the hallmark "Binnenklimaat Inspectie & advies" was born.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is a healthy indoor environment?
The indoor climate contributes to the experience of the building and involves temperature, air quality and lighting, among other things. If the indoor climate is not right, there are complaints about irritated eyes, headaches, heat and cold, for example. A healthy indoor climate is very important to ensure that building users can perform their work without complaints.
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What are the benefits of a healthy indoor environment?
It has been scientifically proven that a good indoor environment produces productivity gains of between 10 and 15%. In addition, 20% of sick leave is caused by a poor indoor environment. Reducing absenteeism will lead to significant savings in healthcare costs.
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Is it costly to improve the indoor environment?
The COE Healthy Offices is a guide for the (re)development of offices that should not only be energy efficient, but also healthy and comfortable. Three levels of ambition have been formulated for this. Class C indicates "sufficient," Class B means "good," and the best rating is Class A, with a "very good. One can reduce costs by choosing Class C, for example, although it is not necessary to always meet Class A.
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Can I monitor indoor climate through CO2 meters?
To check the operation of ventilation, installing CO2 meters is an excellent tool. However, monitoring air quality requires more. Measuring microorganisms, particulate matter and volatile organic compounds provides the necessary information about air quality in buildings.
