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A smorgasbord of requirements
This credit requires compliance with a varied group of items that cumulatively help keep pollutants out of the indoor air. These requirements include self-closing doors on janitors' closets, MERVMinimum efficiency reporting value. 13 filtration on mechanical equipment, and entryway trackoff systems.
Compliance will require the coordination of team members—including the mechanical engineer, architect, plumbing engineer, and contractor—and also impact project design and operations. The basic requirements are:
- Permanent entryway walk-off systems at least 10 feet long (up from 6 feet in previous versions of LEED) at all regularly...
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49 Comments
hazardous liquid storage / green cleaning?
Speaking of hazardous liquids, if our project wishes to pursue an ID credit with green cleaning (use of non-toxic cleaning products and practices), can we claim in this credit that since there will be no hazardous liquids on the building, containing those rooms (by means of full height partitions, self-closing door hardware, and negative pressurization) will not be necessary. The project will still satisfy the other components of the credits with the walk-off mat and mervMinimum efficiency reporting value. 13 filters.
What do you think?
Tristan Roberts replied Editor – LEEDuser, BuildingGreen, LLC Feb 08 2010
Great idea! It seems as though you would be meeting the intent.
However, I think this is an uphill battle. Here's why:
Will you really be using 100% nontoxic products for the life of the building? It sounds like your intention is to follow the requirements of LEED-EBOM IEQc3.3: Green Cleaning—Purchase of Sustainable Cleaning Products and Materials to earn the ID point. However, to earn that credit you have to hit only a 30% threshold for sustainable products.
There may specific cleaning situation that calls for the use of a conventional cleaning chemical that justifies the need for the IEQc5 requirements.
Or you may be able to guarantee sustainable products for the first year or two, but how can you guarantee that will always be the case? LEED tends to frown upon exceptions like this that may not hold up over time.
I don't mean to pour cold water on a good idea. I would at least get a 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 before you commit to this path. Or just decide that the credit requirements don't match up with your building.
Exterior / Interior walk-off mats
We are looking to use a combined approach to the walk-off mat requirement utilizing a 5' of exterior walk-off grill and 5' interior mat. Does the exterior grille need to be covered completely by an overhang? I cannot seem to find the answer in the reference guide but I seem to recall it as a requirement for any outdoor grilles. Any assistance would be appreciated. Thanks!
Shannon Gray replied Consultant, YRG sustainability Feb 23 2010
Yes, it is my understanding that you must provide a cover for any outdoor walk-off mats. I don’t see any requirement for this in the reference guide either but we have always done so with our projects. It seems to make sense that you would need to.
Shannon
Leticia SooHoo replied Feb 23 2010
I have gone through projects with no overhang for outdoor walk-off mats so I don't think it is a requirement. It will make sense to have some protection though.
Alison Y Rivenburgh replied Mar 30 2010
From the 2009 BD&C Reference Guide: "Entryway systems must extend 10 feet from the building entrance into the building interior" indicating that they must be entirely inside the building. There was a 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 froom 2008 based on a six foot mat that allowed 3' inside, 3' outside, but that was a different version of the rating system. Andrew, Shannon, or anyone - do you have any confirmation that exterior systems are still allowed? We are facing the same issue on a project.
Leticia SooHoo replied Mar 30 2010
Alison, what page in the BD+C guide does it have that exact verbiage - "Entryway systems must extend 10 feet from the building entrance into the building interior".
Thanks.
Alison Y Rivenburgh replied Mar 30 2010
It is under #4 Implementation, Entryway Systems, 3rd paragraph down. (Page 513 in my version)
Leticia SooHoo replied Mar 30 2010
Thank you Alison!
Shannon Gray replied Consultant, YRG sustainability Mar 30 2010
Alison, that is interesting. I had missed that sentence. I think it would be best to clarify with a 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 but, I would imagine you could get approval to have the mat partially indoors and partially outdoors, especially if it has an overhang. The specific text in the Requirements section does not mention anything about the entire mat needing to be indoors so I feel like there is some flexibility. We have done this for NCv2.2 and CSv2.0 project but don’t have any experience with this for 2009 projects yet. I know CIRs from previous ratings systems do not count towards 2009 projects but would be a good starting point if you decide to write one. Keep us updated on your project.
