In the last 6 years, there has been a significant shift in the U.S. Green Building Council LEED rating system. This shift has been marked by an increased emphasis on energy efficiency over indoor environmental quality (IEQ). This shift was first noted in LEED 2009, with the IEQ Category decreasing from 71.7% (second most) available points to 13.6% (barely third most) points, while the energy category increased from 24.6% to 31.8%. These ratings remain similar in LEED version 4. The only requirements regarding IEQ according to LEED are related to controlling the environmental tobacco smoke and providing the ASHRAE minimum amount of outdoor air. This is the precedent for many other rating systems as well.
If your air quality isn't up to par, one of the reasons below could be your culprit.
Reasons for Poor Indoor Air Quality
- Non-Cleanable Interior Ventilation Surfaces
- Too Much Outdoor Air
- Cellulose Materials In High Water Use Areas
- Roof Pollutant Sources Near Air Intakes
- Construction of Dirt and Debris Left on New Building Ventilation Surfaces
- Ventilation Fan Cycling On And Off
- Using Hazardous Materials in New Buildings
- Building Envelope Issues
- Air Handling Units With Poor Access
- AHU Condensate Lines in Bad Locations or Improperly Installed
- Inadequate and Improper Use of Products Identified as Low Emitting
- Inappropriate Air Quality Evaluation Parameters and Methods for New Green Building Pre-occupancy
- Depending Too Much on Building Flush Out
- Filers Not Performing Per Rating Due to AHU Design Or Maintenance/Installation Issues
- Installing Drywall Before Roof Or Windows are in Place
- Not Designing or Constructing for Radon Mitigation
- Exposed Fiberglass Insulation In Return Air Plenum Above Ceiling Tiles
- Plumbing Construction Defects
- Ventilation Supply and Return Short Circuits
- Not Negatively Pressurizing Rooms with Pollutants Source
For More Information: "20 Reasons your Green Building may not have Green Indoor Air." Engineered Systems. January 2014.
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