Hey all,
I've heard informally from one lab that they are seeing a number of v4 projects fail their IAQ tests - appears the newly introduced glycol level thresholds are a common obstacle. Has anyone encountered this issue? Any tips out there on strategies to avoid this issue?
We are still researching the common sources in interior products...with some interior paints and janitorial cleaning products among them.
Thanks!
Tristan Roberts
RepresentativeVermont House of Representatives
LEEDuser Expert
11474 thumbs up
August 26, 2017 - 2:53 pm
I haven't heard this but I'm going to keep my ears out now. Please post back with anything you learn.
Tristan Roberts
RepresentativeVermont House of Representatives
LEEDuser Expert
11474 thumbs up
August 30, 2017 - 10:40 am
Been asking around and people are either not getting test results back, or haven't had this experience. But I'd love to hear more details from you or anyone else out there.
emily reese moody
Sustainability Director, Certifications & ComplianceJacobs
LEEDuser Expert
452 thumbs up
August 31, 2017 - 8:19 pm
We have a dialogue with a local air testing company for our CI project that is pursuing both LEED v4 and WELL (and Fitwel). We just had to abandon the air testing due to our ridiculous project schedule, but I asked these questions to get their insight. Here are the questions I posed and the responses, just for some additional reference:
1. There are discussions stating that several v4 projects are failing v4 IAQ tests as it appears that the newly introduced glycol level threshold is a common obstacle. Has C&A encountered this issue on other projects?
Answer: Before, Volatile Organic Compounds were measured as a total in version 3. In v4 the individual VOC concentrations are calculated, so even if the total quantity of VOCs are low, it may fail one of the 35 individual compounds measured, such as propylene glycol. We have had individual VOCs fail in the past. Something like propylene glycol is in cleaning products, glass cleaner, and deodorant.
2. Besides doing a mini flush out prior the tests, are there any additional tips you have to avoid failing the tests ?
Answer: Besides the flush out, it is important not to have any cleaning activity going on because this could interfere with results. Also as much time as you can give between construction/cleaning and the testing will give you the best chance at passing.
It's not a ton of detail, but hopefully it's better than nothing.