NC-2009 IEQc5: Indoor Chemical and Pollutant Source Control 1 point

We are meeting the IEQp1: Minimum Indoor Air Quality Performance with Option 2, CEN standards EN 15251:2007 and EN 13779:2007. The CEN standards provide minimum outdoor air requirements for most spaces but refer to local codes for certain specialty spaces such as parking garages. To meet the intent of the prerequisite, we propose using our local code requirements for garages, which is Teil 5 Garagen (“Section 5 – Parking Garages”) of the Verordnung über Bau und Betrieb von Sonderbauten - Nordrhein-Westfalen (“Local Law of North Rhine-Westphalia for the Construction and Operation of Specialty Buildings”), dated 17 November 2009 (SBauVO). To meet this local code, our design will use demand control ventilation with carbon monoxide (CO) detectors to limit the CO concentration. Is this approach acceptable?

Carpet tile is not currently considered an acceptable entryway system. One reason carpet tile is not accepted is because it cannot be cleaned underneath and therefore does not meet the performance of mechanical systems (such as grates/grilles), or roll-out mats. Carpet tile is a highly desired material for walk off areas due to its ease of maintenance as compared to mechanical systems, avoidance of trip hazards associated with roll-out mats, and numerous other factors. The ability to clean underneath carpet tile is not necessary. Carpet tile creates a sealed floor where dirt and moisture do not penetrate the seams. Though not specifically required by the rating system, the reference guide provides suggestions for optimal performance attributes for entryway systems. The carpet tile product we are suggesting meets the performance-related attributes as follows:
Capture particles & prevent interior contamination- the carpet tile product is specifically designed to withstand heavy traffic at entranceways. Captures and hides soil, requires minimal maintenance and helps prevent slips and falls. Extend 10 feet: the carpet tile will extend 15' into the interior from the exterior entrance and 40' in left-right directions along the building lobby. Solid backings & appropriate for climate- the carpet tile backing is stable even under extreme changes in temperature and humidity. It will not move, create gaps, or curl up over time. High-void-volume & high fiber height- the carpet tile is produced with needlepunch hair-like face fibers with pile height of 0.165 in. Electrostatic propensity- the electrostatic propensity level is less than 2.5 kV. Weekly cleaning - the walk-off system will be maintained by the in-house school maintenance staff. The tiles are vacuumed daily and spot cleaned with appropriate environmentally-preferable cleaning products as needed. If an individual tile is deemed to be damaged beyond repair, it is simply removed and immediately replaced with a new identical tile.

How can we demonstrate that carpet tile is an equally performing or better solution for entryway systems?

In our first floor computer server areas, we will have some workbenches where equipment is tested and repaired. Occasionally workers have to fix a connection with a soldering iron. Typically, these soldering irons have been located at each workbench for occasional and very short use. It is an industry standard practice to allow the soldering to occur at work benches for convenience and efficiency (rather than to require it be done in an enclosed room). The company\'s EHS leaders are not concerned about soldering smoke inhalation because it is very brief. Moreover, these server areas are provided with ample air changes well above even the LEED EQ 2 Increased Ventilation credit (this is needed just to keep the servers cool). However, these air changes probably don\'t provide the amount of pressure required for this credit (EQ 5). How does EQ 5 Indoor Chemical & Pollutant Source Control apply to this situation? We propose several options for addressing this, in order of difficulty for our client: 1. Do nothing. The soldering is very limited (typically just a few seconds and very infrequent), and comparable to the amount of fumes produced by typical desktop office equipment such as desktop printers (which are also exempt from the exhaust requirement). 2. Provide portable fume hoods to employees for soldering use. 3. Provide carbon filters in the air return to make sure even the small amount of fumes are cleaned from the air before it goes through a cycle. 4. Provide the soldering irons at each workbench for short use, but also provide an enclosed/exhausted room for workers to use when performing more intensive soldering activities longer than a few seconds. (This would be a large expense where square-footage is at a premium.) 5. Restrict all soldering to an enclosed/exhausted room. Please let us know which option(s) would allow us to maintain the LEED credit.