Thanks,
Shannon
Lee Dingemans replied LEED AP, Wightman & Assoc. Jul 02 2010
I have an entry (vestibule) with a set of double doors on each end 10'-0" apart with a walk of mat and drainage extending from door to door. Now I need to make the entry smaller to perhaps 8'-0".
Could someone clarify the following for me please
1) Has there been any CIRs clarifying if the 10'-0" has to be inside or not?
2) Could it be partially outside? For example 5'-0" inside and 5'-0" outside?
3) Do I need a walk of mat at each entry or only the primary entries?
If there is anything else someone would like to share please do so.
Thank you!
Tristan Roberts replied Editor – LEEDuser, BuildingGreen, LLC Jul 02 2010
Lee, the rulings from GBCI have been that outside or partially outside mats are acceptable, but they must be protected from the weather and any sources of outdoor soiling to remain effective. The specifics of this are up to the project, but burden of proof is on you to show that it will be effective.
All public entryways need a walk-off system.
MERV 13 filtration at Return air versus Recirculated Ari
There were a series of CIRs about use of MERVMinimum efficiency reporting value. 13 filtration at Fan Coil Units, Chilled Beams or Terminal boxes - based on a reading of the credit that requres return air to be filtered. These specific types of devices get their air from a central Air Handling Unit, but the latest CIRs stated that project teams need to further filter recirculated air at the space with MERV 13.
Has there been any recent clarification about this? I heard rumors that this was being considered by the USGBC, but have not heard any further clarification. As the rulings stand, no project with Active Chilled Beams can comply, since these devices recirculate some air to induce air movement, but are not available with MERV 13 filters.
Tristan Roberts replied Editor – LEEDuser, BuildingGreen, LLC Mar 17 2010
No, I haven't heard anything more recent. Do you recall offhand what the most recent 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's were on this?
Tristan Roberts replied Editor – LEEDuser, BuildingGreen, LLC Mar 19 2010
I confirmed that the TAGLEED Technical Advisory Group (TAG): Subcommittees that consist of industry experts who assist in developing credit interpretations and technical improvements to the LEED system. is working on this question, but given the TAG's current workload, a clarification isn't expected very soon.
Erica Downs replied Sustainability & LEED Consultant Sep 01 2010
I have not heard anything more about this either, but am very curios to, especially regarding Active Chilled Beams. From my understanding of how ACBs work, they do not really recirculate air, but rather cause a convection loop, which is really no different than baseboard radiant....
Erica Downs replied Sustainability & LEED Consultant Sep 01 2010
Oh, just the posting below....Thanks!
Entryways system
We want to install this system but the client doesn't want to make a void in the concrete to create the dirt trapping area. Can you give me other solution? Is there a way to put a mat over the floor without creating this void area?
Tristan Roberts replied Editor – LEEDuser, BuildingGreen, LLC Apr 28 2010
Fabio, roll-out mats are acceptable but require some extra documentation showing maintenance. See details in the Getting It Done and Credit Language tabs above.
Jennifer Frey replied Project Manager, Sellen Sustainability Sep 01 2010
1) Has anyone had success or been denied credit for submitting carpet tile in an enclosed entry vestibule as an "entryway system" for EQc5 Pollutant Source Control?
One of our current projects has received a letter from a carpet tile manufacturer which states their product contributes to this credit- though I don't know how they can make that claim (no evidence, just a statement). The client doesn't want an entry grill/grate system and does not want roll-up walk off mats.
The Reference Guide only uses words like entryway systems "can be" grilles, grates, and mats, but leaves room for interpretation. The client wants to pursue the EQc5 credit with this carpet tile, because the carpet tile is only in the entry vestibule, which is isolated by doors to outside and into lobby, and meets the length requirement of this credit.
My proposed strategic advice to the client is as follows- please comment and advise me:
1) Request the manufacturer provide evidence their product meets all the characteristics/intent of the Reference Guide entryway systems:
• Catch and hold dirt particles and prevent contamination of the building interior.
• “Open grates and grilles or other entryway systems that have a recessed collection area are generally thought to be most effective”.
• “…durable coarse mats with large open loops are appropriate for capturing sand, mud, or snow and should have a Class I Fire-retardant rating.”
