In climates where either heating or cooling predominate, or in very humid climates, meeting ASHRAE-55 year-round might require additional system components. For example, spaces that may not otherwise be cooled—like gymnasiums—may need dehumidification or cooling systems to meet the ASHRAE-55 comfort criteria year-round.
This credit is generally a low- or no-cost credit. When it does add significant costs, that’s usually because it wasn’t considered early enough, so more equipment has to be added to provide, for example, additional dehumidification. An added cost like that could be prevented by designing the right system early in the schematic design.
If operational expenses have not been tracked effectively over time, documenting the building’s historical data may be costly because of the amount of staff time required to capture this information. If your building uses an effective accounting management system, however, the cost of documenting this credit will be lower.
Depending on the extent of the mold found, remediation techniques can be expensive. Preventive strategies of the ongoing IAQ management plan will reduce the likelihood of going to extreme measures to remove mold.
Designing and operating a building to minimize mold exposure has the potential to reduce student and teacher absentee rates due to mold-related illnesses.
Writing good housekeeping into your plan helps to prevent the growth and spread of mold. Following the IAQ management plan can prevent additional costs due to moisture issues such as replacing materials due to moisture damage.
Locating in a building that uses water efficiently may lead to lower water utility costs overall, which can translate into lower costs for tenants, too.
