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LEED-NC Version 2.1 Reference Guide

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OverviewOverview

Overview of LEEDTM

Prerequisites andCredits

EQ Prerequisite 1Minimum IAQ Perfor-mance

EQ Prerequisite 2Environmental TobaccoSmoke (ETS) Control

EQ Credit 1Carbon Dioxide (CO

2)

Monitoring

EQ Credit 2Increase Ventilation

Effectiveness

EQ Credit 3Construction IAQManagement Plan

EQ Credit 4Low-Emitting Materials

EQ Credit 5Indoor Chemical &Pollutant Source Control

EQ Credit 6Controllability ofSystems

EQ Credit 7Thermal Comfort

EQ Credit 8Daylight & Views

There are 15 pointsavailable in the IndoorEnvironmental Qualitycategory.

Indoor Environmental Quality

Americans spend an average of 90% oftheir time indoors, where levels of pol-lutants may be two to five timesand oc-casionally more than 100 timeshigherthan outdoor levels, according to the U.S.Environmental Protection Agency. In its1999 Air Quality Guidelines, the WorldHealth Organization states that most ofa persons daily exposure to many air pol-lutants comes through inhalation of in-door air. Many of these pollutants cancause health reactions in the estimated 17million Americans who suffer from

asthma and 40 million who have aller-gies, thus contributing to millions of daysabsent from school and work. TheAsthma and Allergy Foundation estimatesthat asthma cost the U.S. economy $10.7billion in 1994 alone.

Research over the past decade has in-creased our understanding of the indoorenvironment, revealing both problemsand potential solutions. Major healthdisasters such as outbreaks of Legion-

naires disease and sick building syndromehave heightened the awareness of indoorair quality for building owners and occu-pants. An increasing number of legal casesemphasize the need for optimal indoorenvironmental quality (IEQ) strategies.Such strategies reduce potential liabilityfor design team members (includingbuilding owners), increase the resale valueof the building, and increase productiv-ity of building occupants. In fact, casestudies suggest that IEQ improvements

can increase worker productivity by asmuch as 16%, resulting in rapid paybackfor IEQ capital investments (source:

Greening the Building and the Bottom Line,Rocky Mountain Institute, 1994).

IEQ strategies include issues related toindoor air quality (IAQ) such as increasedratios of filtered outside air, ventilationeffectiveness, moisture management, andcontrol of contaminants. Prevention ofair quality problems is generally much lessexpensive than cleaning up after theseproblems occur. For example, it is inex-pensive and sensible to sequence construc-tion activities so that materials are keptdry and those that absorb contaminants

are installed after other materials have hadthe opportunity to off-gas contaminants.Specifying materials that release fewer andless harmful contaminants is even better.Another strategy is to protect air handlingsystems during construction and performa building flush-out prior to occupancy.To provide optimal air quality for build-ing occupants over the lifetime of thebuilding, automatic sensors and controlscan be integrated with the HVAC system

to adjust temperature, humidity, and thepercentage of outside air introduced tooccupied spaces. Sensors can alert build-ing maintenance staff to potential IAQproblems such as carbon dioxide (CO

2)

build-up in occupied space.

Other IEQ issues to consider includedaylighting and lighting quality, thermalcomfort, acoustics, occupant control ofbuilding systems, and access to views. Allof these issues have the potential to en-hance the indoor environment and opti-mize interior spaces for building occu-pants.


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U.S. Green Building Council

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Overview


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Minimum IAQ Performance

Intent

Establish minimum indoor air quality (IAQ) performance to prevent the developmentof indoor air quality problems in buildings, thus contributing to the comfort and well-being of the occupants.

Requirements

Meet the minimum requirements of voluntary consensus standard ASHRAE 62-1999,Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality, and approved Addenda (see ASHRAE62-2001, Appendix H, for a complete compilation of Addenda) using the VentilationRate Procedure.

Submittals

Provide the LEED Letter Template, signed by the mechanical engineer or respon-sible party, declaring that the project is fully compliant with ASHRAE 62-1999and all published Addenda and describing the procedure employed in the IAQanalysis (Ventilation Rate Procedure).

Summary of Referenced Standard

ASHRAE Standard 62-1999: Ventilation For Acceptable Indoor Air Quality

ASHRAE, www.ashrae.org, (800) 527-4723

This standard specifies minimum ventilation rates and indoor air quality (IAQ) levelsto reduce the potential for adverse health effects. The standard specifies that mechani-

cal or natural ventilation systems be designed to prevent uptake of contaminants, mini-mize the opportunity for growth and dissemination of microorganisms, and filter par-ticulates, if necessary. Makeup air inlets should be located away from contaminantsources such as cooling towers; sanitary vents; and vehicular exhaust from parkinggarages, loading docks, and street traffic.

A Ventilation Rate Procedure and an Indoor Air Quality Procedure are outlined toachieve compliance with the standard. The Ventilation Rate Procedure prescribes out-door air quality acceptable for ventilation; outdoor air treatment measures; and venti-lation rates for residential, commercial, institutional, vehicular, and industrial spaces.The procedure also includes criteria for the reduction of outdoor air quantities whenrecirculated air is treated by contaminant-removal equipment and criteria for variable

ventilation when the air volume in the space is used as a reservoir to dilute contami-nants. The Indoor Air Quality Procedure incorporates both quantitative and subjec-tive evaluation and restricts contaminant concentrations to acceptable levels.

Prerequisite 1

Required


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Prerequisite 1

Credit Synergies

SS Credit 1Site Selection

SS Credit 2Urban Redevelopment

SS Credit 3BrownfieldRedevelopment

SS Credit 4AlternativeTransportation

WE Credit 1Water EfficientLandscaping

EA Prerequisite 1Fundamental BuildingSystems Commissioning

EA Prerequisite 2Minimum EnergyPerformance

EA Credit 1Optimize EnergyPerformance

EA Credit 3AdditionalCommissioning

EA Credit 5

Measurement &Verification

MR Prerequisite 1Storage & Collection ofRecyclables

MR Credit 1Building Reuse

(continued)

Green Building Concerns

Optimal IAQ performance in buildingsresults in improved occupant comfort,well-being, and productivity. Key com-ponents for maintaining superior indoor

air quality include using high-quality out-door air and providing adequate ventila-tion rates. The referenced standard de-scribes procedures for avoiding the intro-duction of contaminants such as locationof air intakes relative to potential sourcesof contamination. The referenced stan-dard also outlines general ventilation ratesfor a variety of building types.

Environmental Issues

Higher ventilation rates are sometimes

necessary to optimize IAQ, and this canresult in higher energy use to operate thebuilding HVAC system. However, theadditional energy cost can be offset byimproved occupant productivity andlower absentee rates.

Economic Issues

Increased ventilation rates may result ingreater annual energy costs. However,poor indoor air quality can cause occu-

pant illnesses, resulting in increased ex-penses and liability costs for buildingowners, operators, and insurance compa-nies. Personnel costs are a significant per-centage of operating costs, much greaterthan energy or maintenance costs, and,thus, actions that affect employee atten-dance and productivity are significant. A1991 statistical abstract by the BuildingOwners and Managers Association esti-mated employee salaries at $130 persquare foot while energy costs were less

than $2 per square foot.

ASHRAE Standard 62-1999 has becomestandard ventilation design practice andmay not require additional design effortor cost. Good IAQ reduces potential li-ability for architects, builders, owners,building operators, and occupants, as wellas increases the value and marketability

of a building. Additional effort may berequired to optimize the integration of theHVAC system with the layout of thestructure and surrounding area.

Community Issues

IAQ optimization strategies can lead to ahealthier environment for occupants,which typically results in fewer com-plaints, lower absenteeism and illness, andhigher productivity. Improved occupanthealth results in decreased health care andinsurance costs.

Design Approach

Strategies

Evaluate the project site prior to acquisi-tion to avoid choosing a site with poten-tial IAQ problems. These potential prob-lems might include heavy traffic areas,nearby polluting industrial sites, or neigh-boring waste management sites. In addi-tion, identify possible future uses ofnearby sites that may impact outdoor airquality. Obtain ambient air quality dataand local wind patterns from the U.S.EPA or local sources to identify sources

of pollution most likely to affect the site.After the building site has been chosen,identify site activities that may have anegative impact on air quality such asconstruction activities, materials installedin the building, and chemical handlingactivities during occupancy. Establish airquality standards early in the design pro-cess, and clearly state these design criteriain plans and specifications.

