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It’s about good IAQ for occupancy
The idea behind this credit is to ensure good indoor air quality (IAQIndoor air quality: The quality and attributes of indoor air affecting the health and comfort building occupants. IAQ encompasses available fresh air, contaminant levels, acoustics and noise levels, lighting quality, and other factors.) for a project for occupancy. IEQc3.2 can be seen as a belt-and-suspenders credit: even if the IEQc4: Low-Emitting Materials credits are pursued, along with IEQc3.1: Construction IAQ Management—During Construction, IEQc3.2 ensures that the building ends up with the intended result. (Although it’s typical to do so, you don’t have to pursue any...
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106 Comments
IAQ Flush Out
I would like to know what documentation is acceptable to USGS on the flush out process? Is there documentation from the BAS system required? Just wanting to make sure that I have all the required documentation to insure that I achieve the requirement before I being the building flush out
IAQ Management Plan
We used an EQc3.1 plan and used the testing method to meet EQc3.2 requirements. I'm looking at the online form now and wonder what's meant by this: "An Indoor Air Quality (IAQIndoor air quality: The quality and attributes of indoor air affecting the health and comfort building occupants. IAQ encompasses available fresh air, contaminant levels, acoustics and noise levels, lighting quality, and other factors.) Management Plan was developed and implemented at the project building. The plan includes post-construction IAQ management measures. An Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Management Plan highlighting IAQ management practices is required for credit compliance." Is that equivalent to the plan used for EQc3.1 or is another plan for post-construction IAQ management required?
Maura- we've always used the plan for IEQ 3.1 with no problems.
Alternative Compliance path for international projects
The USGBC has published a draft for additional guidance for international projects. That includes alternative compliance paths and even additional LEED online forms for international projects. This credit is included in the guideline. Find more here: http://www.leeduser.com/topic/international-projects-alternative-complia...
Below grade parking garage flush out
As the USGBC guidelines is, I would say, more on the grey side rather than black/white, thus would like to get second opinion.
In one of our projects there is a question on whether we need to Flush Out the whole basement in relation to LEED IEQ Credit 3.2.
The basement is a parking and is located below ground and with unconditioned mechanical ventilation systems. There are two basements – the vent system is a blower type design, which is taking air in from the ramps. The vent system has CO monitors which controls the fans speed.
I have gotten away with not flushing out a parking garage before, but it was an open sided one, not one that was below ground. My guess is that with it being a confined space you would need to flush it out, but this may be a good use of a LEED Interpretation submission to see if you can exclude the space.
IAQ testing in multifamily apartments
My project is a residential building pursuing the IAQIndoor air quality: The quality and attributes of indoor air affecting the health and comfort building occupants. IAQ encompasses available fresh air, contaminant levels, acoustics and noise levels, lighting quality, and other factors. testing approach. The requirements are that the number of sampling points "must not be less than 1 per 25,000 square feet or for each continguous floor area, whichever is larger." The larger number would be one for each contiguous floor area (which would be each apartment unit). This seems a bit impractical. Instead, is there a requirement for the number of units that must be sampled in residential projects?
You could try to get by with testing a representative sample which is allowed on some other credits, but since the language of this credit does not permit this approach, it would probably be a hard sell.
Number of Testing Samples Required
I am working on a school where we will be choosing Option 2: Air Testing to attain IEQc 3.2. I am unsure as to how many samples need to be taken. The school is 9,004m2 (96,918sf) with 3 AHU’s.
• AHU-1 serves the entire main floor with an area of 4,086m2 (43,981sf). The main floor encompasses a library, large lobby, chapel, 9 offices, 17 classrooms, washrooms, etc. etc.
• AHU-2 serves the entire second floor with an area of 3,460m2 (37,243sf). The second floor has much of the same type of space usage as the main floor.
• AHU-3 serves the two gyms of the school which have an area of 1,458m2 (15,693sf) combined.
What I have a hard time with is determining the number of samples required to meet the LEED requirements. I see that the requirement is “ 1 per 2,300m2 (25,000sf) or for each contiguous floor area, whichever is larger” but this is not clear for me in a school situation. From this statement would I be required to do one sample per room or would I just do 2 on the main floor, 2 on the second floor and 1 for the gyms? I am very leery on this sampling size. I would prefer to do 4 upstairs, 4 downstairs and 2 in the gyms (1 in each). Does anyone have any guidance for me on this?
