In an effort to promote good indoor air quality in buildings, ASHRAE says it is offering a free guide for achieving enhanced IAQ. “The Indoor Air Quality Guide: Best Practices for Design, Construction, and Commissioning” provides strategies to achieve good IAQ using proven technologies and without significantly increasing costs.

First published in 2009, the guide is the result of collaboration between ASHRAE, the American Institute of Architects, the Building Owners and Managers Association International, the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association, and the U.S. Green Building Council with funding provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

The guide can be downloaded for free at www.ashrae.org/FreeIAQGuidance.

 “As we move forward in shaping the next generation of buildings and systems, good indoor air quality must be a central focus of our efforts,” said William P. Bahnfleth, ASHRAE president. “The health and comfort of buildings occupants is too important to leave IAQ as an after-thought in design, construction, and operation. By making this publication available to the industry, we are providing guidance to help ensure the use of best practices for good IAQ, allowing all of us to enjoy the benefits of a better indoor environment cost-effectively.”

The book describes 40 strategies for achieving critical IAQ objectives related to moisture management, ventilation, filtration and air cleaning, and source control. It also highlights how design and construction teams can work together to ensure good IAQ strategies are incorporated from initial design through project completion.