Specify, design, and install fresh air in-

takes away from possible sources of con-tamination (at least 25 feet is recom-mended and 40 feet is preferable). Pos-sible sources of contamination includeloading areas, building exhaust fans, cool-ing towers, street traffic, idling cars, stand-ing water, parking garages, sanitary vents,dumpsters, and outside smoking areas.


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Prerequisite 1

Credit Synergies

(continued)



2)

Monitoring

EQ Credit 2Increase VentilationEffectiveness

EQ Credit 3Construction IAQ

Management PlanEQ Credit 4Low-Emitting Materials



Locating fresh air intakes appropriatelyrequires coordination between HVAC de-signers and the project architect.

Ensure that the outside air capacity forthe ventilation system can meet the re-

quirements of the referenced standard inall modes of operation. Remember toconsider the maximum potential occu-pancy load when calculating outside airneeds in all spaces. Assess changes in oc-cupant loads for renovation or retrofitprojects and, where possible, plan forthese future requirements. Avoid over-design and under-design of the ventila-tion system and anticipate future retro-fits.

Upon project completion, include opera-tional testing in the building commission-ing report. Implement an operations andmaintenance plan to maintain an uncon-taminated HVAC system.

Synergies and Trade-Offs

Site location and landscape design affectthe outdoor air volumes that can be cir-culated through the building. Denseneighborhoods, adjacent transportationfacilities, and existing site contamination

can adversely affect the quality of outsideair available for ventilation purposes. In-creased ventilation rates can solve someindoor air quality problems by dilutingcontaminant levels, but this strategy mayaffect indoor thermal comfort and mayincrease energy use. Building commis-sioning and measurement & verificationprocesses are tools that can be used tooptimize indoor air quality levels whileminimizing energy efficiency losses.

During construction and building fit-out,protect building materials from moistureand specify materials and furnishings thatdo not release harmful or irritating chemi-cals, such as volatile organic compounds(VOCs) from paints and solvents, to re-duce the detrimental effects these sub-stances have on IAQ. Occupant activi-ties such as chemical handling and smok-

ing can reduce the amount of clean air ina space. More often, it is beneficial toreduce IAQ problems at the source, suchas specifying low-VOC materials, than touse energy to ventilate the building andto condition a greater volume of air.

Resources

Web Sites

American Society of Heating, Refriger-ating and Air-Conditioning Engineers(ASHRAE)

www.ashrae.org, (404) 636-8400

Advances the science of heating, ventila-tion, air conditioning, and refrigeration

for the publics benefit through research,standards writing, continuing education,and publications.

Indoor Air Quality Links

out reach .mi s sour i . edu/edn in fo/airquality.htm

Web links that address health and build-ing systems issues.

U.S. Environmental Protection AgencysIndoor Air Quality Web Site

www.epa.gov/iaq, (800) 438-4318Includes a wide variety of tools, publica-tions, and links to address IAQ concernsin schools and large buildings. Thedownloadable IAQ Building Educationand Assessment Model (I-BEAM)softwareprogram provides comprehensive IAQmanagement guidance and calculates thecost, revenue, and productivity impactsof planned IAQ activities. Publicationsinclude the Energy Cost and IAQ Perfor-

mance of Ventilation Systems and ControlsModeling Study; the Building Assessment,Survey and Evaluation Study; and theBuilding Air Quality Action Plan.


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Prerequisite 1

Print Media

Air Contaminants and Industrial Hy-giene Ventilation: A Handbook of Prac-tical Calculations, Problems, and Solu-tions by Roger Wabeke, CRC Press &

Lewis Publishers, 1998.Handbook of Indoor Air Quality Man-agement by Donald Moffatt, PrenticeHall, 1997.

Improving Indoor Air Quality ThroughDesign, Operation and Maintenance byMarvin Meckler, Prentice Hall, 1996.

Indoor Air Quality, Construction Tech-nology Centre Atlantic. Written as a com-prehensive review of indoor air qualityissues and solutions, the report is avail-

able for purchase from http://ctca.unb.ca/IAQ/index.htm or (506) 453-5000.

Indoor Pollution: A Reference Hand-book(Contemporary World Issues) by E.Willard Miller, et al., ABC-CLIO, 1998.

Definitions

Indoor Air Quality is the nature of airthat affects the health and well-being ofbuilding occupants.

Sick Building Syndromeis a situation in

which a substantial proportion of build-ing occupants experience acute discom-fort and negative health effects as a resultof exposure to contaminated air in thebuilding.

Ventilationis the process of supplying andremoving air to and from interior spacesby natural or mechanical means.


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Environmental Tobacco Smoke(ETS)Control

Intent

Prevent exposure of building occupants and systems to Environmental Tobacco Smoke(ETS).

Requirements

Zero exposure of non-smokers to ETS by EITHER:

prohibiting smoking in the building and locating any exterior designated smok-ing areas away from entries and operable windows;

OR

providing a designated smoking room designed to effectively contain, captureand remove ETS from the building. At a minimum, the smoking room mustbe directly exhausted to the outdoors with no recirculation of ETS-containingair to the non-smoking area of the building, enclosed with impermeable deck-to-deck partitions and operated at a negative pressure compared with the sur-rounding spaces of at least 7 PA (0.03 inches of water gauge).

Performance of the smoking rooms shall be verified by using tracer gas testingmethods as described in the ASHRAE Standard 129-1997. Acceptable expo-sure in non-smoking areas is defined as less than 1% of the tracer gas concen-tration in the smoking room detectable in the adjoining non-smoking areas.Smoking room testing as described in ASHRAE Standard 129-1997 is re-quired in the contract documents and critical smoking facility systems testingresults must be included in the building commissioning plan and report or asa separate document.

Submittals

Provide the LEED Letter Template, signed by the building owner or responsibleparty, declaring that the building will be operated under a policy prohibiting smok-ing.

OR

Provide the LEED Letter Template, signed by the mechanical engineer or respon-sible party, declaring and demonstrating that designated smoking rooms are ex-hausted to the outdoors with no recirculation of ETS-containing air to the non-smoking area of the building, enclosed with impermeable deck-to-deck partitions,operated at a negative pressure compared with the surrounding spaces of at least 7

PA (0.03 inches of water gauge), and performance has been verified using themethod described in the credit requirements.

Prerequisite 2

Required


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ASHRAE 129-1997: Measuring Air-Change Effectiveness

ASHRAE,www.ashrae.org, (800) 527-4723

This standard provides a method for measuring air-change effectiveness in mechani-cally ventilated buildings and spaces. Air-change effectiveness (E) is determined by the

pattern of natural airflow within the buildings ventilated air spaces along with theeffect of mechanical recirculation by ventilation systems. The measurement of air-change effectiveness involves a tracer gas procedure that determines the age of air inbuilding spaces.


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Prerequisite 2

Credit Synergies





EA Credit 5Measurement &Verification

EQ Prerequisite 1Minimum IAQPerformance





The relationship between smoking andvarious health risks, including lung dis-ease, cancer, and heart disease, has beenwell documented. A strong link between

Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS) orsecondhand smoke and health risks hasalso been demonstrated. The most ef-fective way to avoid health problems as-sociated with tobacco smoke is to pro-hibit smoking in indoor areas. If this isnot possible or desirable, indoor smok-ing areas should be isolated from non-smoking areas and have separate ventila-tion systems to avoid the introduction oftobacco smoke contaminants to non-smoking areas.


Separate smoking areas occupy space in thebuilding and may result in a larger build-ing, additional material use, and increasedenergy for ventilation. However, these en-vironmental impacts can be offset by build-ing occupants who are more comfortable,have higher productivity rates, and havelower absenteeism and illnesses.

Economics Issues

Separate smoking areas may result in firstcosts for increased building space andmore extensive mechanical ventilationsystems. Smoking within a building con-taminates indoor air and can instigateoccupant reactions ranging from irritationand illness to decreased productivity.These problems increase expenses and li-ability for building owners, operators, andinsurance companies. A nonsmokingpolicy avoids these problems and elimi-

nates the need for a separate ventilationsystem for isolated smoking areas. Pro-hibition of indoor smoking can also in-crease the useful life of interior fixturesand furnishings.

Community Issues

Air is a community natural resource, andpromoting clean air benefits everyone.

Strict no- smoking policies improve thehealth of the community as a whole, re-sulting in lower health care and insurancecosts.

Design ApproachStrategies

Prohibit smoking in the building. Pro-vide designated smoking areas outside thebuilding in locations where ETS will notenter the building or ventilation systemand away from concentrations of build-ing occupants or pedestrian traffic. Postinformation on the nonsmoking policyfor occupants to read.

