We have an issue with a General Contractor on a project. There were poor conditions on the job site captured by images found at: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/b7tbywbp90dklky/AAAvDx-S357jbpmcQ8OYfJqPa?dl=0. These conditions included visible mold, moisture damage on drywall, uncovered materials, and a dirty site. When we brought this issue to the attention of the Owner and Contractor, we presented it in the context that they are not meeting the requirements of IEQ 3.1. The General Contractor proceeded to hire an EHS vendor, which developed a report that purports compliance with IEQ 3.1 does not start until after the envelope is up. Our understanding is that the requirement applies to the entire duration of construction (thus "during construction" in the credit name) and that the Contractor is not complying with the requirements for this credit because the materials stored on-site were not protected from moisture damage, and the housekeeping requirements were not being followed.
What do you think?
Francis Chua
AssociateNK Architects
17 thumbs up
July 1, 2015 - 4:19 pm
Nena,
Was an IAQ Management Plan submitted by the Contractor at the beginning of construction? It should have been. And all subcontractors should be following it. It doesn't matter that the envelope is not up yet. The drywall is damaged. Let's pretend IAQ management begins after the envelope is up. Well, guess what, the drywall is still damaged. As it just sits there, it is absorbing toxic elements and as it is not elevated off the floor, it could sit in a pool of water. There are so many things wrong with these pictures you provided. Ducts not protected, mold growing, garbage everywhere. Housekeeping is part of IAQ management. It's means and methods, but drywall should not be installed if it's going to get wet. That is a no-brainer. That drywall that has mold needs to be cut out and replaced. Who knows how much other installed drywall have mold spores on them that are not visible. This contractor should have their payment reqs held until this is resolved. This is all assuming you have IAQ management in your specifications. And even if you don't, to have mold growing is just not acceptable in new construction, LEED project or not.
Dave Hubka
Practice Leader - SustainabilityEUA
LEEDuser Expert
530 thumbs up
July 1, 2015 - 4:27 pm
EQc3.1 applies to the entire duration of construction, not "once envelop is up".
Nelina Loiselle
Above Green239 thumbs up
July 1, 2015 - 4:51 pm
An IAQ Management Plan was given to the Contractor at the pre-construction meeting, and is in the Specifications for the project. The contractor still does not have the building enclosed, and is continuing construction. The latest job site photos show that HVAC Equipment and electrical panels are now installed in the basement, which continues to receive water damage because there's no roof or windows on the building.
Michelle Halle Stern
Senior Sustainability ConsultantGreenwood Consulting Group
121 thumbs up
July 1, 2015 - 5:04 pm
The intent of the credit is to protect occupants (indoor environmental quality). They cannot be protected if materials with mold and moisture are installed.
Dave Hubka
Practice Leader - SustainabilityEUA
LEEDuser Expert
530 thumbs up
July 1, 2015 - 5:12 pm
I concur with both Francis and Michelle.
I'll better phrase my previous response, EQc3.1 applies to the entire duration of construction, which includes "once the envelope is up" and ends upon occupancy of the project building.
If you try and demonstrate that EQc3.1 begins once the envelop is up I would expect the reviewer to deny the credit.
Nelina Loiselle
Above Green239 thumbs up
July 3, 2015 - 2:18 pm
Others, feel free to weigh in! Good ammunition!