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European Commission's Staff Working Documents on Indoor Air Quality: A Fresh Focus on Health and Innovation

View of the Berlaymont in Brussels

In June this year, the European Commission released staff working documents on Indoor Air Quality (IAQ), which highlighted the work of the IDEAL Cluster, including the EDIAQI project. These documents emphasised the significant role the cluster can play in generating knowledge and evidence. The document is divided into five sections, examining what constitutes good IAQ, how it can be achieved, how the European Commission is contributing to improving it, and the broader efforts being made to enhance it across Europe.

The European Commission describes good IAQ as more than just ensuring that harmful chemicals, dust, air pollutants, microbes, pathogens, and allergens in the air are kept below safe limits. It also means that the air is at a comfortable temperature, humidity levels are appropriate, and the air is free from significant or disturbing odours.

To achieve good IAQ, the European Commission highlights several key elements, including building occupant behaviour, supportive design, and professional construction. They note that good air quality can be maintained by reducing the concentration of pollutants in indoor spaces through prevention, removal, or dilution. The importance of considering these aspects during the design phase of building and construction is underscored, along with the role of Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems. Building codes are also highlighted as crucial in ensuring these considerations are addressed early in the process and followed through to construction.

Regarding the actions the European Commission is taking, several policies are being implemented. These include the Renovation Wave, which focuses on the construction ecosystem, the EU Climate Adaptation Strategy, the New Circular Economy Action Plan (CEAP), the Zero Pollution Action Plan, the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability, and the Pact for Skills for the construction sector, which places a significant focus on digital skills, a critical element for HVAC systems.

As for the regulatory instruments in place, they include both mandatory and voluntary measures such as the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, the Eco-Design Directive, the Construction Products Regulation, the Ambient Air Quality Directive, and others.

Of particular note is that the document specifically highlights the important work of the IDEAL Cluster, a group of seven projects focused on "indoor air quality and health," with an EU contribution of nearly 55 million euros. The European Commission underscores the critical role of the IDEAL Cluster in providing essential evidence for effective policymaking. The EDIAQI project is a proud member of this cluster and is dedicated to fulfilling this critical mission set out by the European Commission. 

To learn more about the IDEAL Cluster, please visit our website. For further details on the European Commission's policy agenda regarding Indoor Air Quality, you can refer to the Staff Working Document on Indoor Air Quality.