If interior smoking areas are designed forthe building, a separate ventilation sys-tem must be installed, and these areasmust be tested to ensure that they are iso-lated from nonsmoking portions of thebuilding. ASHRAE Standard 62-1999designates outdoor air requirements forsmoking rooms. Smoking areas are typi-cally operated at higher ventilation ratesthan nonsmoking rates to remove con-taminants from the conditioned space. Ingeneral, buildings that allow smoking re-

quire twice the ventilation volumes ofnonsmoking buildings. See the standardfor more information on designing ven-tilation for smoking areas.


The use of separate ventilation systemsto physically separate smoking areas fromthe rest of the building requires additionalenergy and requires commissioning andmeasurement & verification attention.Smoking activities, both indoor and out-door, affect IAQ performance of thebuilding. Smoke can enter the buildingareas through operable windows and in-take vents or through the ventilation sys-tem for indoor smokers. It may be ad-vantageous to address smoking loads inthe building in conjunction with chemi-cal and pollutant sources in the building.


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Prerequisite 2

Resources

Web Sites

Secondhand Smoke: What You Can DoAbout Secondhand Smoke as Parents,

Decision Makers, and Building Occu-pants

www.epa .gov/i aq/pubs/et sb ro.h tml,(800) 438-4318

An EPA document on the effects of ETSand measures to reduce human exposureto it.

Setting the Record Straight: Second-hand Smoke Is a Preventable HealthRisk

www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/strsfs.html

An EPA document with a discussion oflaboratory research on ETS and federallegislation aimed at curbing ETS prob-lems.

Print Media

The Chemistry of Environmental To-bacco Smoke: Composition and Mea-surement, Second Edition by R.A.Jenkins, B.A. Tomkins, et al., CRC Press& Lewis Publishers, 2000.

The Smoke-Free Guide: How to Elimi-nate Tobacco Smoke from Your Envi-ronment by Arlene Galloway, GordonSoules Book Publishers, 1988.

Definitions

TheAge of Airis the average amount oftime that has elapsed since a sample of airmolecules at a specific location has en-tered the building.

Air-Change Effectiveness is a measure-

ment based on a comparison of the ageof air in the occupied portions of thebuilding to the age of air that would existunder conditions of perfect mixing of theventilation air.

Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS),or secondhand smoke, consists of air-borne particles emitted from the burn-ing end of cigarettes, pipes, and cigars,and exhaled by smokers. These particlescontain about 4,000 different com-

pounds, up to 40 of which are known tocause cancer.


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Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Monitoring

Intent

Provide capacity for indoor air quality (IAQ) monitoring to help sustain long-termoccupant comfort and well-being.

Requirements

Install a permanent carbon dioxide (CO2) monitoring system that provides feedback

on space ventilation performance in a form that affords operational adjustments. Referto the CO

2differential for all types of occupancy in accordance with ASHRAE 62-

2001, Appendix C.

Submittals

Provide the LEED Letter Template, signed by the mechanical engineer or respon-

sible party, declaring and summarizing the installation, operational design andcontrols/zones for the carbon dioxide monitoring system. For mixed-use build-ings, calculate CO

2levels for each separate activity level and use.


There is no standard referenced for this credit.

Credit 1

1 point


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Credit 1

Credit Synergies













Buildings are supplied with outdoor airto flush airborne contaminants and to re-plenish fresh air on a regular basis. Ven-tilation rates are conventionally deter-

mined using ventilation standards for aparticular building design. A bettermethod for determining and maintain-ing adequate outdoor air ventilation ratesin buildings is to measure carbon dioxide(CO

2) concentrations. High CO

2levels

are generally an indication of poor indoorair quality (IAQ). Maintaining low CO

2

concentrations similar to those foundoutdoors is one strategy by which indoorair quality can be optimized.

Environmental IssuesOptimal IAQ may require higher venti-lation rates, increasing energy use in thebuilding. However, these environmentalimpacts can be offset by a more produc-tive work space that reduces absenteeismand illness for building occupants.

Economic Issues

A permanent air monitoring system en-ables building owners, maintenance per-

sonnel, and occupants to detect air qual-ity problems quickly so that correctiveactions can be applied. Potential impactsof air quality problems range from re-duced work productivity to temporary orpermanent health issues for building oc-cupants. CO

2monitoring systems in-

crease initial construction costs due toequipment and installation costs. Initialcosts typically range from $1,000 to$1,500 per sampling point (depending onthe quality of the equipment and num-

ber of sampling points), while annualcosts for equipment maintenance and cali-bration procedures are usually less than$2,000 overall. The initial monitoringsystem cost is offset by reduced absentee-ism and increased occupant productivity.Often, the lifetime of the HVAC systemis extended and more efficient HVAC

operation is achieved as a result of effec-tive air quality monitoring.

Community Issues

A permanent air monitoring system en-sures that the means to maintain high-

quality indoor air is provided, with thepotential to protect the well-being of thebuilding occupants and enhance produc-tivity. Increased occupant health resultsin decreased health insurance costs andhealth care costs.

Design Approach

Strategies

Development of an appropriate and ef-

fective carbon dioxide sampling method-ology is largely dependant upon the typeof ventilation system being used. Thissection seeks to provide guidance on de-velopment of an effective sampling meth-odology.

Carbon dioxide sampling locations mustbe selected so that they provide represen-tative readings of the CO

2concentrations

in the occupied spaces served by eachHVAC system used in a building. Car-

bon dioxide monitoring locations shouldbe selected such that they are positionedin locations that present the greatest chal-lenges for the HVAC system to ad-equately ventilate. These spaces includethose with variable occupant densities(e.g., conference rooms, auditoriums,training rooms, etc.) and those locationswithin the space served by the longestlengths of ductwork.

Automatic ventilation control should be

provided for all HVAC systems serving alarge number of spaces or spaces withvariable occupant densities. Manual ven-tilation control may be used for spaceswith static occupant densities, but themost responsive comfort control is pro-vided by an automated system. Spaceswith static occupant densities must eachbe controlled or they can be combined


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Credit 1

into small groups if the combined floorarea of the group is reasonably small. Theoptimum location for sampling in a roomis six to ten feet from the nearest person.Sampling locations should be positionedto avoid low CO

2concentration air en-

tering the space through open windowsand supply air vents.

For HVAC systems that serve multiplespaces with a small combined floor area,the indoor CO

2sampling point may be

located in the return air duct at the junc-tion point where the return air is com-bined from all of the multiple spacesserved, provided this point is far enoughaway from the location where return airis exhausted or outside air is introduced

into the HVAC system. Siting the sam-pling point in this location will mitigatethe risk of diluting the return air. Theduct joints should be effectively sealed.Occupant use and schedule changesshould be considered when establishingand reassessing ventilation setpoints.

Indoor CO2concentrations must be com-

pared to outdoor CO2concentrations to

determine the differential point at whichventilation rates should be adjusted. The

differential CO2level that activates ven-tilation within each space must be basedon occupant activity level and the corre-sponding metabolic rate (MET) definedin ASHRAE Standard 55-1992, Table 4.MET is the rate of energy production ofan individual, which varies depending onactivity level. For offices where occupantsare sedentary, the CO

2differential level

is approximately 530 parts per million(ppm). The maximum CO

2differential

in ppm is equal to: (8,600 cfm of CO2

per MET) x (MET level)/cfm of outsideair per occupant, as adapted fromASHRAE 62-2001 Appendix C.

CO2ventilation control systems must be

calibrated and tested by the contractor andproper operation must be verified as part ofthe building commissioning process.

Technologies

Current systems include shared-sensorvacuum-draw systems and distributedsensors. Distributed sensors are eitherhard-wired or plugged into power cir-

cuitry and use carrier wave communica-tion. Once the system is properly cali-brated, it is used to assess the adequacy ofairflows throughout the building interior.Specify annual calibration activities forsensors per manufacturer instructions inthe HVAC system operation manual.Include sensor and system operationaltesting and initial set point adjustmentin the commissioning plan and report.


CO2 monitoring requires additionalequipment to be installed and requiresadditional commissioning and measure-ment & verification (M&V) attention.Building reuse may prohibit optimizationof ventilation rates due to inflexibleHVAC equipment or inadequate outsideair intakes.

Monitoring CO2levels has significant im-

pacts on all indoor environmental qual-ity issues, including overall IAQ perfor-

mance, ventilation rates, chemical andpollutant control, and thermal comfort.Proper ventilation rates are integral tosuccessful energy efficiency and air qual-ity programs. CO

2monitoring can be

used either actively or passively to alterventilation rates as appropriate.

