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You may have already earned this credit
You already addressed this credit as part of the compliance process for IEQp1: Minimum Indoor Air Quality Performance. If the measurements you took for IEQp1 indicate that your building has ventilation rates that are at least 30% better than ASHRAE 62.1-2007 for every ventilation distribution system, no further action is required, other than checking that any needed documentation is uploaded.
If, on the other hand, your ventilation rates are not at least 30% better than ASHRAE 62.1-2007, you’ll need to consider whether it is appropriate to pursue this credit.
Pros and cons to more fresh air
If you need to increase ventilation rates throughout the building to reach the 30% threshold, you will also be increasing your HVAC energy consumption and...
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4 Comments
ASHRAE 62 Calcs
I input information into their Online spreadsheet, but the numbers didn't seem to match with what our Engineer has as constants for the spaces when the ASHRAE 62 Audit was done. Also some spaces are not defined in LEED Online spreadsheets that our Engineer has in the calculations.
We talked to our Engineer and he said our numbers are more accurate than what LEED Online has.
I tried submitting the open spreadsheet to LEED because we were told by a representative on the phone that this would be acceptable.
We submitted the project, but they wrote in their comments that we need to input the information into their Online Spreadsheet. It seems that there is some sort of disconnect with what is acceptable and what isn't.
Any advice on what I should do upon re-submission?
Richard - You might check out the comment I just posted to EQp1 on this issue but you're in a tight spot with a disconnect between the 62MZCalculator and the LOL table. It sounds like you submitted the 62MZCalculators but did not populate the table because for some reason the table generates a different outcome than the calculator. I think your best bet for resubmittal is to a) double-check the heck out of your calculations to be sure that your 62MZCalculator is right and the LOL table is wrong, and then, assuming that is indeed the case, b) complete the table and provide a detailed explanation as to why the table misrepresents your situation but the 62MZCalc accurately illustrates compliance with the standard. Like I said, its a tough spot to be in during a final review, but I think that ultimately the reviewer can be educated as to your situation and why the calculations don't match.
Hope that helps.
Mechanical ventilation systems with operable windows
What if my mechanical ventilation was sufficient to meet ASHRAE 62.1 minimums AND the majority of my rooms had operable windows? Could I use the operable windows to meet the 30% additional ventilation for 90% of spaces?
Daniel, I think this would be theoreticaly possible, but fraught with some difficulties. A key one is that your HVAC system is probably designed to operate independently of operable windows, and vice versa. To do what you propose you really need to make sure that they'll play nice together and actually deliver the 30% difference. This may take some complicated work. And is that really how the system will be used?
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