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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 6 feet long at all regularly used, entryways that are directly connected to the outdoors including, exterior-to-interior entrances and entrances from covered parking garages. (Roll-out mats are acceptable only if maintained on a weekly basis.)
- Designated exhaust of all hazardous gas and chemical use areas—including garages, housekeeping, janitors’ closets, laundry areas, science labs, art rooms, workshops, copy and printing rooms, and prep rooms.
- An exhaust rate of 0.5 CFM/SF, with no air recirculation, in hazardous gas and chemical use areas.
- Self-closing doors on all spaces outlined above.
- Deck-to-deck partitions or hard-lid ceilings on all spaces outlined above.
- MERV 13 filtration for all return and outside air intakes in mechanically ventilated spaces that are regularly occupied.
Keep dirt out!
In addition to tobacco smoke, covered in EQp2, one of the greatest sources of indoor pollutants is the dirt and other contaminants brought into buildings on people’s shoes. This material is tracked through the building interior, increasing the need and frequency for cleaning, and the wear on interior finishes. Dust can also be introduced into ventilation systems and distributed throughout a building, negatively effecting indoor air quality.
Fairly straightforward, but some pitfalls
While it takes a lot of coordination to meet the many credit requirements, this is generally a low-cost credit. The most significant impact may come if MERV 13-compatible air-handling equipment is not initially specified, as redesigning mechanical systems can be costly. MERV 13 filtration results in an energy-use trade-off. While MERV 13 filters offer a greater level of air filtration and, consequently, increased indoor air quality, they also increase resistance to airflow and fan energy loads. If you can separate space conditioning from ventilation and use radiant systems for all or most of the space conditioning, you can minimize this energy penalty.
Multifamily and hotel
Multifamily residential and hotel projects may have difficulty achieving this credit due to the MERV 13 filtration requirement. These projects often do not have base-building HVAC systems; they use PTACs instead, which generally cannot be fitted with MERV 13 filters. If a project has forced air systems and MERV-13 filtration is not used, then you cannot pursue or achieve this credit. Naturally ventilated buildings do not have to meet the MERV 13 filtration requirement, as air filtration will not be part of system design.
Legend
- Best Practices
- Gotcha
- Action Steps
- Cost Tip
USGBC
Excerpted from LEED for New Construction and Major Renovations Version 2.2
EQ Credit 5: Indoor chemical and pollutant source control
1 Point
Intent
Minimize exposure of building occupants to potentially hazardous particulates and chemical pollutants.
Requirements
Design to minimize and control pollutant entry into buildings and later cross-contamination of regularly occupied areas:
- Employ permanent entryway systems at least six feet long in the primary direction of travel to capture dirt and particulates from entering the building at entryways that are directly connected to the outdoors and that serve as regular entry points for building users. Acceptable entryway systems include permanently installed grates, grilles, or slotted systems that allow for cleaning underneath. Roll-out mats are only acceptable when maintained on a weekly basis by a contracted service organization.
- Where hazardous gases or chemicals may be present or used (including garages, housekeeping/laundry areas and copying/printing rooms), exhaust each space sufficiently to create negative pressure with respect to adjacent spaces with the doors to the room closed. For each of these spaces, provide self-closing doors and deck to deck partitions or a hard lid ceiling. The exhaust rate shall be at least 0.50 cfm/sq.ft., with no air recirculation. The pressure differential with the surrounding spaces shall be at least 5 Pa (0.02 inches of water gauge) on average and 1 Pa (0.004 inches of water) at a minimum when the doors to the rooms are closed.
- In mechanically ventilated buildings, provide regularly occupied areas of the building with air filtration media prior to occupancy that provides a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERVMinimum efficiency reporting value.) of 13 or better. Filtration should be applied to process both return and outside air that is to be delivered as supply air.
Potential Technologies & Strategies
Design facility cleaning and maintenance areas with isolated exhaust systems for contaminants. Maintain physical isolation from the rest of the regularly occupied areas of the building. Install permanent architectural entryway systems such as grills or grates to prevent occupant-borne contaminants from entering the building. Install high- level filtration systems in air handling units processing both return air and outside supply air. Ensure that air handling units can accommodate required filter sizes and pressure drops.