Resources

Web Sites

American Society of Heating, Refrig-erating and Air-Conditioning Engi-neers (ASHRAE)


Advances the science of heating, ventila-tion, air conditioning, and refrigerationfor the publics benefit through research,


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Credit 1

standards writing, continuing education,and publications.

Building Air Quality: A Guide for Build-ing Owners and Facility Managers

www.epa.gov/iaq/largebldgs, (800) 438-

4318An EPA publication on IAQ sources inbuildings and methods to prevent andresolve IAQ problems.

Print Media

Air Handling Systems Design by Tseng-Yao Sun, McGraw Hill, 1992.

ASHRAE Standard 55-1992 (and Ap-proved Addenda of 1995):Thermal En-

vironmental Conditions for Human Oc-

cupancy, ASHRAE, 1992.ASHRAE Standard 62-1999: Ventila-tion for Acceptable Indoor Air Qual-ity, ASHRAE, 1999.

ASTM D 6245-1998: Standard Guidefor Using Indoor Carbon Dioxide Con-centrations to Evaluate Indoor AirQuality and Ventilation, ASTM, 1998.

Case Study

Brengel Technology CenterMilwaukee, Wisconsin

The Brengel Technology Center is a LEED Certified PilotProject that showcases advanced building controls technologiesto maximize energy efficiency and indoor environmental quality.To improve occupant comfort and productivity, the HVAC sys-tem in the building includes an integrated comfort componentto measure carbon dioxide (CO

2) concentrations in occupied

spaces in parts per million (ppm). The monitoring system alsomeasures temperature, humidity, outdoor airflow, carbon mon-oxide (CO), and total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs). TheHVAC system automatically adjusts ventilation rates based onthe measured parameters to maintain optimal indoor air quality.

Owner

Johnson Controls, Inc.

Courtesy of Zimmerman Design Group

Efficient Building Design Series, Vol-ume 2: Heating, Ventilating, and AirConditioningby J. Trost and FrederickTrost, Prentice Hall, 1998.

Definitions

Carbon Dioxide(CO2) is an indicator ofventilation effectiveness inside buildings.CO

2concentrations greater than 540 ppm

above outdoor CO2conditions are gener-

ally considered to be an indicator of inad-equate ventilation. Absolute concentrationsof CO

2 greater than 800-1,000 ppm are

generally considered to be an indicator ofpoor breathing air quality.

Return Air is air removed from condi-tioned spaces that is either recirculated in

the building or exhausted to the outside.Supply Airis air delivered to conditionedspaces for use in ventilating, heating, cool-ing, humidifying, and dehumidifyingthose spaces.


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Ventilation Effectiveness

Intent

Provide for the effective delivery and mixing of fresh air to support the safety, comfortand well-being of building occupants.

Requirements

For mechanically ventilated buildings, design ventilation systems that result in an airchange effectiveness (E

ac) greater than or equal to 0.9 as determined by ASHRAE 129-

1997. For naturally ventilated spaces demonstrate a distribution and laminar flow pat-tern that involves not less than 90% of the room or zone area in the direction of air flowfor at least 95% of hours of occupancy.

Submittals

For mechanically ventilated spaces: provide the LEED Letter Template, signed bythe mechanical engineer or responsible party, declaring that the design achieves anair change effectiveness (E

ac) of 0.9 or greater in each ventilated zone. Complete

the table summarizing the air change effectiveness achieved for each zone.

OR

For mechanically ventilated spaces: provide the LEED Letter Template, signed by themechanical engineer or responsible party, declaring that the design complies with therecommended design approaches in ASHRAE 2001 Fundamentals Handbook Chap-ter 32, Space Air Diffusion. Complete the table summarizing the air change effective-ness achieved for each zone (must be 0.9 or greater).

OR

For naturally ventilated spaces: provide the LEED Letter Template, signed by themechanical engineer or responsible party, declaring that the design provides effectiveventilation in at least 90% of each room or zone area in the direction of airflow for atleast 95% of hours of occupancy. Include a table summarizing the airflow simulationresults for each zone. Include sketches indicating the airflow pattern for each zone.


ASHRAE 129-1997: Measuring Air-Change Effectiveness


This standard provides a method for measuring air-change effectiveness in mechani-cally ventilated buildings and spaces. Air-change effectiveness (E) is influenced by thepattern of natural airflow within the buildings ventilated spaces in addition to theeffect of mechanical recirculation by ventilation systems. Measurement of air-changeeffectiveness involves a tracer gas procedure to determine the age of air in ventilatedspaces.

Air-change effectiveness is based on a comparison of the age of air in the occupiedportions of the building to the age of air that would exist under conditions of perfect

Credit 2

1 point


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Credit 2

mixing of the ventilation air. If the ventilation air within a space is perfectly mixed(E=1), the outdoor airflow rate to the ventilated space should be identical to the re-quired rate of outdoor airflow. The credit requirement specifies a minimum E valueof 0.9.

ASHRAE Fundamentals Handbook 2001, Chapter 32: Space Air DiffusionASHRAE, www.ashrae.org, (800) 527-4723

This guideline provides descriptions of air diffusion strategies and technologies, meth-ods of evaluation, and system design considerations.


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Credit 2


Inadequate ventilation in buildings has anegative effect on occupant comfort andwell-being, while overventilation con-sumes significant amounts of energy with-

out benefiting building occupants. De-signing the ventilation system to takemaximum advantage of regional climatecharacteristics can help cut down on en-ergy costs and increase ventilation op-tions. Through proper system design,ventilation rates and energy efficiency canbe optimized.


Increased ventilation in buildings typicallyrequires additional energy use, which in

turn causes additional air and water pol-lution. However, optimal indoor air qual-ity (IAQ) is beneficial to building occu-pants, resulting in greater comfort, lowerabsenteeism, and greater productivity.

Economic Issues

Adequate ventilation in buildings mayresult in higher worker productivity,which in turn can translate into increasedprofitability for a company. However, in-

creased ventilation requires more opera-tion energy inputs for increased HVACoperation. Therefore, these operationsshould be balanced to provide maximumventilation effectiveness while avoidingoverventilation.

Natural ventilation strategies are typicallymuch less expensive to construct and op-erate than mechanical ventilation strate-gies, but require an appropriate climateand more comprehensive design analysis.

Community IssuesOptimal ventilation rates improve IAQ,thus protecting the well-being of thebuilding occupants. Increased occupanthealth may result in decreased health careand insurance costs.

Design Approach

Strategies

The minimum values for ventilation airrates in a space are determined by

ASHRAE 62-1999 as part of IEQ Pre-requisite 1. IEQ Credit 2 enhances theminimum indoor air quality requirementsby ensuring that superior ventilation isdelivered to the building occupants. Ingeneral, this credit rewards the employ-ment of architectural and mechanical sys-tem design strategies that increase venti-lation effectiveness and prevent short-cir-cuiting of airflow delivery. Ventilationeffectiveness refers to the movement of thesupply air (that contains fresh outdoor air)

through the occupied space.There are two approaches to ventilatingbuildings: mechanical ventilation andnatural ventilation. Mechanical ventila-tion strategies use fan energy to ventilateoccupied spaces. Mechanical systems pro-vide the most reliability and control.Natural ventilation strategies take advan-tage of physical properties of the build-ing design and site such as stack effects,operable windows, and site wind patterns

to ventilate occupied spaces. Natural ven-tilation strategies provide a connection tothe outdoors and have low operation andmaintenance costs. Project teams shouldevaluate the strengths and weaknesses ofthe two approaches, including buildinglocation, regional climate patterns, andenthalpic conditions, as well as client pref-erences in the final decision for ventila-tion systems.

ASHRAE 129-1997 describes a testmethod for quantifying the air-change ef-fectiveness (E) for a given room design.The measured value is influenced by theshape of room, the extent of mechanicalrecirculation, the location of heat-gener-ating objects, and air motion. Becausethese variables are highly specific to eachdesign, a full-scale mock-up is the mosteffective way to verify E with a high level

Credit Synergies

SS Credit 1Site Selection









2)

Monitoring

EQ Credit 5

Indoor Chemical &Pollutant Source Control




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Credit 2

of confidence. See the referenced stan-dard for more information on the pre-scribed testing procedure.

It is important to note that testing underASHRAE 129-1997 is suitable mainly for

laboratory-based conditions and is notappropriate in most field applications.ASHRAE states the test method has beenused successfully in laboratory test roomsto study the performance of different ven-tilation systems, but there is considerablyless experience in the field where manyfactors can complicate the measurementprocess and increase measurement uncer-tainties. Therefore, the standard placesstrict limitations on the characteristics ofthe spaces that can be tested with the

method. While the test method will notbe usable in all field situations, it is gen-erally applicable in laboratory test rooms.

