Air Quality Ranges
|
Metric |
Unit |
Ideal |
Acceptable |
Poor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) |
ppm |
0–800 |
800–1,000 |
>1,000 |
|
Particulate Matter (PM1) |
µg/m³ |
0–10 |
10–25 |
>25 |
|
Particulate Matter (PM2.5) |
µg/m³ |
0–10 |
10–25 |
>25 |
|
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) |
ppb |
0–250 |
250–600 |
>600 |
Comfort Ranges
|
Metric |
Unit |
Ideal |
Acceptable |
Poor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Temperature |
°C or °F |
20–25°C (68–77°F) |
18–20°C (64–68°F) 25–27°C (77–81°F) |
<18°C (<64°F) >27°C (>81°F) |
|
Humidity |
% |
30–50% |
25–30% 50–60% |
<25% >60% |
|
Ambient Noise |
dB |
30–50 dB |
50–70 dB |
>70 dB |
|
Relative Light |
% |
50–70% |
30–50% 70–85% |
<30% >85% |
|
Barometric Pressure |
hPa |
950–1050 hPa |
900–950 hPa 050–1100 hPa |
<900 hPa >1100 hPa |
Overall Score Calculation
In order to calculate an overall score for air quality and comfort, each individual metric value is allocated a categorical score based on the range it falls in. Based on the threshold range outlined above, for each metric a score of 2 is assigned if it is in the ideal range, a score of 1 for acceptable and a score of 0 if it is poor.
An arithmetic mean is then calculated for air quality and comfort based on these scores using the following formulae:
Air Quality Score
Comfort Score
Standards Used
The recommended ranges for these metrics are drawn from various internationally recognized standards and guidelines tailored to industry needs, such as WELL, Fitwel, RESET, and LEED. These standards emphasize occupant health, productivity, and environmental sustainability. For instance, the WELL standard focuses on modern, high-performing buildings with strict preconditions, while Fitwel offers greater flexibility with fewer mandatory requirements. RESET Air Certification exclusively targets indoor air quality, requiring continuous monitoring and strict data reporting, making it ideal for larger commercial applications. LEED, on the other hand, integrates air quality testing into post-construction assessments to ensure compliance with stringent environmental benchmarks. Our selected ranges reflect a balance of these standards, prioritizing comfort, health, and practicality.
The standards referenced include:
- WELL (https://standard.wellcertified.com/air/air-quality-standards)
- Fitwel (https://assets.ctfassets.net/fuo6knzstk5a/3PWJjhcpaHCqcZMAHBYWPp/7c67871dde3946229e6924ffaa76a32a/VRM-Enhanced_Indoor_Air_Quality_Testing-August2020.pdf)
- RESET (https://reset.build/standard/air#air_download)
- LEED (https://www.usgbc.org/credits/new-construction-schools-new-construction-retail-new-construction-healthcare-data-centers-17)
- Airthings (https://help.airthings.com/en/collections/2683690-about-radon-air-quality)
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