Web Tools
Janitorial Products Pollution Prevention Project
The Janitorial Products Pollution Prevention Project is a governmental and nonprofit project that provides fact sheets, tools, and links.
Design Tools for Schools - U.S. EPA
According to the website, 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. Design Tools for Schools “provides both detailed guidance as well as links to other information resources to help design new schools as well as repair, renovate, and maintain existing facilities. Though its primary focus is on indoor air quality, it is also intended to encourage school districts to embrace the concept of designing High Performance Schools, an integrated, whole building approach to addressing a myriad of important—and sometimes competing—priorities, such as energy efficiency, indoor air quality, daylighting, materials efficiency, and safety, and doing so in the context of tight budgets and limited staff."
Publications
Keeping Pollutants Out: Entryway Design for Green Buildings
Environmental Building News feature article describing the benefits and design choices for entryway walk-off systems.
Air Filtration in Buildings
Environmental Building News feature article explaining the various types of air filters, how their performance is measured, and ways to optimize their effectiveness.
Air Filtration Can Make Breathing Easier
Facilitiesnet article covering the basics of air filtration, drawbacks and benefits, standard practices and basic concepts.
Air Filter, Inc. Table
Table of filtration efficiencies and their subsequent filtration properties and common applications. Good background on MERVMinimum efficiency reporting value. 13 filtration.
Technical Guides
IEQ Space Matrix
This spreadsheet categories dozens of specific space types according to how they should be applied under various IEQ credits. This document is essential if you have questions about how various unique space types should be treated.
Entryway Systems
A floor plan like this project example is required to document the presence of entryway track-off systems, length and location.
Design Submittal
Documentation for this credit can be part of a Design Phase submittal.
LEEDuser is produced by BuildingGreen, Inc., with YR&G authoring most of the original content. LEEDuser enjoys ongoing collaboration with USGBC.
75 Comments
Garage Ventilation
We are working on a base building core and shell project and a weird question has come up that we have not heard before.
NC 2.2 LEED ----EQ Credit 5 – Indoor contaminant and pollutant source control
The question is that the garage ventilation system must be designed to pull a negative ---- as you know even if the exhaust is higher than the supply, this is very difficult to achieve in such a large open volume not to mention that the fans are isolated to areas and the garage is largely open. Our LEED PM is saying that the garage door is supposed to be closed.
Anyway have you ever hear of this and is there a source/example you might have of an example to demonstrate compliance?
Would it be possible to instead design adjacent spaces to have a positive pressure with respect to the garage, assuming the garage door is closed? (Just an idea - I'm not a mechanical engineer.)
Walk-off Mats at an ambulatory drop off area
Hi LEEDusers,
I am working on a hospital project. We have one entrance area that will only be entered by EMT staff carrying a gurney with an urgent care patient. The rest of our project has roll out mats but a roll out mat would potentially be a safety risk for the gurneys. Also - a recessed mat could be negatively affect the wheeling of the gurney.
I am not using LEED for Healthcare. Instead we are using LEED-NC v 2.2 in this case. Has anyone seen any relevant CIRs on this topic?
Thanks!
LEED InterpretationLEED Interpretations are official answers to technical inquiries about implementing LEED on a project. They help people understand how their projects can meet LEED requirements and provide clarity on existing options. LEED Interpretations are to be used by any project certifying under an applicable rating system. All project teams are required to adhere to all LEED Interpretations posted before their registration date. This also applies to other addenda. Adherence to rulings posted after a project registers is optional, but strongly encouraged. LEED Interpretations are published in a searchable database at usgbc.org. Ruling ID#10252 allows for the use of carpet tile designed for walk off areas. That eliminates the trip hazards with roll out mats and the issues with recessed grates.
LI 2546 may also be a good one to review and deals with the Materials Management entry. Depending on the project that door may be used more often than an ambulance entry. Consider installing the carpet tile through out the ambulance 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. and not just for the width of the doors. It will handle the dirt and water better and provides a consistent surface. You may also want to consider a longer vestibule so that the exterior doors shut before the interior doors which will help with the diesel exhaust.