ASHRAE also states that the data set ofcurrent test results is very small, and the testrequires very close attention to the proto-col described in the standard, in additionto factors that contribute to some uncer-tainty when evaluating test results. There-fore, the standard is generally used as a de-sign guide for ventilation effectiveness.

Credit compliance may also be achievedby following the recommended design ap-proaches in the ASHRAE FundamentalsHandbook 2001, Chapter 32: Space AirDiffusion.

Technologies

Conventional ventilation design (that lo-cates supply and return air vents in theceiling) is not preferred. Instead, considerdisplacement ventilation (that locates airsupply vents at the bottom of the occu-pied space and return vents at the top ofthe space) and natural ventilation.

For mechanical HVAC systems, theASHRAE Fundamenta ls Handbook2001, Chapter 32, Space Air Diffusionlists the five major types of outlet types:Group A, mounted near the ceiling dis-

charging horizontally; Group B, mountedin or near the floor discharging a verticalnon-spreading jet; Group C, mounted inor near the floor discharging a verticalspreading jet; Group D, mounted in ornear the floor that discharge horizontally;

and Group E, mounted in or near theceiling projecting vertically. Each of thesetypes has strengths and weaknesses de-pending on the load conditions. See theASHRAE handbook for details.

There are several new applications for me-chanical ventilation systems in the mar-ket today that are very effective at pre-venting short-circuiting of airflow deliv-ery. These applications include the useof displacement ventilation, low velocity

ventilation, and plug flow ventilation suchas underfloor or near-floor delivery.

Figure 1illustrates an underfloor ventila-tion system. Supply air is introducedthrough diffusers and grills in the floor.The air travels upward through the occu-pied space and is exhausted in return grillsin the ceiling. The underfloor plenumcan also be used as a cabling conduit.

Natural ventilation strategies rely onopenings in the building envelope to de-

velop airflows. Operable windows are themost common architectural strategy em-ployed to create natural ventilation, crossventilation, and stack effects. Applicationof operable windows and other openingsas elements of the ventilation system re-quires analysis of inlet and outlet location,size, and regional climate patterns. Op-erable windows combined with fan-pow-ered mixing boxes do not qualify underthis credit without a demonstrable archi-

tectural strategy for natural ventilation.Other factors to consider in the buildingventilation design scheme include win-dows, doors, non-powered ventilators,and building infiltration. Computer mod-els are helpful to predict ventilation pro-cesses and determine the best location forventilation elements. ComputationalFluid Dynamics (CFD) modeling tools


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Figure 1: Example of Underfloor Ventilation System

perimeter grill

data & cables floor diffusers

return air

underfloor plenum

ceiling plenum

are becoming available to designers andshow great promise.


Regional climate characteristics of the se-lected project site may dictate whether me-chanical or natural ventilation strategies canbe used. Ventilation strategies influence theoverall energy performance of the buildingand require commissioning as well as mea-surement & verification (M&V). Reuse ofexisting buildings may preclude the use ofnatural ventilation strategies because theoverall airflow is already determined. Insome locations it may not be possible toemploy natural ventilation schemes due to

poor outdoor air quality, prevailing airflows,undesirable outdoor temperatures, or secu-rity concerns.

Calculations

The following calculation methodologyis used to support the credit submittalslisted on the first page of this credit. There

are two compliance paths for mechani-cally ventilated buildings.

The first compliance path is to field-testthe completed HVAC system. Testing

must be performed as described inASHRAE 129-1997 after the building isconstructed to demonstrate that air-change effectiveness of 0.9 or greater isachieved in all regularly occupied areas.

The second compliance path is throughdesign verification. The designer mustprepare a detailed narrative illustrating thedesign approaches that were used per theASHRAE Fundamenta ls Handbook2001, Chapter 32: Space Air Diffusion.To demonstrate the ventilation design, themechanical engineer must describe theessential elements of the ventilation sys-tem in a narrative. If this credit is au-dited during the LEED certification re-view, provide a section and plan drawingsof each major room type, showing inlets,outlets, furniture, and occupants specificto the following system types:


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Mixing Systems: the outlet types, thecharacteristic room lengths, the re-turn/exhaust openings, all air veloci-ties, and the predicted Air DiffusionPerformance Index (ADPI).

Displacement/Unidirectional Sys-tems: the outlet types, the return andexhaust openings, all air velocities,and the predicted distribution of theupper and lower stratification zones.

Airflow patterns must be graphically il-lustrated to scale. Cut sheets and specifi-cation tables for all terminal vents, grills,and registers must be provided and cross-referenced to the drawings.

For naturally ventilated spaces, conduct

airflow simulations for each zone andsummarize the results. Provide a narra-tive describing system operation andsketches or graphics that indicate air flowpatterns.

Resources

Web Sites

Air Change Effectiveness Measure-ments in Two Modern Office Buildings

www.fire.nist .gov/bfr lpubs/build94/PDF/b94024.pdf

A case study on ventilation effectiveness.

American Society of Heating, Refrig-erating and Air-Conditioning Engi-neers (ASHRAE)


Advances the science of heating, ventila-tion, air conditioning, and refrigerationfor the publics benefit through research,

standards writing, continuing education,and publications.

Mixed Mode Ventilation: HVAC MeetsMother Nature

www.esmagazine.com (see May 2000archive)

A May 2000 article in Engineered Systemsabout various options for building venti-lation.

Print Media

ASHRAE Handbook: Fundamentals,

ASHRAE, 1997.

ASHRAE Handbook: HVAC Systemsand Equipment, ASHRAE, 2000.

Heating, Ventilating, and Air Condi-tioning: Analysis and Design, 4th Edi-tion, by Faye McQuiston and JeraldParker, John Wiley & Sons, 1993.

Definitions

TheAge of Air is the average amount oftime that has elapsed since a sample of airmolecules at a specific location has en-tered the building.

Air-Change Effectivenessis a measure-ment based on a comparison of the ageof air in the occupied portions of thebuilding to the age of air that would existunder conditions of perfect mixing of theventilation air.

Conditioned Spaceis the portion of thebuilding that is heated or cooled, or both,for the comfort of building occupants.

Natural Ventilationis the process of sup-plying and removing air without me-chanical ductwork in building spaces byusing openings such as windows anddoors, non-powered ventilators, and in-filtration processes.

A Tracer Gasis a gas that can be mixedwith building air in small amounts tostudy airflow patterns and measure the ageof air and air-change rates.

Ventilation is the process of supplyingand removing air by natural or mechani-cal means in building spaces.

Ventilation Effectiveness refers to themovement of the supply air (that containsfresh outdoor air) through the occupiedspace.


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Case StudyPNC Firstside CenterPittsburgh, Pennsylvania

The PNC Firstside Center is a LEED Silver Project that func-tions as a banking facility. The building incorporates a hybridlocal ventilation system that combines underfloor air distribu-tion with a conventional VAV system. Air is introduced throughfloor diffusers at each workstation to deliver fresh air directly tobuilding occupants. Natural air convection is used to create up-ward air movement in conditioned spaces and air is exhaustedthrough ceiling vents. This ventilation strategy creates tempera-ture stratification about six feet from the floor. The zone belowthe stratification is cool and provides a comfortable working en-vironment for building occupants. The zone above the stratifica-tion acts as a reservoir for warmer air. This ventilation pattern iseffective at providing optimal conditioned temperatures to build-ing occupants, resulting in increased productivity while decreas-ing HVAC operating costs.

OwnerPNC Bank

Courtesy of Paladino Consulting LLC


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Construction IAQ Management Plan

During Construction

Intent

Prevent indoor air quality problems resulting from the construction/renovation pro-cess in order to help sustain the comfort and well-being of construction workers andbuilding occupants.

Requirements

Develop and implement an Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Management Plan for the con-struction and pre-occupancy phases of the building as follows:

During construction meet or exceed the recommended Design Approaches ofthe Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning National Contractors Association

(SMACNA) IAQ Guideline for Occupied Buildings under Construction, 1995,Chapter 3.

Protect stored on-site or installed absorptive materials from moisture damage.

If air handlers must be used during construction, filtration media with a Mini-mum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) of 8 must be used at each return airgrill, as determined by ASHRAE 52.2-1999.

Replace all filtration media immediately prior to occupancy. Filtration mediashall have a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) of 13, as deter-mined by ASHRAE 52.2-1999 for media installed at the end of construction.

Submittals

Provide the LEED Letter Template, signed by the general contractor or respon-sible party, declaring that a Constuction IAQ Management Plan has been devel-oped and implemented, and listing each air filter used during construction and atthe end of construction. Include the MERV value, manufacturer name and modelnumber.

