Edifice Rx’s Healthy Building Services

Better Building Baselines – B³

Proactive Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) Evaluations & Integrations

Building IEQ Parameters & Steps

  Water Quality

  • Potable Water Testing & Management Read More
  • Non-Potable Water Testing & Management Read More
  • Legionella Management Program Read More

Additional Healthy Building Evaluations & Integrations

  • Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Program Read More
  • Construction Pollutant (EQ) Management Program Read More

IAQ for Data Centers

  • Visual inspection for cleanliness and settled particulates.
  • Visual inspection and confirmation of AHUs filtration ratings and overall HVAC hygiene.
  • Verification of data center pressurization.
  • Collection & analysis of air characterization samples.
  • Collection of air quality parameters throughout the building (includes an outdoor control location) using real-time instruments.
  • Analysis of passive reactivity monitoring data to determine overall environmental classifications (30 days sampling time).
  • Analysis of Continuous Duty Corrosivity in various locations in the same facility.
The Impact:

Green/Healthy Buildings on Cognitive Function: 

Harvard and Syracuse University found that people who work in well ventilated buildings with low Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) and chemical levels have shown significantly higher cognitive performance scores compared to those who work in conventional buildings! Because occupant salaries are the largest organizational expense (up to 90% of a company’s budget), and because proper decision-making is essential to quality business operations, steps to correct environmental conditions are critical.

Study Participants Experienced:

      • Significantly better cognitive function
      • Fewer health symptoms
      • Better perceived indoor environmental quality.

The Researchers Found:

The IEQ that resulted in doubled cognitive function scores could be achieved in a small investment of $14 and $40 dollars per year. The resulting increase in productivity per year? An astounding $6,500 in improved productivity. The study also showed that properly ventilated spaces showed an 8% increase in employee decision making performance.

The facts prove it, and we can help you do it. Read more about the study here, https://naturalleader.com/thecogfxstudy/study-1/.  Call us today to get started.

IEQ Parameters and Steps:

HVAC Inspection and Evaluation – EPA I-BEAM 

HVAC maintenance is necessary to ensure compliance with EPA I-BEAM – EPA’s EQ PROTOCOLS for healthy building management. Not only can air quality be negatively impacted, but this can lead to increased energy and maintenance costs for building owners if not properly inspected and maintained. Having an effective HVAC management plan will reduce the number of reactive repairs needed and increase occupant wellness and performance.

Ventilation Verification 

Building occupant cognitive ability is 60%-100% higher in green building environments with greater Outside Air (OA) ventilation quantities. Indoor activities such as normal building operations and occupant respiration can negatively impact indoor air quality. Increased CO2 levels within the workplace have been proven to result in decreased productivity from building occupants. Crisis response, strategy, and information usage were 3 categories tested in a study conducted by Harvard; all of which resulted in significantly higher performance in well-ventilated spaces. Reduced dilution air may lead to higher concentrations of indoor air pollutants that affect employee comfort and productivity.

Edifice Rx can assist in compliance with ASHRAE 62.1 – 2016 or higher performing LEED ventilation criteria. Our testing staff can confirm and adjust mechanical engineering calculations of Outside Air (OA) quantities for current occupancy conditions.

Real Time Measurements 

Immediate measurements of indoor air quality are performed to confirm acceptable levels as recommended by USGBC LEED v3/v4. This includes respirable particulate, volatile organic compounds, formaldehyde, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and ozone. Unsatisfactory levels of indoor air quality levels can lead to health issues within the cardiovascular, nervous, and respiratory system as stated by the International Well Building Institute.

      • PM 2.5 – less than 15 µg/m³
      • PM 10 – less than 50 µg/m³
      • TVOCs – less than 500 µg/m³
      • H₂CO – less than 27 ppb
      • CO₂ – less than 600 ppm for high performance
      • CO – less than 9 ppb; no more than 2
        ppm above outdoor levels
      • O– less than 51 ppb


Microbial (Mold + Bacteria) 