Hi Lauren, I just went through this exact issue on a hospital v2.2 project, and the reviewer specifically cited LI 2529. #10252 is dated later than #2528 but 10252 is for Schools and 2529 is for v2.2 -- the issue is the same, though; I wish they were a little more consistent. The 2529 requirements are a minor hassle, but they are logical and are something that a hospital should easily be able to provide you.
LI2529
3/10/2009
For NCv2.2
A copy of the Environmental Services Plan indicating that the walk-off carpet tiles will be vacuumed on a daily basis, will be thoroughly cleaned on a weekly basis, and highly trafficked tiles will be replaced on an annual basis. A signed acknowledgment from maintenance staff that they have read, understand, and will comply with the Environmental Services Plan. Compliance with the Environmental Services Plan will be included in job descriptions for maintenance staff for no less than two years. A signed letter from the Owner stating their commitment to the Environmental Services Plan for no less than two years.
On the Applicability tab for LEED InterpretationLEED Interpretations are official answers to technical inquiries about implementing LEED on a project. They help people understand how their projects can meet LEED requirements and provide clarity on existing options. LEED Interpretations are to be used by any project certifying under an applicable rating system. All project teams are required to adhere to all LEED Interpretations posted before their registration date. This also applies to other addenda. Adherence to rulings posted after a project registers is optional, but strongly encouraged. LEED Interpretations are published in a searchable database at usgbc.org. #10252, it does have a check mark next to NC v2.2, so it's worth referencing 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.
Thanks Melissa, Mara, and Susan.
Entry Matt Cleaning Requirements
My project has 6' permanent recessed entry matts at the entrances that will be maintaned by their in-house janitorial crew. The credit states that matts are only acceptable when maintained on a weekly basis by a CONTRACTED service organization. How is contracted defined?
Mary, there is not a specific definition for the term contracted, that I am aware of. However, an in-house service definitely seems sufficient.
Carpet tile approved as walk-off mat
Carpet tile is now an acceptable entryway system per LEED InterpretationLEED Interpretations are official answers to technical inquiries about implementing LEED on a project. They help people understand how their projects can meet LEED requirements and provide clarity on existing options. LEED Interpretations are to be used by any project certifying under an applicable rating system. All project teams are required to adhere to all LEED Interpretations posted before their registration date. This also applies to other addenda. Adherence to rulings posted after a project registers is optional, but strongly encouraged. LEED Interpretations are published in a searchable database at usgbc.org. Ruling ID#10252 https://www.usgbc.org/leedinterpretations/LISearch.aspx?liaccessid=10252
Carpet tile is a highly desired walk-off mat due to its ease of maintenance as compared to mechanical systems, avoidance of trip hazards associated with roll-out mats, and many other factors. Carpet tile captures and hides soil, requires minimal maintenance and helps prevent slips and falls. The solid backing prevents soil and moisture from penetrating the tile and seams. Carpet tiles allow for easy replacement of damaged tiles.
The carpet tile must be specifically designed for entryway systems, conventional carpet is not acceptable.
LI 2529 is the carpet tile 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 that relates to v2.2. Its documentation requirements are a bit more stringent than 10252 (Schools).
Janitor's closets - exhaust system
If the project has a green cleaningGreen cleaning is the use of cleaning products and practices that have lower environmental impacts and more positive indoor air quality impacts than conventional products and practices. program in place is it true the janitor's closet housing the green cleaning products does not need a dedicated 24 hour exhaust system? Would exhaust system running when building is occupied be acceptable?
Stephen,
I have not heard of that exemption and would venture that it is not valid. While "green cleaningGreen cleaning is the use of cleaning products and practices that have lower environmental impacts and more positive indoor air quality impacts than conventional products and practices." uses better practices, the process often still involves powerful cleaning agents and mixing chemicals. The credit language reads: "Where hazardous gases or chemicals MAY be present or used." Unless you can point to a specific 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, I wouldn't chance it.