AND EITHER

Provide 18 photographssix photographs taken on three different occasions dur-ing constructionalong with identification of the SMACNA approach featuredby each photograph, in order to show consistent adherence to the credit require-ments

OR Declare the five Design Approaches of SMACNA IAQ Guideline for Occupied

Buildings under Construction, 1995, Chapter 3, which were used during buildingconstruction. Include a brief description of some of the important design approachesemployed.

1 point

Credit 3.1


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Credit 3.2 Construction IAQ Management Plan

After Construction/Before Occupancy

Intent

Prevent indoor air quality problems resulting from the construction/renovation pro-cess in order to help sustain the comfort and well-being of construction workers andbuilding occupants.

Requirements

Develop and implement an Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Management Plan for the pre-occupancy phase as follows:

After construction ends and prior to occupancy conduct a minimum two-week building flush-out with new Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value

(MERV) 13 filtration media at 100% outside air. After the flush-out, replacethe filtration media with new MERV 13 filtration media, except the filterssolely processing outside air.

OR

Conduct a baseline indoor air quality testing procedure consistent with theUnited States Environmental Protection Agencys current Protocol for Envi-ronmental Requirements, Baseline IAQ and Materials, for the Research TrianglePark Campus, Section 01445.

Submittals

Provide the LEED Letter Template, signed by the architect, general contractor or

responsible party, describing the building flush-out procedures and dates.OR

Provide the LEED Letter Template, signed by the architect or responsible party,declaring that the referenced standards IAQ testing protocol has been followed.Include a copy of the testing results.

1 point


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Summary of Referenced Standards

IAQ Guidelines for Occupied Buildings Under Construction

Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning National Contractors Association (SMACNA),www.smacna.org, (703) 803-2980

This standard provides an overview of air pollutants associated with construction, con-

trol measures, construction process management, quality control, communications withoccupants, and case studies. Consult the referenced standard for measures to protectthe building HVAC system during construction and demolition activities.

ANSI/ASHRAE 52.2-1999: Method of Testing General Ventilation Air-CleaningDevices for Removal Efficiency by Particle Size


This standard presents methods for testing air cleaners for two performance character-istics: the ability of the device to remove particles from the air stream and the devicesresistance to airflow. The minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) is based onthree composite average particle size removal efficiency (PSE) points. Consult the

standard for a complete explanation of MERV value calculations. Filtration mediaused during the construction process must have a MERV of 13. Table 1 summarizesthe requirements for a MERV value of 13.

EPA Protocol for Environmental Requirements, Testing for Indoor Air Quality,Baseline IAQ and Materials for Research Triangle Park Campus, SpecificationSection 01445

www.epa.gov/rtp/new-bldg/environmental/specs.htm, (919) 541-0249

This specification section was a part of the construction documents for the EPAs Re-search & Administration Facility at Research Triangle Park. The section addressesbaseline indoor air quality testing and materials testing.

Table 1: Requirements for a MERV Value of 13

0.30-0.10 m 1.0-3.0 m 3.0-10.0 m [Pa] [in. of water]

< 75% 90% 90% 350 1.4

Composite Average ParticleSize Efficiency [%]

Minimum FinalResistance


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Credit Synergies

MR Credit 2Construction WasteManagement


EQ Credit 4Low-Emitting Materials

Credit 3


Building construction processes invariablyinclude activities that contaminate thebuilding during construction. Often,these activities result in residual building

contamination that continues to impactindoor air quality over the lifetime of thebuilding. HVAC systems are especiallyprone to contamination from particulatematter generated during construction ac-tivities. This particulate matter can in-clude dust, volatile organic compounds(VOCs), microorganisms, and other con-taminants that remain in HVAC systemsfor years. Building occupants may expe-rience reduced productivity and adversewell-being effects as a result.

Fortunately, construction managementstrategies can be instituted during con-struction and before occupancy to mini-mize the potential for building contami-nation and to remediate or clean up anycontamination that has occurred. Pro-tection of HVAC systems during con-struction, IAQ testing, and flush-out ofthe building prior to occupancy are ef-fective methods to mitigate the impact ofconstruction activities and products on

IAQ.


A ventilation flush-out prior to occupancymay require additional energy use, whichis associated with air and water pollution.However, contaminant reduction is ben-eficial to building occupants, resulting ingreater comfort, lower absenteeism, andgreater productivity.

Economic Issues

Superior indoor air quality is likely to in-crease worker productivity, translating togreater profitability for companies. Ad-ditional time and labor may be requiredduring and after construction to protectand clean ventilation systems. However,these actions can extend the lifetime ofthe ventilation system and improve ven-

tilation system efficiency, resulting in re-duced energy use. The sequencing ofmaterial installation may require addi-tional time and could potentially delaythe date of initial occupancy. Early coor-dination between the contractor and sub-

contractors can minimize or eliminatescheduling delays.

Community Issues

Contaminants from the construction pro-cess can affect the health of constructionworkers during construction and build-ing users during occupancy. If these con-taminants remain in the building afteroccupancy commences, they may affectthe quality of indoor air, leading to ex-

pensive and complicated clean-up proce-dures. Construction worker health issuesare addressed by federal and state regula-tions, primarily those of the OccupationalSafety and Health Administration(OSHA). However, building occupantsare not covered under these regulations.

Design Approach

Strategies

This credit hinges on performance by thebuilder. Regardless of the project deliv-ery mechanism, be it design/bid/build ordesign/build, it is imperative that the gen-eral contractor implement an IAQ Man-agement Plan for the construction pro-cess. In some cases the architect may pro-vide a draft plan that the contractor thentailors to the situation. In other cases,the contractor is charged with creating theplan in order to keep the roles and re-sponsibilities perfectly clear.

The plan should address the protectionof the ventilation system componentsduring construction and cleanup of con-taminated components after constructionis complete. Require temporary ventila-tion in the General Conditions of theconstruction contract.


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Include construction-related IAQ proce-dures in the pre-construction and con-struction progress meeting agendas. Also,make efforts to ensure that all participantsin the construction process are aware ofthe IAQ procedures and understand the

importance of the goals of the IAQ Man-agement Plan. If necessary, identify anowners representative as the IAQ Man-ager to identify IAQ problems and requiremitigation as necessary.

The referenced SMACNA standard rec-ommends control measures in five areas:HVAC protection, source control, path-way interruption, housekeeping, andscheduling. The second portion of thiscredit provides an additional point for a

sixth control measure: building flush-outor IAQ testing. For each project, reviewthe applicability of each control measureand include those that apply in the finalIAQ Management Plan. The control mea-sures are as follows:

HVAC ProtectionShut down the re-turn side of the HVAC system (which is,by definition, ductwork under negativepressure) whenever possible during heavyconstruction or demolition. The return

side should also be isolated from the sur-rounding environment whenever pos-sible. For example, all ceiling tiles for theceiling plenum should be in place and allleaks in ducts and air handlers should berepaired promptly. If the ventilation sys-tem must be operated during construc-tion, it should be fitted with temporaryfilters that can be replaced with cleanmedia just prior to completion and occu-pancy.

The return side of the HVAC systemshould be dampered off in the heaviestwork areas and return system openingsshould be sealed with plastic. Upgradedfilter efficiency is recommended wheremajor loading is expected.

Source ControlSpecify finish materi-als (such as paints, carpet, composite

wood, adhesives, and sealants) that havelow toxicity levels, or none at all. Low-toxic materials selection is covered underIEQ Credit 4. Materials that are poten-tially noxious should be identified by theproject architect, and control measures

specified (options as described in theSMACNA guidelines).

Pathway InterruptionDuring con-struction, isolate areas of work to preventcontamination of clean or occupiedspaces. Depending on the climate, ven-tilate using 100% outside air to exhaustcontaminated air directly to the outsideduring installation of VOC-emittingmaterials. Pressure differentials betweenconstruction areas and clean areas can be

utilized to prevent contaminated air fromentering clean areas. Such strategies of-ten require the erection of temporary bar-riers between work areas and non-workareas.

HousekeepingInstitute cleaning ac-tivities concentrating on HVAC andbuilding spaces to remove contaminantsfrom the building prior to occupancy.Building materials should be protectedfrom weather and stored in a clean area

prior to unpacking for installation. Allcoils, air filters, and fans should be cleanedbefore performing testing and balancingprocedures and especially before conduct-ing baseline air quality tests.