• “High void volume within mat fibers provides a space for trapping dirt below the mat surface and enables water to spread to a larger area for improved drying. This inhibits dirt retracing and mold and mildew growth….easier to vacuum….”
• “Fiber height provides maximum scraping surface at the show and mat interface….”
• “…mats with solid backings capture dirt and moisture…a non-porous backing inhibits mold and mildew growth.”
• “…use of mold and mildew-resistant materials in the mat construction…”
• “Fire retardant ratings that exceed DOC-FF-1-70, such as NFPA 253 Class I and II….”
• “Electrostatic propensity levels of less than 2.5kV….”
• Keep the dirt and particles near the entryway and not track them throughout the building.
2) Provide a very detailed Narrative explaining the intent of this carpet tile is to knock off particulates within the isolated vestibule and not track them througout the building, therefore the carpet tile acts as a walk-off matt, the tile has the same characteristics as those described in the Ref. Guide, is an isolated vestibule, carpet tile is maintained regularly like the roll-up mat 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's recommend, copy of cleaning policy / contract, and include copies of the manufacturer evidence of characteristics.
Does this seem like an approach which a Review Team would accept in a submittal?
Thanks!
Jennifer
Allison Beer McKenzie replied Architect/Director of Sustainability, SHP Leading Design Sep 01 2010
Jennifer- we have used carpet tiles that are specifically designed to function as walk off surfaces with no problem in the past. We have simply uploaded a plan, as usual, showing the area of walk-off carpet tiles, uploaded a generalized spec sheet and also uploaded an attestation from the owner that they will regularly maintain the surface. Just remember if you are using these permanent "carpet" systems, they must also comply with the IEQ credit 4 for flooring systems if you are attempting that credit as well!
Agreed.... The Containment Requirement is Vague
Further thoughts or examples of compliant containment systems would be greatly appreciated. This seems to be a point of contention on every LEED project.
Thanks in advance!
Mike
Tristan Roberts replied Editor – LEEDuser, BuildingGreen, LLC May 16 2010
The team here at LEEDuser has tried to get clarification on this several times before. If anyone can add anything, I would love to see it. We are also continuing to work on this.
Tristan Roberts replied Editor – LEEDuser, BuildingGreen, LLC May 24 2010
I confirmed (again—see my post from March above) that USGBC is working on this, but still no word on when anything will be announced.
MERV 13 filter and natural ventilation
I'm designing a natural ventilation / fan assist project using just windows and exhaust fan for ventilation. This credit said that for "mechanically ventilated system, MERVMinimum efficiency reporting value.-13 is required...". Does this apply to natural ventilated building as well and we don't get this credit, or is MERV-13 exempt? Thanks.
Tristan Roberts replied Editor – LEEDuser, BuildingGreen, LLC Jun 11 2010
The MERVMinimum efficiency reporting value.-13 requirement only applies to mechanical systems. If you don't have a mechanical system, you can still earn the credit by meeting the other requirements.
Definition of "high volume" copy rooms
I am wondering, what this definition of "high volume" copy rooms mean. Is there a special number of copies/day? And what if there is a policy of paperless ofiice and of course there is a copy room, but just whith a very low frequency? Can anyone help? Thanks.
Allison Beer McKenzie replied Architect/Director of Sustainability, SHP Leading Design Jul 21 2010
Over a year ago, we received informal guidance from GBCI that "high volume" means 20,000 or more copies per month. I haven't seen anything written to back this up, but this is the definition we have been using on our projects.
I would think that if you can provide a rationale or documentation to back up that the copier will be used to make fewer than 20,000 copies per month, you could legitimately avoid the requirements since it would not be a "high volume" copy room.
Alice Omet replied Jul 21 2010
Thanks a lot, that helps. But strange that there is no offical guidance about that.
Tristan Roberts replied Editor – LEEDuser, BuildingGreen, LLC Jul 24 2010
There is official guidance, provided here courtesy of Devon Bertram from the forum for the v2.2 version of this credit:
LEED EB defines this in EQc5.2, Isolation of High-Volume Copying /Print Rooms/Fax Stations. I've listed the language from the reference guide below:
"Have in place over the performance period structural deck-to-deck partitions with separate outside exhausting, no air re-circulation and negative pressure to contain and isolate high volume copying/print room/fax station. High volume means any copy machine, print or fax
station with a monthly copy usage of more than 40,000 pages."
