Enhancing Indoor Air Quality in Life Sciences Facilities: Best Practices and Technologies

Maintaining high standards of indoor air quality (IAQ) is crucial in life‑sciences facilities - whether in pharmaceutical manufacturing, biotechnology research or healthcare environments. Robust IAQ safeguards occupant health and preserves the integrity of sensitive scientific processes. Across Ireland, the UK and Europe, meeting stringent air‑quality benchmarks isn’t just about regulatory compliance; it’s a cornerstone of operational excellence.

Post-pandemic, the focus on IAQ has intensified as awareness of air hygiene has grown. In life sciences facilities, where contamination risks can compromise health, research outcomes, and product efficacy, IAQ must be a central priority. Here, we outline the critical role of IAQ and best practices for achieving and maintaining optimal conditions in line with LEED, BREEAM, and WELL building standards.

1. Maintaining Sterility and Contamination Control

Controlling contamination is one of the primary drivers for exceptional IAQ in life sciences facilities. Airborne particles, chemical fumes, and microbial contaminants can disrupt scientific processes, particularly in cleanrooms, laboratories, and production areas. Regulatory frameworks such as ISO 14644 set stringent requirements for particulate levels in these environments.

Best practices for sterility include:

• High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration systems, capable of trapping 99.97% of particles, ensure that contaminants do not enter controlled environments.
• Air pressure differentials, airlocks, and laminar flow systems prevent cross-contamination.

2. Ensuring Regulatory Compliance

For life sciences facilities operating in Ireland, the UK, and Europe, regulatory compliance is non-negotiable. Frameworks such as the EU-GMP guidelines outline strict measures for air quality in pharmaceutical production.

Strategies to meet compliance include:

• Regular IAQ monitoring to maintain regulatory limits for particles, microbes, and chemical contaminants.
• Comprehensive documentation of IAQ data to demonstrate compliance during inspections.

Standards such as LEED, BREEAM, and WELL further emphasise IAQ through requirements for monitoring, ventilation, and pollutant control, providing a benchmark for sustainability and occupant well-being.

3. Health and Safety of Occupants

High IAQ is essential for the well-being of employees and visitors. Exposure to poor air quality can cause respiratory issues, allergies, or long-term health problems, especially where volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or biological agents are present.

Enhancements for health and safety include:

• Air purification technologies, such as ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI), to neutralise pathogens.
• Increased fresh air ventilation rates to dilute and remove indoor pollutants, reducing risks of airborne diseases and chemical exposure.

The WELL building standard underscores occupant health by prioritising air purification and ventilation systems to mitigate exposure to indoor pollutants.

4. Energy Efficiency and Sustainability

Balancing optimal IAQ with energy efficiency is a key challenge. Air handling systems controlling temperature, humidity, and filtration are energy-intensive. However, sustainability goals in Europe demand innovative solutions to reduce energy consumption.

Energy-efficient solutions include:

• Energy recovery ventilators (ERVs) that reuse heat energy from exhaust air, reducing ventilation energy demands.
• Smart building management systems dynamically adjusting airflow based on IAQ sensor data and occupancy, enhancing energy efficiency and air quality.

BREEAM certification rewards energy-efficient ventilation designs that improve IAQ while minimising environmental impact.

5. Leveraging Advanced IAQ Technologies

Advancements in IAQ technology provide robust tools for maintaining optimal air quality. Real-time monitoring and advanced sensors allow facilities to quickly respond to deviations from acceptable conditions.

Key technologies include:

• IoT-enabled air quality monitors offering real-time data and alerts for exceeding particulate matter, VOC, or CO2 thresholds.
• Photocatalytic oxidation (PCO), which sterilises air and breaks down organic pollutants in contamination-sensitive spaces.

6. Addressing Climate-Specific Challenges in Europe

Life sciences facilities in Ireland, the UK, and Europe face unique climate challenges, such as high humidity levels that foster microbial growth. Tailored HVAC systems and humidity controls are critical for maintaining IAQ.

Climate-specific solutions include:

• Advanced dehumidification systems to maintain optimal conditions, especially in cleanrooms.
• Climate-resilient HVAC systems that stabilise IAQ despite fluctuating outdoor conditions, ensuring the integrity of sensitive processes.

Indoor air quality is indispensable in life sciences facilities, safeguarding employee health, scientific integrity and regulatory compliance. By implementing best practices - advanced filtration, energy‑efficient ventilation and real‑time monitoring - aligned with standards such as LEED, BREEAM and WELL, life sciences campuses across Ireland, the UK and Europe can achieve outstanding operational performance while promoting sustainable, safety‑focused practices.