SchedulingSpecify construction se-quencing to reduce absorption of VOCsby porous materials. Complete applica-tions of wet and odorous materials suchas paints, sealants, and coatings beforeinstalling absorbent sink materials such

as ceiling tiles, carpets, insulation, gyp-sum products, and fabric-covered furnish-ings. Materials directly exposed to mois-ture through precipitation, plumbingleaks, or condensation from the HVACsystem are susceptible to microbial con-tamination and should be replaced.


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Flush-outConduct a minimum two-week building flush-out with MERV 13filtration media and 100% outside air af-ter construction ends and prior to occu-pancy. After flush-out, new MERV 13filters must replace all filters except those

solely processing outside air.

IAQ TestingFor each building areawhere the maximum concentration lim-its are exceeded, identify and mitigatepollutant sources (if possible) and con-duct a partial building flush-out for amaximum of two weeks. Retest for anycontaminant concentrations that wereexceeded. Repeat this process until ap-propriate concentration levels areachieved.


Proper construction waste managementprocedures can minimize the possibilityof building contamination. It is also im-portant to choose building materials thathave a low potential for contaminatingthe building, such as low-VOC paints,adhesives, and sealants.

Resources

Web Sites

EPA Baseline IAQ Specifications

www.epa.gov/rtp/new-bldg/environmen-tal/specs.htm, (919) 541-0249

These specifications were used for theEPAs Research Triangle Park Campus andinclude baseline IAQ testing and materi-als testing procedures.

EPA Fact Sheet: Ventilation and AirQuality in Offices

www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/venti lat.html,(800) 438-4318

This EPA publication addresses IAQ is-sues for office buildings.

Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Na-tional Contractors Association(SMACNA)

www.smacna.org, (703) 803-2980

Professional trade association that pub-

lishes the referenced standard as well asIndoor Air Quality: A Systems Approach, acomprehensive discussion of the sourcesof pollutants, measurement, methods ofcontrol, and management techniques.

Print Media

Indoor Air Quality, Construction Tech-nology Centre Atlantic. Written as a com-prehensive review of indoor air qualityissues and solutions, the report is avail-able for purchase from ctca.unb.ca/IAQ/index.htm or (506) 453-5000.

Definitions

A Construction IAQ Management Planis a document specific to a buildingproject that outlines measures to mini-mize contamination in the building dur-ing construction and to flush the build-ing of contaminants prior to occupancy.

HVAC Systems include heating, venti-lating, and air-conditioning systems used

to provide thermal comfort and ventila-tion for building interiors.


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Credit 3

Case StudyGreater Pittsburgh Community Food BankPittsburgh, Pennsylvania

The Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank is a LEEDSilver Pilot Project serving local food banks in Western Pennsyl-vania. The building houses distribution, warehouse, and pro-cessing facilities and is designed to utilize site resources and be apositive workspace for building occupants. An indoor air qualitymanagement plan was adopted to avoid air contamination in thebuilding during construction activities. VOCs were controlledthrough source reduction and housekeeping efforts. Particulatecontamination was reduced by physically separating the HVACsystem from construction activities and by cleaning the HVACsystem before occupancy. Combustion was controlled by limit-ing combustion activities on site and locating combustion sourcesaway from air supply intakes. Finally, cleaning agents were speci-fied to contain no chlorine or ammonia.

OwnerGreater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank

Courtesy of Gardner + Pope Architects


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Low-Emitting Materials

Adhesives and Sealants

Intent

Reduce the quantity of indoor air contaminants that are odorous, potentially irritatingand/or harmful to the comfort and well-being of installers and occupants.

Requirements

The VOC content of adhesives and sealants used must be less than the current VOCcontent limits of South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) Rule#1168, AND all sealants used as fillers must meet or exceed the requirements of theBay Area Air Quality Management District Regulation 8, Rule 51.

Submittals

Provide the LEED Letter Template, signed by the architect or responsible party,listing the adhesives and sealants used in the building and declaring that they meetthe noted requirements.

Credit 4.1

1 point


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Credit 4.2 Low-Emitting Materials

Paints and Coatings

Intent


Requirements

VOC emissions from paints and coatings must not exceed the VOC and chemicalcomponent limits of Green Seals Standard GS-11 requirements.

Submittals

Provide the LEED Letter Template, signed by the architect or responsible party,

listing all the interior paints and coatings used in the building that are addressedby Green Seal Standard GS-11 and stating that they comply with the currentVOC and chemical component limits of the standard.

1 point


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Carpet

Intent


Requirements

Carpet systems must meet or exceed the requirements of the Carpet and Rug InstitutesGreen Label Indoor Air Quality Test Program.

Submittals


listing all the carpet systems used in the building and stating that they complywith the current VOC limits of the Carpet and Rug Institutes Green Label IndoorAir Quality Test Program.

1 point

Credit 4.3


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Composite Wood

Intent


Requirements

Composite wood and agrifiber products must contain no added urea-formaldehyderesins.

Submittals


listing all the composite wood products used in the building and stating that theycontain no added urea-formaldehyde resins.

1 point

Credit 4.4


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IDEASS WE MR EQSummary of Referenced Standards

South Coast Rule #1168 by the South Coast Air Quality Management District

South Coast Air Quality Management District, www.aqmd.gov/rules/html/r1168.html,(909) 396-2000,

The South Coast Air Quality Management District is a governmental organization in

Southern California with the mission to maintain healthful air quality for its residents.The organization established source specific standards to reduce air quality impacts.

The South Coast Rule #1168 VOC limits for adhesives are summarized in Tables 1aand 1b.

Table 1b: Substrate VOC Limits

Substrates VOCLimit

[g/L]

Metal to metal 30

Plastic foams 120

Porous material except wood 120

Wood 30

Fiberglass 200

Table 1a: South Coast Rule #1168 VOC Limits

[g/L]

Non-vinyl backed installation

Carpet pad inatallation

Wood flooring installation

Ceramic tile installation

Dry wall & panel installation

Subfloor installation

Rubber floor installation

VCT & asphalt tile installation

150

150

150

130

200

200

150

150

PVC welding

CPVC welding

ABS welding

Plastic cement welding

Cove base installation

Adhesive primer for plastic

All others

510

490

400

350

150

650

250

Welding & Installation VOC Limit

[g/L]

Welding & Installation VOC Limit

Credit 4


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Credit 4

Regulation 8, Rule 51 of the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (January7, 1998)

Bay Area Air Quality Management District, www.baaqmd.gov, (415) 771-6000

This California regulatory agency develops and enforces air pollution regulations in itsseven-county jurisdiction. Tables 2and 3 summarize Regulation 8, Rule 51 limits on

VOCs for sealants and sealant primers.

Table 2: Sealant VOC Limits Table 3: Sealant Primer VOC Limits

Table 4: Green Seal Limits for Interior Paints

SealantsVOCLimit

[g/L]

Architectural 250

Roadways 250

Roofing material installation 450

PVC welding 480

Other 420

PaintVOCLimit

[g/L]

Non-flat 150

Flat 50

Sealant PrimerVOCLimit

[g/L]

Architectural (non-porous) 250

Architectural (porous) 775

Other 750

Green Seal Standard GS-11

Green Seal, www.greenseal.org, (202) 872-6400

Green Seal is a nonprofit organization that promotes the manufacture and sale of envi-ronmentally responsible consumer products. Standard GS-11 was developed for paintsand primers. Table 4summarizes limits on VOCs in grams per liter for interior paintsfrom April 1999.


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Table 5: Carpet and Rug Institute VOC Limits

[mg/m2 x h] [mg/m2 x h]

Carpets Total VOCs 0.50 Cushion Total VOCs 1.00

4-Phenylcyclohexene 0.05 4-PC (4-phenylcyclohexene) 0.05

Formaldehyde 0.05 Formaldehyde 0.05

Styrene 0.40 BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) 0.30

Adhesives Total VOCs 10.0Formaldehyde 0.05

2-Ethyl-1-Hexanol 3.00

Emission Factor LimitEmission Factor Limit

Carpet and Rug Institute Green Label Testing Program

Carpet and Rug Institute, www.carpet-rug.com, (800) 882-8846

The Carpet and Rug Institute is a trade organization representing the carpet and rugindustry. The organization established the Green Label Testing Program Limits toidentify low-emitting carpet products for consumers. The Program established limits

on VOCs for carpets, cushion, and adhesives, as summarized in Table 5.