LEED Boundary and Future Buildings
The project includes the construction of two buildings, but only one is pursuing LEED certifrication, and the other is rarely occupied and only serves a supplemental service. Although it will be constructed at the same time as the building going for LEED certification. If they are both contained within the LEED Boundary, how is it regarded on the site. Would that area of the site just be treated as hardscape? Will there be any requirements the secondary building will have to meet by being within the LEED Boundary or can I just treat the site as it will be at the beginning of construction and just show the footprint of that building as a void (neither open green space or green space)? I appreciate feedback since this has a large impact on LEED credits.
Tristan Roberts replied Editor – LEEDuser, BuildingGreen, LLC Jul 22 2010
It probably not be possible to exclude the supplemental building from your LEED application if it is within the LEED project boundary. Could you draw the project boundary to exclude it, without gerrymandering?
You should also review the LEED application guide for multiple building applications and campuses. This was written for LEED-NC v2.2 but is optionally applicable to 2009, and may be helpful. You could also contact GBCI.
Knowing a bit more detail about square footage, HVAC and mechanical systems provided to the second building, or not, etc. would also help.
Summer Gorder replied Jul 22 2010
If the second building is excluded it not only seems like Gerrymeandering, since the boundary would be a strange shape, it also would cut out the best part of the site which is a large open green space that will remain in it's natural state. The client does not want to certify the second building, because it will not nearly be meeting the same ventilation, day-lighting and energy efficiency standards of the primary building, and there is no benefit to modeling and commissioning the building. Additionally, it barely meets the MPR, since there is not even 1 FTEFull-time equivalent (FTE) represents a regular building occupant who spends 8 hours a day (40 hours a week) in the project building. Part-time or overtime occupants have FTE values based on their hours per day divided by 8 (or hours per week divided by 40). Transient Occupants can be reported as either daily totals or as part of the FTE. Residential occupancy should be estimated based on the number and size of units. Core and Shell projects should refer to the default occupancy table in the Reference Guide appendix. All occupant assumptions must be consistent across all credits in all categories. occupant guaranteed at all times. I don't understand why it would affect the certification of the other building? Does anyone have any precedents?
Tristan Roberts replied Editor – LEEDuser, BuildingGreen, LLC Jul 22 2010
I am not that familiar with the multiple buildings application guide, but I'm wondering if it's of any help here?
Tristan Roberts replied Editor – LEEDuser, BuildingGreen, LLC Jul 23 2010
Summer, the key issue here is one of clear identification around what is LEED certified and what isn't. If the main building and surrounding site is represented as being LEED-certified, but this supplemental building that is surrounded by this site is not, there is potential confusion in which the supplemental building could be mistakenly identified as LEED-certified. There is also the issue that the goal of LEED is market transformation and to motivate owners in a situation like this to apply the LEED standards as broadly as possible.
The LEED campus application guide suggests that you can certify these buildings together, and perhaps the LEED-compliant qualities of the main buildng could offset the less-compliant qualities of the second building.
Based on the MPRs, though, I don't see how you could just exclude the second building. I will run this by somene else for another opinion, but I also recommend you discuss it with GBCI.
IEQc5: High-Volume Copy/Print/Fax Areas
Hypothetically, suppose you will have 800 employees who print/fax/copy anywhere between 100-125 pages each, every month. You also have 3 copy rooms... That's a total of 80,000-100,000 copies/faxes/prints generated each month. Divide that by 3 rooms and you get an average of 26,667-33,333 copies per copy room.
Since this is below the 40,000 page limit quoted from Tristan on 07/24/10, can it be assumed that if you met all other requirements in regards to the permanent entryway walk-off systems and MERVMinimum efficiency reporting value. 13 filtration, you would NOT have to comply with those listed below for a building attempting this credit for LEED NC 2009?:
- Designated exhaust of all hazardous gas and chemical use areas w/ an exhaust rate of 0.5 CFM/SF, with no air recirculation
- Self-closing doors
- Deck-to-deck partitions or hard-lid ceilings
OR, say you had all requirements above in place with the exception of the designated exhaust. Would each of these be sufficient to achieve this credit?