There is no specific language in the credit with regards to exhaust fan run time. However, it does state that spaces will maintain a minimum 1 Pa pressure differential with surrounding spaces. In the past, LEED reviewers have not gone as far as to read through our sequence of operations regarding exhaust fans run times.
For certain spaces running the systems during occupied hours may be appropriate. I would caution that running the janitor's only during occupied hours would not be appropriate because maintenance staff are often working after occupied hours.
Walk-off mats
This question concerns a project using a Schools v2.2 rating, however there is not a page for that therefore I am posting here.
We are proposing to achieve the walk-off mat portion of this credit by providing a combination of exterior (under cover) mats and interior mats to total to 6' in the direction of travel. Has anyone had any experience/problems in using a combination of interior and exterior mats to comply with this credit?
thanks!
Esmerelda, a combined interior/exterior mat has been allowed on other projects when the exterior part is protected from the weather.
Exterior walk-off mats
We have a project where an exterior recessed walk-off mat will be used and wondering if they could piped and drained in lieu of covering them?
Alberto, an exterior mat that is not covered is not explicitly addressed anywhere by LEED, to my knowledge. You'd have to make the case that it should be accepted, either in your credit narrative or in 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.
MERV 13 filters - Required in heat pump filters
I am working on a barracks project utilizing DOAU's. The contractor has provided MERVMinimum efficiency reporting value. 13 filters at the Outdoor Air Intake only. Aren't the MERV 13 filters required for all filtration media serving regularly occupied areas? Does this requirement include heat pumpA type of heating and/or cooling equipment that draws heat into a building from outside and, during the cooling season, ejects heat from the building to the outside. Heat pumps are vapor-compression refrigeration systems whose indoor/outdoor coils are used reversibly as condensers or evaporators, depending on the need for heating or cooling. In the 2003 CBECS, specific information was collected on whether the heat pump system was a packaged unit, residential-type split system, or individual room heat pump, and whether the heat pump was air source, ground source, or water source. filters, supply filters and return air locations?
Numerous 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 responses and LEED Interpretations previously denied the credit where fan coil units recirculating room air for supplemental cooling in high load spaces were equipped with MERVMinimum efficiency reporting value. 8 filters and where the ventilation air was supplied directly to the space by central systems with MERV 13 filters. Language added to these responses now indicates that revised credit language for LEED 2009 removes the requirement to provide MERV 13 filters on return air. MERV 13 filtration is only required on outdoor air. Check out CIR #1795 and many others on this credit. The added language states that the requirement to filter return air has been eliminated for all versions of LEED. Is there any reason to expect a credit application under v2.2 with fan coil units only recirculating room air and equipped with MERV 8 filters will be denied?
James, it probably would be denied, since v2009 and v2.2 are separate rating systems, and there are many differences like this. You could always try, though!
LEED NC v2.2 EQc5 Indoor Chemicals
If all indoor chemicals used for green housekeeping have met a Green Seal standard (GS-37, 40, 41) and the equipment used in the program has met the standards outlined in GS-42 do the janitorial closets where cleaning supplies and equipment are kept require self-closng doors?
Yes, I think that they would.
EQc5 Inddor Chemical & Pollutant Source Control
Our College Campus project will include the 6 ft. walk off mats required but the College maintenance staff will be responsible for the weekly cleaning of same. Is this acceptable or must an outside maintenance agency be contracted for this work?
Stephen,
It's fine for your own staff to do the maintenance for the walk-off mats. I would recommend that you submit a cleaning schedule and narrative that confirms your in-house program for the mat maintenance and cleaning.
Walk off mats
Our NCv2.2 project has 6ft. walk off mats. I believe this has been changed to 10ft in v3, but it is still 6ft. in v2.2, correct?
Correct, v2.2 still uses the 6'-0" long mat length.
Must walk off matts be covered-LEED 5585 Interpretation?
Our client received their LEED review comments back and have asked us to tell them what LEED 5585 Interpretation is. Seems the reviewer included it in their comments as the explanation for the project's non compliance with this credit. The project is in Southern California. We don't have snow and very little rain. The project has all the components required including the 6' walk off matt just outside the building but the matt is not covered. What are LEED Interpretations? How do I find them? I know addendas change the rating system but what about interpretations? Thank you.