Fungi and bacteria are commonly found on surfaces and in air. The Institute of Medicine (IOM) reported there is adequate evidence linking mold to health issues such as upper respiratory tract symptoms, cough, wheeze, and other adverse health effects on otherwise healthy individuals. The same amount of mold may cause health effects in one person, but not another. A reaction to mold depends on exposure, general health and age, and the person’s sensitivities or allergies.  The Edifice Rx IEQ team can ensure acceptable microbial (mold + bacteria)  levels in all interior environments.  Read More

  Building Pressurization

Differential pressure measurements between indoors and outdoors is tested. Buildings should be slightly positive to outdoors to prevent pollutant importation. If the building is negatively pressurized it creates issues of comfort, such as cold drafts, to safety concerns, such as carbon monoxide being circulated, and increased condensation creating a risk of mold growth.  Pressure evaluation is also important to confirm and prevent restroom odor migration.

Pollutant Source Reduction

Air and/or wipe sampling is conducted to determine exposure to toxic materials. These materials can be found in many common products ranging from carpet, chairs, rugs, and many other office materials. Toxic materials found in these common products can lead to hormone disrupting chemicals, cause fertility issues, and neuro-behavioral effects.

      • PFC (per fluorinated compounds)
      • Flame Retardants – Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE’s)
      • Phthalate (plasticizers) 
      • Isocyanate-based polyurethane products

Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) Pollutant Air Quality Monitoring (B³ Component, Construction Monitoring, Health Care Monitoring)

Cloud based air quality monitoring provides real-time notifications and response to changing IEQ conditions as well as allowing for analysis of long-term trends, ensuring maintenance of acceptable air quality levels as recommended by governmental and professional organizations. air quality monitoring measurements are collected frequently (1-10 minutes) for multiple days, weeks, or months (as requested). This is effective for long-term measurement of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds, and respirable particulate, (PM-2.5 & PM-10) temperature and relative humidity.  Air quality monitors are capable of monitoring up to ten (10) IEQ analytes. Download Brochure 

Potable Water Testing

EPA, WHO, and the State of California provide guidelines for acceptable levels of water contaminants based on the likelihood of cancer and other adverse health effects. Performing periodic testing to ensure water quality is recommended to reduce the risk of illness.

Types of water testing:

      • Inorganic – Lead, Arsenic, Antimony, Mercury, Nickel, Copper.
      • Organic – Styrene, Benzene, Ethylbenzene, Polychlorinated biphenyls, Vinyl Chloride, Toluene, Xylenes, Tetrachloroethylene.
      • Agricultural – Atrazine, Simazine, Glyphosate, 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic, Nitrates.
      • Public Water Additives – Residual Chlorine, Residual Chloramine, Total Trihalomethanes, Total Halo acetic Acids, Fluoride.

Legionella Management Program

Applying control measures such as regular maintenance for non-potable and potable water systems is necessary to minimize the risk of legionella growth. Exposure to Legionella is known to cause pneumonia, and reported cases of Legionnaires’ Disease have increased by nearly four times since 2000. This illness occurs more frequently in the summer and early fall, but can happen during any season.  Edifice Rx industrial hygienists can help you survey your building, create your plan, and provide water testing separate from water treatment sales. Read More

In accordance with ANSI/ASHRAE STANDARD 188-2015, LEGIONELLOSIS: RISK MANAGEMENT FOR BUILDING WATER SYSTEMS, a Water Management Plan is required if the building has any of the following:

      • A centralized hot water system
      • More than 10 stories
      • Housing designed for people over 65
      • Patients staying for longer than 24 hours.

Integrated Pest Management Program

By using an integrated pest management approach to eliminating pests, you will be selecting the safer and long term approach. By using a four step plan we help identify and eliminate the source of the problems.

  1. Policy: Define your goals and ground rules.
  2. Plan: Determine all potential control methods.
  3. Inspection: Locate present pest activity and the building conditions that harbor pest activity.
  4. Training: Include all staff, facilities, management, union, and Human Resources.

Construction Pollutant (EQ) Management Program 

Implementation of Construction Pollutant (EQ) Management Program is recommended to prevent construction contaminant migration into occupied areas as referenced by multiple professional organizations. Risk assessments and a management plan will mitigate exposure of fine particulate that can enter lungs and cause health problems such as asthma and decreased lung function in occupant populations.  Start your construction project with drawing review, IEQ management plan, training, and IAQ datalogging, especially helpful for tenant fit out work.