Allison Beer McKenzie replied Architect/Director of Sustainability, SHP Leading Design Aug 05 2010
Sara- we have, in the past, successfully not provided separate exhaust, self-closing doors, etc. For "convenience" printers and copiers that do not meet the definition of "high volume", and simply included a narrative saying that the copiers are low volume. However, I think this may be a case where you are a little bit at the mercy of the reviewer you get and their interpretation of the credit. I wish I could be more definitive!
Tristan Roberts replied Editor – LEEDuser, BuildingGreen, LLC Aug 05 2010
I would add to Allison's points that while these copiers might not technically be "high-volume," those copiers sound like they'll be operating pretty much nonstop, generating ozone and particulate air contaminants. I would consider implementing the credit requirements to meet the credit intent.
Sara LeMone replied LEED AP, LDC, LLC Aug 05 2010
That was worst case scenario. Got a definitive answer from the owner today and they estimate an average of 1 page per employee a day... So just 8,000 per room a month. With that, is it safe to say if we comply with all requirements except the exhaust we will be safe?
Tristan Roberts replied Editor – LEEDuser, BuildingGreen, LLC Aug 06 2010
I would say so, yes.
July 2010 Addendum applies MERV 13 filtration to OA stream only?
If I read the the addendum correctly, instead of MERVMinimum efficiency reporting value. 13 filtration on both return and outside air streams, the requirement is now only for outside air. Does anyone else agree?
If you look at the Tracked Changes version (http://www.usgbc.org/ShowFile.aspx?DocumentID=7283), page 82 of 93, it seems pretty clear the requirement is only on outside air, with the requirement for return air struck out.
Allison Beer McKenzie replied Architect/Director of Sustainability, SHP Leading Design Aug 12 2010
That's how I read the new language as well, but I am having trouble believing they actually meant to remove the requirement for MERVMinimum efficiency reporting value. 13 on air returns. Tristan- do you have any insight into this?
Tristan Roberts replied Editor – LEEDuser, BuildingGreen, LLC Aug 20 2010
I don't have any special insight, but I am asking around. Based on my overall sense of things, though, I would assume that how it is written is how it is intended.
Tristan Roberts replied Editor – LEEDuser, BuildingGreen, LLC Aug 25 2010
I got the following note from USGBC, confirming how you guys were reading the new language:
"The addenda was intended to clarify the systems requiring filtration and the credit is now as issued in the July update."
Kim Shinn replied Principal, TLC Engineering for Architecture Aug 25 2010
That's going to make this credit much easier to achieve, especially on systems that have a lot of small air handling units, like room fan coils or the gaining-in-popularity variable volume refrigerant systems.
Follow-up: is there a possibility of applying this to version 2.2 projects?
Tristan Roberts replied Editor – LEEDuser, BuildingGreen, LLC Aug 29 2010
I think you could either ask for a 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 on it, or submit as an alternative compliance path, and hope for the best. But I am not expecting to see the credit language changed at this point.
John McFarland replied Director of Operations, WorkingBuildings, LLC Sep 01 2010
Your interpretation is correct. The credit language was amended such that MERVMinimum efficiency reporting value.-13 filtration is required on the outdoor air only. Of course, the filters can be placed in the mixed air path (return air + outdoor air), but they can also be placed in only the outdoor air path prior to its introduction into the occupied space.
Hazardous Chemicals and Gases
Is there a list or guidance on what is considered hazardous chemicals and gases?
Is the a volumn threshold for each type?
Examples:
Doctor's office sterilization room?
Doctor's office Lab, blood samples and urin tests, typically these would be sealed and incase of a 'spill' there are medical biohazard guidelines for clean up.
Allison Beer McKenzie replied Architect/Director of Sustainability, SHP Leading Design Sep 02 2010
Robert- I am not aware of any specific list. The EPA does keep lists of what they consider toxic or potentially toxic materials, but I don't think these would be particularly helpful as guidance for this credit. I think this is a case of just using your best judgment on what would need separate exhaust, etc. just as you have done above. I would say that a sterilization room would need to be separated while a lab may not need to be based on your description.
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