Blair, sorry for the slow reply here on the forum—I hadn't seen these posts. Here is a link to an explanation of what LEED Interpretations are and where to find them.
There have been a lot of posts on our forums about exterior mats and whether they are allowed, and should be covered. The consensus has been yes allowed but must be covered. Perhaps you could convince a reviewer that due to climate that's not necessary where you are. But are there trees, wind, or other things that could clog up a mat and reduce its effectiveness?
Defining "hazardous"
Have there been any concrete clarifications of what LEED deems "hazardous"? Would a oil fuel tank room apply? It is neither chemical nor gas. What about carbon dioxide storage? These are closed systems with no mixing or exposure.
Is there a reference code standard?
Caluclate Pressure Drop across door opening
Does anyone know of a simple calulator to document the differential pressure between two spaces?
I am using the ASHRAE formula:
Q = 2610 * A * dP^.5
Q is differential air flow (supply/exhaust, units of cfm)
A is net open area in ft2
dP is pressure difference across boundary, in inches w.c.
I have 90 cfm across a 21 SF doorway, but I dont think its enough to get 0.02 in. wg. Any input?
David, the equation you are using is correct. However, doesn't make much sense unless the door is shut. LEED requires for this credit that you provide a self closing door anyway.
Also, the ASHRAE equation above is for Pressure in "Inches of water." The equation for pressure in PA would be:
Q=165.5*A*√∆P
Example:
3 foot wide closed door with a 0.5" undercut
A=0.125 ft
∆P=5 for LEED
Solve for Q (Air Flow in CFM)
Q=165.5*0.125*√5 = 46.3 CFM
In order to ensure this room has an average negative 5 PA differential pressure to an adjacent space you need to have roughly 50 CFM exhaust (Exhaust CFM - Supply CFM). Area of the room is irrelevant for the equation but not for LEED and usually local building code. You maybe also need to ensure that you have at least 0.5 CFM/SF exhaust.
This explanation is helpful. Question - if the door is a fire-rated door, thus does not have any open area, would the equation result in 0? Is 0 an acceptable input on the LEED template?
Good question.
If your door opening is zero and you are pulling air out of the space you will build up plenty of pressure difference, enough to meet LEED.
The equation going to 0 means you need very little air to achieve a very high ∆P.
Filter replacement
I understand that MERV8 filters can be used during the flush (LEED CANADA NC 1.0 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#643), and that they are to be replaced with MERV13 prior to occupancy to achieve EQc5.
I would like to confirm that if MERV13s are used during the flush and if 100% outdoor air is used only, those filters do not need to be replaced and EQc5 can be achieved.
I hunted through the CIRs and LEED Interpretations but the US and Canada CIRs seem to conflict sometimes.
Thank you!
Depending upon the condition following the flush-out, some or all of the filters (regardless of MERVMinimum efficiency reporting value. rating) may be ready for replacement, but this is not a condition for satisfying the credit requirement.
Hi David, thank you for your reply, but now I'm more confused.
LEED Canada NC 1.0 Addenda EQc5, the last requirement is to install new MERVMinimum efficiency reporting value. 13 filters prior to occupancy (and this is also an item on the letter template), and one of the audit submittals is a schedule of all filtration media installed prior to occupancy and the approved shop drawings for each.
I finally found the US 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 I was looking for (#5679) but see that a) it conflicts with Canada CIR#643 for MERV rating used for the flush and b) I am not sure if it is being accepted by the CaGBC for LEED Canada projects.
So much conflicting information out there, maybe it's time for a CIR request :)
Thank you very much for your help,
Shevaun
I have not worked on a LEED project in Canada; but would recommend following the guidance of the CIRs of the Canada version when working on LEED projects in Canada.
If your project includes a small number of filters I'd suggest changing them after flushout and before occupancy rather spend the time and $$$'s on the CIR process - this path would eliminate a response from the LEED project reveiw team.
If you choose not to replace the filters after the flushout and prior to occupancy include a narrative that explains how you inspected the filters to ensure they are still clean after the flushout - documenting this with pictures also helps greatly.
