1. Bern University of Applied Sciences
  2. Business School
  3. Research
  4. Testing services for material emissions and indoor air quality
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Testing services for material emissions and indoor air quality

We perform emission testing of materials and furnishings and determine the indoor air quality in construction processes and in the use phase.

We test materials and furnishings for possible emissions and determine the indoor air quality in the construction process and in the use phase. This becomes the basis for developing new products and processes. Most of the testing performed is accredited to ISO/IEC 17025 by the Swiss Accreditation Service (SAS) and therefore internationally recognised.

Range of services

Our services range from classic standardised tests to the development and optimisation of new products and processes. All orders are carried out by qualified specialists from the relevant field and treated confidentially.

Most of the testing performed is accredited to ISO/IEC 17025 by the Swiss Accreditation Service (SAS), accreditation number: STS 317. The SAS is a member of the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC). This means that the tests accredited by us are recognised internationally.

We offer the following tests:

  • Determination of the emissions from building products and furnishings – Emission test chamber method (EN ISO 16000-9)
  • Determination of emissions from building products and furnishings – Sampling, storage of samples and preparation of test specimens (EN ISO 16000-11)
  • Non-destructive identification of indoor emission sources
  • Determination of the emission of semi-volatile organic compounds by building products – Micro-chamber method (EN ISO 16000-25)
  • Determination of formaldehyde release, Part 1: Formaldehyde emission by the chamber method (SN EN 717-1, SIA 265.403)
  • Determination of formaldehyde release, Part 2: Formaldehyde emission by the gas analysis method (SN EN 717-2, SIA 164.083, ISO 12460-3)
  • Assessment of odour emissions from building products (EN ISO 16000-28) and identification of single odorous compounds
  • Determination of the olfactory behaviour of materials used in the interiors of motor vehicles (VDA 270)

In addition, experts with extensive know-how are available for consultations, expert opinions and expert reports.

Infrastructure

We are able to provide services and carry out development tasks with a high degree of proficiency using the following:

  • Gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer with thermal desorption TDS-GC-MS
  • High-pressure liquid chromatograph with UV detection HPLC
  • UV/VIS spectrometer
  • Gas analysis cabinet
  • Emission test chambers 23L (glass) and 25L (stainless steel)
  • Emission test chambers 1m3
  • Micro-emission test chambers
  • Air-conditioned test laboratories
  • Odour characterisation devices

Contact

I would be happy to provide you with further information and look forward to hearing from you:

Prof. Dr. Ingo Mayer

  • Studiengangsleiter M.Sc. Wood Technology
  • +41 32 344 03 43
  • Show e-mail

Further information

Institute for Building Materials and Biobased Products IBBM