Also just for information: The school was built under LEED Canada v1.0 but we will be adopting the LEED 2009 IEQ 3.2 credit.
Thank you!
We have always interpreted this to mean one per room, which is the contiguous floor area they refer to. If there were large open connections between rooms, you may be ale to make a case that multiple rooms actually make up a contiguous area, but we have not tried that approach.
# test sites for condo project?
Your comment in "Bird's Eye View" above states:
"Buildings with large numbers of identical rooms with separate ventilation zones—such as hotel rooms or apartment units—have been allowed to perform random sampling as an alternative approach in situations when the delivery of outside air—on an air-change-per-hour basis—and the materials in a ventilation zone are identical. Project teams should confirm with GBCI that this is still applicable in LEED 2009."
If our condo has 5 different unit "types", is it feasable to only sample 1 of each unit type? not exactly sure what "random" means.
They definitely handle this type of thing on sort of a case by case basis. Proposing sampling one of each unit type may be very well received, but it will likely depend on the number of units you have. I have never seen them accept sampling that accounts for less than 10-15% of the total number of units or square footage, so if one of each unit type is less than this percentage, you will likely need to do more. As far as random goes, if you let the testing agent pick which of each type of unit to sample instead of you directing him to a certain unit in particular you should be in pretty good shape.
Exclusion of some spaces
I'd like to follow up on an earlier comment from Dylan Connelly that doesn't appear to have an answer yet...
"As a rule of thumb should we use the "official" square footage from the the PI Form 2: Project Summary Details? Or can we exclude areas such as storage, exhausted restrooms, and other semi and non conditioned spaces?"
If we have unconditioned storage spaces and restrooms can we exclude this square footage from the flushout? Let's say we do need to include this, if it's unconditioned and does not have any openings to the exterior, how does this flushout actually occur? Do we just use a temporary fan to exhaust air out of the space and bring outdoor air in?
We have always taken a sort of conservative approach and flushed out all interior spaces. This has sometimes required the use of portable fans as you mentioned to simply bring in outdoor air. You may be able to justify excluding spaces with a well composed narrative, but we have always decided to just include everything so that we don't have to worry about a difficult reviewer.
# Of Testing Locations
Our project single floor mixed use space, with a large single heat recovery unit providing outside air to all of the spaces. Additionally there are 17 plenum return heat pumps located throughout the spaces used to condition the air in the spaces. Since all of the spaces are normally occupied, would we be required to take a (1) IAQIndoor air quality: The quality and attributes of indoor air affecting the health and comfort building occupants. IAQ encompasses available fresh air, contaminant levels, acoustics and noise levels, lighting quality, and other factors. sample or (18) samples (17 heat pumps & 1 HRU). Sampling method wont work for our type of building, but I'm curious if the OA serving the space is considered the ventilation system or if the heat recovery unit and heat pumps are all considered seperate ventilation systems.
Daniel,
Did you receive any comments in regards to this? This would answeer my question also. Thanks!
April,
The general consensus I recieved was that this would require (2) seperate tests (one for the HRU OA zone and one for the Docking BayA bay is a component of a standard, rectilinear building design. It is the open area defined by a building element such as columns or a window. Typically, there are multiple identical bays in succession. served by Natural Ventilation), since the Heat Pumps are not Ventilation units based on ASHRAE mechanical design practices. Hope this helps.
IAQ Testing using screening tool.
Has anyone had experience with meeting the IAQIndoor air quality: The quality and attributes of indoor air affecting the health and comfort building occupants. IAQ encompasses available fresh air, contaminant levels, acoustics and noise levels, lighting quality, and other factors. testing requirements using the Directsense IAQ Plus Screening tool from Graywolf Sensing Solutions. I am curious if testing via this method will satisfy LEED requirements. Here is a link to the product description and information about meeting LEED IEQ3.2:
http://www.wolfsense.com/app_notes/GrayWolf_AppNote_LEED32.pdf
Thanks.
IAQ testing in unoccupied space
The hospital we will be testing has a medical gas machine room in the penthouse with its own air handler. This is a non-occupies space. Does this space need to be accounted for in sampling?
I think I found my own answer. The ASRHRAE 62.1 definition of occupied space means that this space does not need to be sampled.
Warehouse Flush Out
Both NCv2.2 and v2009 are clear with the temperate and humidity constraints. However, how does one apply a flush-out to a warehouse in northern climates with heat but no AC or methods to dehumidify the air? Or unconditioned spaces in southern climates? Does the 60% humidity and 60 degree requirement become null or does it only leave testing as an option? I imagine this happens quite often...