Good Luck!
Okay, thank you very much. I may submit this on a larger project where it will save a substantial sum, but for this one I'll recommend changing them out.
Thanks for your recommendations!
entryway trackoff systems - vehicular
We are working on a LEED industrial (steel pipe manufacturing) project in Mexico.
We are considering to install permanent entryway walk-off systems in all peatonal entryways, BUT, we have some naves that require vehicular access to load material. Do we have to install walk-off systems in the nave vehicular access? or it just apply to peatonal entryways?
The credit only requires walk-off mats where people enter the building from an exterior or garage or vehicular condition.
LEED 2.2, MERV 13 filters
Requirements for MERVMinimum efficiency reporting value. 13 filtration is directed to "mechanically ventilated" buildings. We have a small (1,600 SF) visitor's center building with operable windows. Additionally, there is traffic in and out of the building whenever it is open to the public, providing plenty of "fresh air" whenever a visitor arrives or departs. I am making the assumption that MERV 13 filters are not required in this case and am simply seeking confirmation or an admonishment that I've missed something.
Peter, that's correct.
Walkoff mat?--in reference to LEED NC 3
Has anyone had any luck with specifying a walkoff carpet tile, in lieu of a recessed walkoff grate system?? If so, could you please let me know which carpet tile manufacturer you specified?
Michelle- we routinely use walk-off carpet tiles instead of walk off mats and have not yet had any trouble getting the credit, although I know that the credit language around this issue is non existant. You will need to make sure you have a regular maintenance contract in place (or internal plan for LEED for Schools). We have used many different products, but Shaw is the manufacturer we seem to use most.
Are the carpet tiles you use for walk off mats glued down? We are looking at using Shaw carpet tiles also but I didn't know if it matter if they were glued or if it needed to mimic a walk off mat in terms of removability?
Christi, they could be glued down as long as they can be effectively cleaned.
I've seen a few instances of carpet tile being rejected or a request for further clarification (LEED NC 2009 and LEED EB v2.0). One review comment said " typical building carpeting does not satisfy the requirements, as it is not designed to effectively capture dirt, dust, pollen, and other particles entering the building.”
InterfaceFLOR offers carpet tile that is specifically designed for walk off areas, using special scrubber nylon fibers (and it meets CRIColor-rendering index, or CRI, is a scale of 0 to 100, used by manufacturers of fluorescent, metal halide, and other non-incandescent lighting equipment to describe the visual effect of the light on colored surfaces. Natural daylight is assigned a CRI of 100. Green Label Plus).
A narrative describing the product hasn't seemed to help. Has anyone else had carpet tile rejected as a walk off mat? Any successful strategies to convince the reviewers?
Application of MERV 13 filters to Return Air
A recent addenda to v2009 removed the requirement to have MERVMinimum efficiency reporting value. 13 filters on return air. Has anyone asked if this could be applied to a v2.2 project?
Has anyone tried this yet?
I have not heard of anyone trying this specifically, but this type of strategy, applying a 2009 ruling to a v2.2 project has not been successful in the past. The response was that the project would need to be upgraded to the new rating system to take advantage of the new ruling.
We have had experience submitting using the new definition about return air on a NCv2.2 project, and were able to get a successful ruling. But I agree with Allison- this is not a slam dunk becasue frequently reviewers are not willing or able to review "cross-platform (their words, not mine).
Please note that return air must still be filtered - but it no longer needs to be filtered at the space level - it can be filtered back 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.. This means you can do active chilled beams, fan coil units and fan powered boxes that work effectively, while filtering the air back at the AHU.
To be sure: a fan coil unit at space level does not need to be equipped with MERV13 filters?
That is correct, under v2009. Jonathan is indicating that he has gotten this accepted on a v2.2 project, which is good. We also have one being submitted under v2.2, so we will see if our reviewer can be convinced.
Return air should still be filtered (MERVMinimum efficiency reporting value. 8 or so), no doubt, but small units like heat pumps or fan coils just do not have the ability to create the fan power needed, plus we have reviewed the additional energy, and it would not be worth the minor improvement in IEQ.