Credit 4


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Credit 4

Credit Synergies


MR Credit 4Recycled Content

MR Credit 5Local/RegionalMaterials

MR Credit 6Rapidly RenewableMaterials

MR Credit 7Certified Wood


EQ Credit 3Construction IAQManagement Plan


A large number of building products con-tain compounds that have a negative im-pact on indoor air quality and the Earthsatmosphere. The most prominent of

these compounds, volatile organic com-pounds (VOCs), contribute to smog gen-eration and air pollution outdoors whilehaving an adverse effect on the well-be-ing of building occupants indoors. Byselecting low-emitting materials, bothoutdoor and indoor air quality impactscan be avoided. This credit targets thosebuilding materials that are commonly as-sociated with high-VOC content, includ-ing adhesives, paints and coatings, carpetsystems, composite wood, and agrifiber

products.


VOCs are chemical compounds that con-tribute to air pollution inside and out-side of buildings. VOCs are of concernbecause they react with sunlight and ni-trogen in the atmosphere to form ground-level ozone, a chemical that has a detri-mental effect on human health, agricul-tural crops, forests, and ecosystems.

Ozone damages lung tissue, reduces lungfunction, and sensitizes the lungs to otherirritants. Ozone is also a major compo-nent of smog, which affects agriculturalcrops and forestland.

Economic Issues

Healthy occupants are more productiveand have less illness-related absenteeism.Use of high-VOC content materials cancause illness and may decrease occupantproductivity. These problems result in

increased expenses and liability for build-ing owners, operators, and insurance com-panies. As a result, the construction mar-ket is driving product manufacturers tooffer low-VOC alternatives to conven-tional building products. Costs for theselow-VOC products are generally competi-tive with conventional materials.

However, some low-VOC materials aremore expensive than conventional mate-rials, particularly when the products arefirst introduced to the marketplace. Low-VOC products may also be difficult toobtain for some product types. However,

these problems will recede as applicationof low-VOC products become more com-monplace.

Community Issues

VOCs impact indoor air quality and con-tribute to sick building syndrome, build-ing-related illnesses, and multiple chemi-cal sensitivities. Application of productscontaining VOCs also affects outdoor airquality, creating smog and producing an

unhealthy environment. By using low-VOC products, these problems can beavoided, creating a more favorable envi-ronment for building occupants andneighbors.

Design Strategies

Strategies

This credit applies to products and instal-lation processes that have the ability to

adversely affect indoor air quality (IAQ)on site: those that are exposed to interiorspaces accessible by occupants. Whileprojects should strive to limit the use ofVOC-emitting materials on the buildingexterior or the project site, their use is notaddressed under this credit.

Develop a project outline specification inearly design stages, and include criteriafor materials with low-VOC characteris-tics. Materials to address include con-struction and finishing materials.

Research and specify low-VOC productsbased on durability, performance, and en-vironmental characteristics. MaterialSafety Data Sheets (MSDS) from prod-uct manufacturers may not include infor-mation on VOC content. Thus, it maybe necessary to request emissions test data


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from product manufacturers and comparethis test data with comparable products.VOC emissions data should exclude thecolorants in paints. Ensure that contami-nant limits are clearly stated in Division1 and in specification sections where ad-

hesives, sealants, coatings, carpets, andcomposite woods are addressed.

Consider field monitoring for emissionlevels in the building during installationand prior to building occupancy. Con-sider implementing an ongoing, periodicreview of IAQ over the lifetime of thebuilding.


Material selection is important to creat-

ing interior spaces with low-VOC levels.Locally sourced materials and those ma-terials created with recycled content, rap-idly renewable materials, and certifiedwood may have high VOC content and,thus, may be inappropriate for the project.Use of low-VOC products improves in-door air quality during the constructionprocess as well as over the lifetime of thebuilding.

Calculations

This credit applies to products and instal-lation processes that have the ability toadversely affect indoor air quality (IAQ)on site: those that are exposed to interiorspaces accessible by occupants. Whileprojects should strive to limit the use ofVOC-emitting materials on the buildingexterior or the project site, their use is notaddressed under this credit.

Documentation for the four subcreditsnormally consists of recordkeeping. En-

ter summary VOC data for products inthe LEED Letter Template. If this creditis audited during the LEED certificationreview, provide cut sheets containingVOC data.

Calculations are necessary only when us-ing the VOC budget, which is an alter-native compliance path that allows for

specialty applications for which there areno low-VOC product options. Such abudget can be used to demonstrate over-alllow-VOC performance for paints oradhesives (not a combination of both).The applicant must establish a baseline

VOC budget based on the appropriatereferenced standard and meet the budgetbased on the amount of each product usedand respective VOC concentrations. Todevelop a VOC budget, define applica-tion rates of products and how much ofeach is necessary for the project. Com-pare this baseline case to a design case thatlists and sums VOCs for the products thatare (or will be) specified for the project,for the same areas of application. If the

total VOC limit of the design case is lowerthan the baseline case, the point can beearned.

Resources

Web Sites

Formaldehyde Update

www.cpsc .gov/CPSCPUB/PUBS/725.html

An informational document from theConsumer Product Safety Commission.

GreenSpec

www.greenspec.com, (802) 257-7300

Detailed listings for more than 1,500green building products, including envi-ronmental data, manufacturer informa-tion, and links to additional resources.

Master Painters Institutes Environ-mental Issues Web Page

www.paintinfo.com/green

Ten Basic Concepts for Architects andOther Building Designers

w w w. b u i l d in g g re en . c o m/ e l i s t s /halpaper.html, (802) 257-7300

A primer on IAQ basics from Environ-mental Building News.


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Zero VOC Paint Manufacturers

ww w.aqmd .gov/ bu si ne ss/ br oc hu re szerovoc.html

A listing of paint manufacturers that of-fer products with no or low VOC con-

tent, provided by the South Coast AirQuality Management District.

Print Media

ASTM D5116-97: Standard Guide forSmall-Scale Environmental ChamberDeterminations of Organic Emissionsfrom Indoor Materials/Products,ASTM, 1997.

Indoor Air Quality Primer,by DagmarSchmidt Etkin, Cutter Information

Corp., 1993.Paint the Room Green in Environ-mental Building News, Volume 8, Num-ber 2, February 1999.

Definitions

Formaldehyde, a naturally occurringVOC, is found in small amounts in ani-mals and plants, but is carcinogenic andan irritant to most people when presentin high concentrationscausing head-aches, dizziness, mental impairment, andother symptoms. When present in theair at levels above 0.1 ppm (parts per mil-lion parts of air), it can cause watery eyes,burning sensations in the eyes, nose, andthroat; nausea; coughing; chest tightness;wheezing; skin rashes; and asthmatic andallergic reactions. Urea formaldehydeisa combination of urea and formaldehydethat is used in some glues and readily de-composes at room temperature. Phenolformaldehyde, which off-gasses only at

high temperature, is used for exteriorproducts, although many of those prod-ucts are suitable for interior applications.

Volatile Organic Compounds(VOCs)are carbon compounds that participate inatmospheric photochemical reactions (ex-cluding carbon monoxide, carbon diox-ide, carbonic acid, metallic carbides and

carbonates, and ammonium carbonate).The compounds vaporize (become a gas)at normal room temperatures.


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Credit 5Indoor Chemical & Pollutant Source Control

Intent

Avoid exposure of building occupants to potentially hazardous chemicals that adverselyimpact air quality.

Requirements

Design to minimize pollutant cross-contamination of regularly occupied areas:

Employ permanent entryway systems (grills, grates, etc.) to capture dirt, par-ticulates, etc. from entering the building at all high volume entryways.

Where chemical use occurs (including housekeeping areas and copying/print-ing rooms), provide segregated areas with deck to deck partitions with sepa-rate outside exhaust at a rate of at least 0.50 cubic feet per minute per squarefoot, no air re-circulation and maintaining a negative pressure of at least 7 PA

(0.03 inches of water gauge).

Provide drains plumbed for appropriate disposal of liquid waste in spaces wherewater and chemical concentrate mixing occurs.

Submittals

Provide the LEED Letter Template, signed by the architect or responsible party,declaring that:

Permanent entryway systems (grilles, grates, etc.) to capture dirt, particulates,etc. are provided at all high volume entryways.

Chemical use areas and copy rooms have been physically separated with deck-

to-deck partitions; independent exhaust ventilation has been installed at 0.50cfm/square foot and that a negative pressure differential of 7 PA has beenachieved.

In spaces where water and chemical concentrate mixing occurs, drains areplumbed for environmentally appropriate disposal of liquid waste.


There is no standard referenced for this credit.

1 point


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Some common building activities have anegative impact on indoor air quality. Oc-cupants and visitors entering the build-ing may bring in contaminants on their

shoes or clothing that can infiltrate theventilation system. Other seemingly

leed ncv2.1 ieq

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