Follow up question: Phased flush-outs are OK, assuming you meet the requirements. What if you test one space and flush out another? Is it allowed to use different compliance methods for different parts of the building?
Curt- you would have to meet the temperature and humidity requirements in order to use the flush out option. This could require bringing in temporary heating/cooling and/or dehumidification. You could potentially try a half and half alternative compliance path for partial testing and partial flush-out, but I know of cases that this has been tried and not allowed in the past.
Is is acceptable during the
Is is acceptable during the flush-out for windows to be partially open to allow for excess air (beyond what the exhaust fans can handle) to exit the building? The reference guide states that "one approach uses temporary supply and exhaust systems placed into windows", but that's all the guideance I can find on the matter. It doesn't specifially state whether windows can be open during the flush-out. Please advise.
Brooke, it doesn't seem like having the windows open would do any harm relative to the flush-out, assuming the HVAC system can provide the air changes required.
Agreed. By adding all of that outside air you will be making the building positive - forcing air out through the windows. This will allow contaminants to exit the building and keep contaminants out.
Only thing to consider is that by keeping the windows open it may be more difficult to maintain temperature.
IEQ3.2 IAQ MANAGEMENT PLAN - OPTION 2
Hi,
I am questioning about the second option, mesuring the contaminant levels.
The table p 462 is indicating level to respect. but in front of each specific contaminant, there is also EPA and ISO method.
Do we have to comply with the three of them, or are those alternative methods to the maximum concentration.
We are actually consulting a supplyer in order to get the right material to effect mesurement. How to deal with those two others method (iso and epa)?
Also, Would you have any list of suppliers who could work overseas, may be in France, to provide us with adequat material?
Thanks for all,
Véronique
You can follow either the EPA or the ISO method—but you can't mix them. I don't know of anyone I can refer you to in France.
Does this mean that we can only use either EPA or ISO to comply with table page 462? Or can use any method to confirm that air pollutant is not exceeded the table.
Yes, you have a choice between those methods—you can't bring in your own method.
Definition of Occupancy
I'm having trouble finding a dfinition for "Occupancy" We want to pursue IEQc3.2 using Option 1,Path 2 for a movie theater. Can we bring in staff for training during the initial delivery of 3,500 cf of outdoor air / sf? After this phase is complete, we will open the building to patrons and operate normally while the balance of the flush out is completed.
Commissioning can occur during the flush-out if it does not introduce any additional contaminants into the building. Enhanced Commissioning requires owner training. . . so yes, training can occur during the flush-out; provided the training does not introduce any additonal contaminants.
To be proactive, you may want to include a narrative outlining how additional contaminants were not introduced during the flush-out due to the trainings. The LEED review team may require this narrative.
Hope this helps!
Square Footage Calculation - 24/7 Emergency Facility
We have an emergency response facility project which includes a garage- housing 24/7 emergency response vehicles. We are preparing to enter calucations to follow path 2, phased flush out, and would like to know if we would need to include the vehicle bayA bay is a component of a standard, rectilinear building design. It is the open area defined by a building element such as columns or a window. Typically, there are multiple identical bays in succession. square footage in the calculations. The space is non-occupied, and it would be preferable not to include if possible due to vehicles need to enter and exit.
Any advice would be appreciated.
Dan,
My impression is the flushout is only required for regularly occupied paces and not parking garages, but it would be good to hear other opinions on that question.
Dan, if the garage is an exterior, unconditioned space, it should not need to be flushed out. If it is basically an interior space, I would include it.
Tristan, how about if the unconditioned garage is under the building or below grade? Does it still need to be flushed out?
Thanks in advance.
Phased Construction Project - use Combination Option 1 & 2?
We have a construction project that is completing in 2 phases, 6 months apart. Is it possible to use a combination of flush out for Phase 1 and IAQIndoor air quality: The quality and attributes of indoor air affecting the health and comfort building occupants. IAQ encompasses available fresh air, contaminant levels, acoustics and noise levels, lighting quality, and other factors. testing for Phase 2?
the reason for the question above is that our phased project shares one AHU1.Air-handling units (AHUs) are mechanical indirect heating, ventilating, or air-conditioning systems in which the air is treated or handled by equipment located outside the rooms served, usually at a central location, and conveyed to and from the rooms by a fan and a system of distributing ducts. (NEEB, 1997 edition) 2.A type of heating and/or cooling distribution equipment that channels warm or cool air to different parts of a building. This process of channeling the conditioned air often involves drawing air over heating or cooling coils and forcing it from a central location through ducts or air-handling units. Air-handling units are hidden in the walls or ceilings, where they use steam or hot water to heat, or chilled water to cool the air inside the ductwork., in order to flush phase 2, the flush out will occur with outside air going through phase 1 which is already occupied, won't that contaminate phase 2 or is this acceptable?
