ECARF quality seal for allergy-friendly buildings
International
Approximately one third of adults are diagnosed with allergies which often diminish quality of life and can lead to reduced performance. Notably, potential allergens and irritants are frequently present in everyday products and environments, making it challenging for individuals to avoid them.
In recent years, the ECARF (European Centre for Allergy Research Foundation) insignia has appeared on a diverse range of products across multiple sectors. This certification serves as an assurance to consumers that the ingredients of the product are allergy-safe and have been verified by the allergy experts at ECARF.
The ECARF Foundation was established in 2003, and its board is headed by the internationally renowned allergy-expert, Prof. Dr. Torsten Zuberbier. The Foundation has supporting medical research in Berlin for many years and has a collaboration network of 129 university clinics worldwide.
Although people spend the majority of their time (more than 80%) indoors, in the past little attention has been given to constructing allergy-friendly environments – be it residential, workspace, or public buildings.
AFBA (Allergy Friendly Buildings Alliance) sought to expand the accreditation mechanism to the construction industry by developing a novel certification system that would deliver the ECARF quality seal for allergy-friendly buildings.
To accomplish this objective, Buro Happold, was entrusted with the task of conceptualizing the framework for the allergy-friendly certification system. This would need to encompass a diverse spectrum of construction and property development activities.
Buro Happold was engaged to create a new certification framework to deliver the ECARF quality seal for allergy-friendly buildings.
The framework for certification needed to be flexible enough to incorporate a broad range of potential triggers.
The certification process needed to be adaptable to work on scales ranging from small buildings to campuses to cities.
25% of the profit from the certification scheme will go towards allergy research.
Challenge
Buro Happold’s European sustainability & wellbeing consulting team was tasked with devising the mechanisms and framework for a certification system to work in a broad and diverse industry such as construction and property development. The ECARF seal of approval could become the sought-after allergy-friendly certification for evaluating various potential factors that could impact a wide range of allergy types.
To achieve this, the certification framework would need to be flexible and capable of accommodating multiple factors. It would need to function efficiently across various scales, including small scale projects (i.e., homes, small offices), medium-scale constructions (i.e., schools, hospitals, multi-story office buildings), and large-scale environments (i.e., campuses, cities).
The framework would also need to assess a broad spectrum of allergies (i.e., asthma, dermatitis, dust mite and mould allergies, pollen allergies and insect venom allergies).
Solution
Our experts devised the framework that developers and contractors could work towards to achieve certification – a handbook and assessment that allow ECARF to examine everything from the materials used in a new development, to the humidity and ventilation controls.
One of Buro Happold’s structural engineering projects, the new Am Tacheles district in Berlin will be the first real estate project worldwide to be certified by the Allergy Friendly Buildings Alliance (AFBA) using the new ECARF allergy-friendly buildings certification process.
Both the new urban quarter, the construction of the residential and office buildings and even the outdoor areas will be monitored by AFBA experts and our consultants to ensure compliance with all scientific and medical standards.
The ECARF certificate for the project includes a scientific and medical assessment of the scheduled construction materials and outdoor greenery. The examination incorporates all buildings in the district and includes floor and wall coverings, adhesives and sealing materials used, wall paints and varnishes, fittings of steel, aluminium, plastics and wood, air-conditioning devices and technical equipment, and extends through to the trees planted in public areas.
The assessment involves the project developer undergoing a multi-stage examination procedure that consists of analysis, execution, precertification, final examination and full certification.
Value
ECARF has already established itself as a leader in providing allergy-friendly certification for more than 500 product categories, ranging from food to cosmetics to automotive interior finishes.
The new certification strategy will play a vital role in the built environment, setting a new standard for allergy-friendly construction that prioritizes the well-being of individuals and the environment.
Certification will provide invaluable reassurance to the future inhabitants of the certified buildings and outdoor spaces, as well as positively impacting their quality of life. Moreover, this certification will enhance the value of participating properties while ensuring a healthier and more comfortable living environment.
As well as constructing the mechanisms by which this can be delivered, we have supported with communicating the new certification. Buro Happold also delivered multidisciplinary services on the first real project set to achieve the certification at Am Tacheles.
We now have a team of specially trained ECARF advisors within Buro Happold who can support projects to achieve the new designation.
Download the handbook
Our experts devised the framework that developers and contractors could work towards to achieve certification – a handbook and assessment that allow ECARF to examine everything from the materials used in a new development, to the humidity and ventilation controls.
— Thomas Kraubitz, European Director and Head of Sustainability and Climate, Buro Happold.
