7th ed. Massachusetts Building Code and ASHRAE 62.1-2004

Paul, It's a bit buried, but the Reference Guide does call for 30% above ASHRAE or local code, "whichever is more stringent." Since this credit is out of reach for you if you try to go 30% over local code, and since you're meeting the credit's intent as well as the fundamental requirements as stated in the credit language, I'd suggest you simply submit the credit as 30% over ASHRAE and see how it goes. I wouldn't submit the CIR unless you have to after the GBCI/ USGBC review your submittal.

In reality the Mass code is going to be the threshold here whether it is attainable or not unless you can get access to a public ruling. THe credit is clear as "whiehevre is more stringent" and I would be shocked if this were not strictly applied. Sorry for the bad news.

Can someone tell me where the BD&C Reference Guide says ASHRAE 62 or local code "whichever is more stringent" for IEQc2? I know this is the case for IEQp1, but I just learned from GBCI that the intent with NC v2.2 is to require 30% above ASHRAE for EQc2, not local code. I just reviewed the Reference Guide and did not see the local code reference in IEQc2, leaving me to believe that this is the same for 2009. Which would be good new for Paul.

I am asking the same question under NC-2009 and ASHRAE 62.1-2007. In NYS the local code (IMC-2006) is more stringent and we meet th local code for IEQp1. The prerequisite DOES have the wording to meet ASHRAE or the local code whichever is more stringent. However, IEQc2 does NOT have the "or the local code whichever is more stringent" wording. So am I right, is it possible to meet the local code for IEQp1 and use the same values for IEQc2 which exceed 30% over ASHRAE?

NYS MC (IMC 2006) also has an exception paragraph to 403.2 indicating "an registered professional demonstrates that an engineered ventilation system design will prevent the maximum concentration of contaminants from exceeding that obtainable by the rate of ventilation required by....."

this paragraph is generally interpreted by the state as allowing the use of ASHRAE 62.1 being equivalent to the state code when applied by a registered design professional. so it almost sounds like double talk - we can use the state code higher ventialtion, but say we are using ashrae for the credits since technically ashrae is allowed by exception for the state code. does this sound feasible?

Paul, regardless of the logic from your post about NYS, I think you understand the credit properly according to your first post, and should be all set.