I would also agree, that once we have a DOAS, we would have the MERV 13 on both the supply and return, but this is a much smaller volume and energy burden.
hard lid lay-in ceiling?
architect would like to use a gypsum lay-in ceiling in place of a gyp ceiling with an access door.
Is this acceptable?
Lisa- I have not actually tried this strategy, so I am not completely sure, but I would be concerned that a gypsum lay-in ceiling would not be acceptable because they are not air tight which is the purpose of the hard ceiling for this credit. Have you checked CIRs yet?
Thank you for your posts on this. Very helpful.
Permanent Carpeted System - Internal Maint. Narrative
Greetings,
In reviewing previous 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, it is permitted by the USGBC that an internal maintenance staff is able to maintain entryway systems. Is anyone privy to a narrative which would demonstrate the level of detail the USGBC is looking for related to cleaning? Is it simply weekly vaccuming or is more required?
Many thanks!
Eamon Geary
I found this excellent document on LEEDUser under LEED EBOMEBOM is an acronym for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance, one of the LEED 2009 rating sytems.:
http://www.leeduser.com/sites/default/files/credit_docs/EBOM_EQp3__EQc3_1_EQc3_5_GreenCleaningPolicyProgram_Template[1].doc
This template is a guide for formalizing your green cleaningGreen cleaning is the use of cleaning products and practices that have lower environmental impacts and more positive indoor air quality impacts than conventional products and practices. practices into a comprehensive policy covering the requirements of IEQp3, IEQc3.1, and IEQc3.5.
It also is applicable to LEED-NC EQ 5
Glad you found that. Here's the direct link to the LEED-EBOM IEQp3 page on LEEDuser for anyone who's looking for it.
On a semi-related topic, we have been specifying permanently installed metal grates with carpeted tops. We recently got push back from our LEED reviewers that ANY carpeted system must have a cleaning schedule attached.
It appears they are shifting from requiring specific maintenance contracts from only roll-out to ANY carpeted systems, permanent or not.
Interestingly, this is the first time we have recieved this directive from a review team in 10+ projects utilizing this system.
We just had two reviews completed. Each had identical submittals on this issue and each had identical grate systems with carpet inserts installed. One building was accepted with no comment and the other has requested clarification on the cleaning of the carpet inserts. It's April 2012 now so i wouldn't call it a shift but more of a lack of consistency. The one building completed it's construction review with zero clarifications required while the other had four clarifications requested. Three of the four clarification were close to identical submittals. Consistency please USGBC/GBCI!!!!
Hi, if you are having an external company doing the cleaning is it enough to commit to assigning a company who will clean it or should you name them already? At design stage you do not really know this company.
Thanks, Adrienn
Business Machine Room (doesn't generate 40,000 pages per month)
Hi,
I just want to clarify if I need to have a deck-to-deck partition / negative pressure of this room. The copier doesn't generate 40,000 pages but it is a central location for printer/fax station. Please advise.
Thanks!
The EQc5 requirements don't apply to generic central printing rooms, only high-volume copy rooms specifically.
What is considered high volume?
Ted, in LEED-EBOMEBOM is an acronym for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance, one of the LEED 2009 rating sytems. the figure has been 40,000 copies or more per month. As far as I know that has been successfully applied in NC.
Oil Tank Outdoor
Hi All,
I just want to ask if there are LEED concerns about having an oil tank outdoor? Are there some environmental concerns that I need to consider? What I know is that, if it is indoor, I need containment drain (hazardous liquid) for possibility of leaking and have chemical control measures. How about outdoor? Is it going to affect the Site Category or some areas that I need to know of? Please advise. Thank you.
The Oil Tank outdoors does not impact any LEED credit that I am aware of!
I would consult with local environmental codes and the MEP to make sure that you're following best practices in protecting the local environment, but I don't know of any LEED requirement that would impact this issue. The containment drain requirement doesn't apply to LEED-NC v2.2 EQc5, and I think only applies indoors.
high volumn copier
Hi folks. I can't find the definition of a high volumn copier for this credit. Anyone have a good rule of thumb?
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