Hallmark Indoor Climate Inspection & Advice
The Indoor Climate Inspection & Advice quality mark consists of several companies involved in researching, analysing 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, ultimate clients are assured of expert research and appropriate advice. Members of the Indoor Climate Inspection & Advice quality mark conform to these working methods at all times.
Why research through hallmark members
Performing indoor climate research is specialist work. The basis of a good indoor climate quality is a well-functioning and well-maintained air-conditioning system, where it is important that cleaning activities are carried out sufficiently and properly. Carrying out an indoor climate survey helps identify the state of the air-conditioning system and cleaning maintenance. This ensures that problems are noticed in time.
Carrying out an indoor climate survey requires an air quality consultant to submit a survey plan in advance, with the actual performance of the survey being carried out according to a standardised method. The Indoor Climate Inspection & Advice quality mark has drawn up measurement protocols for this, in collaboration with the Dutch Association of Occupational Hygienists, TVVL, NVRL and the Focus Group Air Filters, among others.
The companies affiliated to the Indoor Climate Inspection & Advice quality mark are monitored for following the correct working method for carrying out the required indoor climate surveys. This ensures the proper execution of a healthy indoor climate survey.
Importance of hallmark
The call for a seal of approval arose with the emergence of indoor microbiome research. This type of indoor climate research has been used in homes, schools and other buildings for over a century. In the 1970s, microbiological air testing was associated with sick building syndrome.
After the World Health Organisation commissioned research into sick building syndrome in 1984, studies were commercialised. In the Netherlands, one of the first commercial agency started in 1989. After the start of the first company, several agencies specialised in indoor climate surveys soon followed.
Competition is obviously good for diversity within the market, however, the research agencies maintained different practices and limits. This caused a wrong image of the industry which could eventually lead to image damage.
In 2006, Binnenklimaat Nederland lent a helping hand. Several companies were approached to ask whether they wanted to join forces with the aim of standardising working methods and limits. With this, the hallmark "Indoor Climate Inspection & Advice" was born.
Frequently asked questions
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What is a healthy indoor climate?
The indoor climate contributes to the perception of the building and deals with 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 carry out their work without complaints.
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What are the benefits of a healthy indoor climate?
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 indoor climate?
The PoA 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 purpose. Class C indicates 'sufficient', class B means 'good' and the best rating is class A, with a 'very good'. One can reduce costs by opting for Class C, for example, although it is not necessary to always meet Class A.
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Can I monitor indoor climate using CO2 meters?
To check the operation of ventilation, installing CO2 meters is an excellent tool. However, checking air quality requires more. Measuring microorganisms, dust particles and volatile organic compounds provides the necessary information on air quality in buildings.
