I just completed an IAQ assessment for credit 3.2. Unfortunately, the building failed with excessive levels of particles and VOCs. The owner accepted occupancy two days after the site visit and 5 days before I even got the results back from the lab. I basically came in on the 2nd to last day of the project – I know bad idea, not my call.
Is it now too late to pursue this credit or can we still conduct a building flush-out and test post occupancy and apply for the credit assuming that the building passes the second time around?
Thanks,
- Bob
Tristan Roberts
RepresentativeVermont House of Representatives
LEEDuser Expert
11477 thumbs up
June 12, 2012 - 4:52 pm
Bob, curious if anyone else has experience here, but I would assume you can't earn the credit, based on the clear requirement that the flush-out be conducted pre-occupancy (in order to protect occupants from contaminants).Although it may not qualify you for the credit, it sounds like a flush-out may be a good idea, though.
Robert Mulcahy
Building ScientistPure Air Control Services
16 thumbs up
June 12, 2012 - 5:02 pm
Tristan, thanks for the quick reply. I agree that the verbiage is very clear about “pre-occupancy”, but re-testing is not realistic if we have to postpone occupancy. CM’s and building owners are not going to wait for initial lab results, report, re-test, and report once again when they are staring at a brand new building that otherwise appears to be move-in ready.
What if the flush-out takes place during off hours and re-test occurs during normal occupied hours?
Dylan Connelly
Mechanical EngineerIntegral Group
LEEDuser Expert
472 thumbs up
June 12, 2012 - 5:30 pm
I may have commented on this before. Tristan is correct. Testing and retesting must occur before occupancy. If you are pursuing the testing method you are risking the credit if you don't budget time for retesting.
In the LEED reference guide it says: "If a test sample exceeds the maximum concentration level, flush out the space by increasing the rate of outside air. While the credit requirements do not prescribe the duration of the flush-out, those responsible for testing should make an evaluation based on the contaminate, its concentration, and the potential source... Resample and confirm compliance BEFORE allowing occupancy."
Robert Mulcahy
Building ScientistPure Air Control Services
16 thumbs up
June 12, 2012 - 5:33 pm
Yea, I'm on the same page as you guys. I'm just getting ready for the GC and owner to freak out. Don't shoot the messenger, right?
Tristan Roberts
RepresentativeVermont House of Representatives
LEEDuser Expert
11477 thumbs up
June 13, 2012 - 8:09 am
Robert, good luck! I think the main point is that occupants are currently or will be exposed to contaminants, and nothing you can do now can prevent that. There is a alternative for an accelerated flush-out during occupancy, but it seems even too late for that.
Maura Adams
Environmental Stewardship Manager177 thumbs up
July 3, 2012 - 2:29 pm
Just to confirm, we had a re-test six days after occupancy and the credit was rejected upon preliminary review. Technical advice reads "this credit requires that the testing is COMPLETE AND COMPLIANT [my caps] prior to occupancy. Please confirm the date of occupancy and the dates of the testing process." I don't see any way out of this one.