In The Lab: Testing Emissions for BREEAM, LEED and WELL.

As manufacturers, when we consider the effect we have on air quality, we need to think not just about carbon emissions. We also need to understand the effect our products have on the air quality of the space they are installed in. Every room is a microenvironment composed of multiple elements and materials, all of which may emit certain solvents and chemicals.

In order to create healthy, safe spaces, which meet environmental assessment schemes such as BREEAM, LEED and WELL, building designers need to know how much of three chemicals each element in a room emits: formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and total VOCs (volatile organic compounds). To ensure our clients can easily access this information about our products, we submitted samples of our chairs and telescopic platforms to the BRE research institute for testing. 

We’re pleased to say that both the platforms and sample chair (Model: Espace 628) had emissions within acceptable limits for all three chemicals, within all three schemes.  It’s the latest step in our journey towards becoming a more sustainable business. To find out what else we are doing, take a look at our environment page here.  

A chair in the testing chamber.