Best Practices

It is usually a good idea to do a “mini air flush” (if your project is not attempting EQc3.2) before occupancy to help remove any lingering VOCs from the construction process. This can be as simple as putting industrial sized fans in the window and pumping in fresh air overnight or running the HVAC exhaust on high for a few days. (See EQc3.2: Construction Indoor Air Quality Plan—Before Occupancy if the team wants to do a full flush-out for an additional LEED point.)

Streamline documentation and research by keeping a master spreadsheet of all the items being tracked for each material across MR and EQ credits. For example, you may need to ask the millworker for regional information for MRc5, certified

Have the commissioning agent review the OPR and

Provide occupant controls for each individual space and avoid trying to normalize conditions in large areas or zones of a building. Separate controls will make it easier to achieve the credit in all spaces and improve occupant comfort while reducing unneeded energy use. For example, if there are ten adjacent offices, provide controls for each office separately. This strategy can also help you earn EQc6.2: Controllability of Systems—Thermal Comfort.

Consider pursuing EQc7.2: Thermal Comfort—Verification in combination with this credit. EQc7.2 requires an occupant comfort survey after occupancy. 

Although not required for credit compliance, developing a plan to monitor the performance of lighting control systems is recommended. This may include occupant survey feedback (EQc7.2), ongoing monitoring (EAc5), and a schedule for regular testing of components. 

Target more approaches than needed, with the expectation that some may be eliminated during design and construction. Submit your four best approaches, but have at least one or two backup strategies in case any are denied during the design submittal review.

Attempt as many Exemplary Performance credits as possible.

Continue running ventilation rate calculations during the mechanical design process to confirm compliance with this credit and to inform the design. The ventilation rate procedure is explained in section 6 of ASHRAE 62.1-2004. See the 62MZ calculator.

Streamline documentation and research by taking data gathered from subcontractors via the Environmental Materials Reporting Form and transfer it into a master spreadsheet for all the items being tracked for each product across MR and IEQ credits. For example, you may need to ask the millworker for rapidly renewable information for MRc6, certified