I also have a project that is completed in 2 different phase. They are two different buildings that are connected on the north end. The first building will be completed and required to be occupied about 6 months before the other building and the connector. Can we complete two separate flush outs before occupancy?
Norma, It seems reasonable to do a flush out for Phase 1 spaces and IAQIndoor air quality: The quality and attributes of indoor air affecting the health and comfort building occupants. IAQ encompasses available fresh air, contaminant levels, acoustics and noise levels, lighting quality, and other factors. testing for Phase 2 spaces. That sounds better than flushing Phase 2 areas with air that is being mixed with the occupied phase 1 areas, unless you can provide 100% outside air directly to Phase 2.
AHU vs Fans
Hello,
One Air Handling Unit serves multiple zones (for example : one office room 100sqf, one plant room 100sqf, one storage 100sqf). Using option 1/path 2, during flush out and building occupancy, we plan to provide at a minimum 0.3 cfm/sqf of outdoor air (ie 300 sq x 0.3 = 90 cfm at the AHU1.Air-handling units (AHUs) are mechanical indirect heating, ventilating, or air-conditioning systems in which the air is treated or handled by equipment located outside the rooms served, usually at a central location, and conveyed to and from the rooms by a fan and a system of distributing ducts. (NEEB, 1997 edition) 2.A type of heating and/or cooling distribution equipment that channels warm or cool air to different parts of a building. This process of channeling the conditioned air often involves drawing air over heating or cooling coils and forcing it from a central location through ducts or air-handling units. Air-handling units are hidden in the walls or ceilings, where they use steam or hot water to heat, or chilled water to cool the air inside the ductwork.).
However, this total amount of outdoor air will not be shared fairly between spaces : for example 50 cfm in office space and 20/20 in storage and plant rooms.
Does it comply with LEED requirements ?
Thanks for your comments
Aurelie
Auriele, this is a little bit of a gray area in the LEED requirements, about whether the flush-out volume needs to be compliant for every square foot of space. However, in a case like yours where it's very clear that certain areas won't receive the specified volume, I would supplement it with fans, etc.
Do you think this requirement would be fulfilled by opening all internal doors in order to allow air exchange between spaces ?
That would help, but it would not necessarily provide the requisite volume. I think you would need to run some basic calculations to verify that.
IEQ Flush-Out
We are working on a project which will be completed in two phases. Can we perform the flush-out on Phase 1 as Phase 2 is being constructed? The LEED Reference Guide states "When there are multiple HVAC systems that can operate independently it is acceptable to flush out portions of the building as they are completed, but no additional construction work can occur once the flush-out of an area begins."
Does anybody have experience with this?
Are there any possible ways that air can move between the two spaces represented by the two phases? If so, I would be concerned about this approach, but if not I think it should work.
Credit 3.2, Option 1, Path 2
We are the GC for a new small (4,000 SF) Leed Certified fast food restaurant with 3,800 CFM of outside air when occupied. We plan to do our initial 3,500 CF/SF flushout over a weekend. The remaining flushout will be carried out over the next 8 days when the building will be open for business by continuously operating the HVAC system on the occupied cycle during times when it is open as well as closed to customers. The requirements says that the flush out must start a minimum of 3 hours before occupancy so I assume that it can start any time before that. Does anyone see a problem with this strategy. Also, the facility has a walk-in cooler and freezer without any supply air. Can fans be used during the initial flush-out to supply the full 14,000 CF/SF prior to the final flush-out that will take place when the facility will be open and the cooler/freezers needed to be operational?
Yes, you can start anytime before the 3-hour minimum; this will get you up to the required 14,000 Cubic Feet of Outside air per Square Foot of floor area quicker. (make sure to follow the ASHRAE ventilation rates during occupancy if they require more than 0.3 CFM / Sq Ft of floor area)
The requirements of this credit apply to all spaces within the building envelope. This credit does not differentiate between regularly occupied and non-regularly-occupied spacesOccupied Spaces are defined as enclosed spaces that can accommodate human activities. Occupied spaces are further classified as regularly occupied or non-regularly occupied spaces based on the duration of the occupancy, individual or multi-occupant based on the quantity of occupants, and densely or non-densely occupied spaces based upon the concentration of occupants in the space..
