Numerous CIR responses and LEED Interpretations previously denied the credit where fan coil units recirculating room air for supplemental cooling in high load spaces were equipped with MERV 8 filters and where the ventilation air was supplied directly to the space by central systems with MERV 13 filters. Language added to these responses now indicates that revised credit language for LEED 2009 removes the requirement to provide MERV 13 filters on return air. MERV 13 filtration is only required on outdoor air. Is there any reason to expect a credit application under v2.2 with fan coil units only recirculating room air and equipped with MERV 8 filters will be denied?
You rely on LEEDuser. Can we rely on you?
LEEDuser is supported by our premium members, not by advertisers.
Go premium for
Dylan Connelly
Mechanical EngineerIntegral Group
LEEDuser Expert
472 thumbs up
February 3, 2012 - 7:47 pm
Fantastic question. Found another grey area in LEED. Do addenda for 2009 credits apply to credits in v2.2.
IMO you should be able to comply with the latest ruling in this case, because in this case the credits are very similar between 2009 and v2.2. Consider adding a narrative.
Tristan Roberts
RepresentativeVermont House of Representatives
LEEDuser Expert
11474 thumbs up
February 17, 2012 - 2:31 pm
This is actually not a gray area, but it is an area you could try to work to your advantage.The addendum clearly applies to v2009, not v2.2, however, you could submit a narrative or a request to get this addendum applied to your project anyway, and hope for the best—as Dylan said.
Allison Beer McKenzie
Architect, Director of SustainabilitySHP Leading Design
LEEDuser Expert
646 thumbs up
February 17, 2012 - 2:36 pm
We've actually tried to get the 2009 addendum applied to a Schools 2007 project with no luck, but as Tristan says, you can always give it a shot and hope for the best!
Dylan Connelly
Mechanical EngineerIntegral Group
LEEDuser Expert
472 thumbs up
February 17, 2012 - 8:08 pm
Allison, was it for this credit specifically?
I disagree that this addendum is clearly about v2009. It may say it only applies to v2009 as a technicality, but in this case the credits have the exact same intent and practically the same language throughout.
The reason for the addendum is that it was unreasonable to expect recirculating systems (ie FCUs) to handle the static pressure from a MERV 13 filter. If it is unreasonable for a v2009 project why would it not be unreasonable for a v2.2 project?