Best Practices

A no-smoking policy for construction workers is not required for this prerequisite, but is a good practice, especially after the

If pursuing a blower door test, ask a blower-door or air-barrier expert to review construction documents and shop drawings prior to the actual testing to ensure that problem areas, including deck to deck partitions, are likely to be sealed according to specifications.

Periodic IAQ testing during occupancy is not required, but can be used to help ensure a healthy indoor environment. If pursuing LEED-

The strategies required by EQc5: Indoor Chemical Pollutant Source Control are intended to help buildings minimize sources of indoor air contamination during continued building operation. Pursuing EQc5 can help enhance the effects of building flushout or testing. 

Extra attention must be paid to ensure strict adherence to the requirements for low-emitting materials (EQc4) and the successful implementation of a construction

For projects with multiple independent HVAC systems, portions of the building can be flushed out separately, as they are completed, as long as no additional construction work occurs in an area where a flush-out has begun.

If planning to pursue Option 2, also plan to pursue EQc3.1 and all of the EQc4: Low-Emitting Materials credits to ensure the best chances of passing the IAQ testing on the first try. 

ASHRAE’s exterior lighting density table (table 9.4.5) lists exterior spaces under two categories.

Interior lighting cannot spill out of the windows after business hours. Window coverings or automatic controls like timers, occupancy sensors, or master switches have to shut off all non-emergency indoor lights during that time. 

All occupied spaces in naturally ventilated buildings require the installation of at least one CO₂ sensor. The number of CO₂ sensors depends on the project’s design and should be calculated by the mechanical engineer. Projects can use one CO₂ sensor for multiple spaces only if the project is ventilated by an approved “engineered natural ventilation system” according to ASHRAE 62.1-2004 requirements and if it does not require occupant intervention.