Temporary fans used to flushout the coolers and freezers during the initial flushout will qualify as long as they provide 14,000 Cubic Feet of Outside air per square feet of floor area.
# of sampling points
“For each portion of the building served by a separate ventilation system, the number of sampling points shall not be less than one per 25,000 sq.ft., or for each contiguous floor area, whichever is larger, and include areas with the least ventilation and greatest presumed source strength.”
My understanding is that sampling per 25,000 sqft or # per each floor, whichever (# of samplings) is larger should be used. However, I am little confused of wording.
Regarding "whichever is larger," is it referring to # of samplings, or square footage? I doubt that it's referring to square footage, however I want to make sure of it.
Thank you
It is referring to square footage.
I have a building that is 500,000 SF, with six large cold storage units (~70,000 SF each). According to the interpretation above, I would just need 1 sample per cold storage unit; however, in the text provided by LEEDuser above, "one sample per 25,000 ft2 of contiguous floor area" and in at least one LEED interpretation I've found, you must supply 1 sample per 25,000 SF, regardless of the size of open area. Can you explain to me why you think it is referring to square footage and not sample number?
The "whichever is larger" is referring to the number of sampling points, not square footage, so the 2 samples required to meet 1 per 25,000 SF is larger than the 1 sample required per contiguous area, which means you need to do one for every 25,000 SF. Hope this helps!
Contiguity
Perhaps this is obvious, but... the Reference Guide says "the number of sampling points must not be less than 1 per 25,000 square feet or for each contiguous floor area, whichever is larger." I assume "contiguous" means floor area not separated by walls. If that's the case, we'd have to take a sample for every single classroom, which seems excessive. This is a 3-story academic building with one air handler per floor, just for reference.
You don't need to take a sample for every room.
You'll need one reading per AHU1.Air-handling units (AHUs) are mechanical indirect heating, ventilating, or air-conditioning systems in which the air is treated or handled by equipment located outside the rooms served, usually at a central location, and conveyed to and from the rooms by a fan and a system of distributing ducts. (NEEB, 1997 edition) 2.A type of heating and/or cooling distribution equipment that channels warm or cool air to different parts of a building. This process of channeling the conditioned air often involves drawing air over heating or cooling coils and forcing it from a central location through ducts or air-handling units. Air-handling units are hidden in the walls or ceilings, where they use steam or hot water to heat, or chilled water to cool the air inside the ductwork. and up to 25,000 sq ft regardless the number of seperate rooms included within the 25,000 sq ft.
Flushout of TI Space
I have a building 27,000 sf Office building with a 2,000 sf TI space that will be rented out later. Because the TI space will be a shell, I'm wondering if it needs to be flushed out at the same time as the rest of the building, and then again once the finishes are installed by the tenant. It seems like this is someting that would go in the Tenenat Guidelines, but we've been dinged for not including this space in other credits (WE, EA) since LEED is a whole building certification. Does anyone have any experience complying with this credit for TI spaces?
I would definitely include it in your overall flushout, since there isn't really latitude that I've seen for excluding any spaces. This would take care of the requirement for your NC project and make it pretty safe to just include flushout of the TI project in the lease. Sound okay?
Frankly, I think it's overkill (not to mention a waste of energy) since the space has no connection to the rest of the building and will likely not be occupied for some time after the rest of the project is open. Then it would need to be flushed out again once the tenant installs their finishes, if we're to follow the intent of the credit. Regardless, it seems like it's best to go through the motions to satisfy the LEED reviewer even if we spend more time, money and energy on this isolated space than seams rational.
Carmen- I agree that it seems like sort of a waste, but Tristan's right- it needs to be done to fulfill the credit requirements and the MPR requiring full building certification. You could always opt for a quick test for verification when the tenant fit out is done instead of another flush out if you're careful about your fit out materials.
Also keep in mind the IAQIndoor air quality: The quality and attributes of indoor air affecting the health and comfort building occupants. IAQ encompasses available fresh air, contaminant levels, acoustics and noise levels, lighting quality, and other factors. testing option for this credit. I think it really ensures a better outcome, with less energy expended.
LEED Flushout and Furniture
Does anyone know if you can move in furniture during the flush out? I thought I had read somewhere that commissioning and moving in furniture during the flush out is allowed, as long as no contaminants are introduced to the building.
Cheers
Myra- there's been lots of debate about if furniture has to be installed before the flush out above. In general it's a gray area and has been done both ways. We have always done the major commissioning activities before flush out- they would interrupt the flush out (assuming you're using the building's permanent HVAC system for it) otherwise.
Great Allison, Thanks
I just found this CIRCredit Interpretation Ruling. Used by design team members experiencing difficulties in the application of a LEED prerequisite or credit to a project. Typically, difficulties arise when specific issues are not directly addressed by LEED information/guide for version 2.2 and it makes me believe it is okay to move in furniture during the flush out. Any comments? In your experience have you moved in furniture during the flush out? Did you encounter any pro's or con's if so?
10/24/2007 - Credit Interpretation Request
The project contains both systems furnitureSystems furniture includes panel-based workstations comprising modular interconnecting panels, hang-on components, and drawer and filing components or a free-standing grouping of furniture items designed to work in concert. (42" application) for open areas, and modular wall systems (full height application that is demountable and reusable such as the DIRTT system). We are trying to schedule flush-out activities and understand from other CIRs that furniture installation may occur during or after flushout. Are modular walls as described here considered furniture?
12/1/2007 - Ruling
Full height, demountable modular walls are essentially the same in form and function as permanent walls and as such are not considered furniture. They must be installed in the building prior to flush-out for the purposes of EQc3.2.
Please let me know...
Cheers!
Myra- yes we have installed furniture during/after the flush out for pre-2009 projects with little to no issues. We're all a bit concerned about the wording in the 2009 reference guide (which is contradictory). Plus, please remember that 2.2 CIRs do not apply to 2009 projects.
My understanding from having looked at this before (see other discussion threads above) is that movable furniture can be moved in during or after flush-out.
I wouldn't consider it a best practice, however, since furniture is very likely to include air contaminants and the flush out would help remove them.
I confirmed with USGBC that moveable furniture is not required to be in place for testing for BD&C projects. The rating system (official credit language) takes precedence over the Reference Guide.
Multiple Units with Varying OSA Rates
Our project, as with most projects, has various air handling units with different OSA rates. To achieve the 14,000 cuft / sf, do we calculate the building as whole, or does each space have to achieve 14,000 cuft / sf from the unit serving that area? We have a couple rooms with small split systems and these spaces would take over 60 days under the 'before occupancy' flush-out, but if counted in aggregate, then the flush-out would only take 9 days. Please advise. Thanks.
Tyler- I don't have access to my reference guide at the moment to check the exact language, but the intent of the credit is certainly to provide 14,000 cubic feet for each individual square foot of space, not an aggregate. Depending on how your systems are set up, though, you may be able to use an adjacent system to supplement the area that would have a long flush out time.
Thanks Allison. I agree with you that the it makes sense to count the building on a space by space basis, but there is no indication that this is how the credit is calculated in the reference guide. Furthermore, the equations and calculations that are provided are based on the building in aggregate. We are planning on supplementing our smaller systems with temporary fans and any other strategies to achieve this on a space by space basis, but it appears this level of detail was not addressed in this version of the reference guide. Thanks.
100% Naturally Ventilated Building 800 m²
I have a one story,100% Naturally Ventilated Building, 800 m². I have calculated natural ventilation simulation results showing an average of 3 achThe number of times per hour a volume of air, equivalent to the volume of space, enters that space. over all rooms when windows are only 10% open (during winter commisioning time, the planned flushout time of year).
Calculations show that a flushout would require 8 portable blower fans 3,000 m3/h operating 24/7 for 5 days to achieve the required flushout volume.
Q: Could it be accepted to achieve the flushout with natural ventilation, basing the ventilation rates on the simulation. This is no small simulation. It includes statistical weather data, including wind, approx. surroundings, thermal differences of air in all rooms, doors opening and closing with occupation schedules, etc. (multi-nodal bulk air-flow analysis).
Q2: What if we left the windows open 100%?.
Q3: Is there any other official guidence for 100% ventilated buildings and this credit?
Jean- I have not seem any guidance specifically for a flush out using natural ventilation. I think it's going to be tough to do using natural ventilation only because of all the variables you mentioned. We have, however, had success using portable fans for the flush out instead of the mechanical system, so I would recommend that approach if you want to do a flush out rather than testing.
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