See all forum discussions about NC-2009 IEQc3.2
 Subscribe to new posts about NC-2009 IEQc3.2 Post a new question aboutNC-2009 IEQc3.2
See LEEDuser’s guidance on NC-2009 IEQc3.2»
FAQs about IEQc3.2 :

Should we install furniture and furnishings before IAQ testing or flushout?

The air temperature and/or relative humidity went out of the credit requirement specifications for a portion of the flush-out. What do we do? Can we extend the flush-out for the equivalent amount of time to make up for it?

View answers »

Forum discussion

NC-2009 IEQc3.2:Construction IAQ Management Plan—Before Occupancy

Flush out in climate zone 1

Hi, does anyone here have ever implement flush out in a tropical climate area (climate zone 1 --> high temperature and humidity) and succeed obtaining this credit point? and what flush-out strategies we can consider for building without mechanical ventilation system? For the reference, the building is only served by natural ventilation (window openings) and the AC system is a VRF system (ceiling cassette type), which is a multiple AC system that can operate independently. Thank you.

1
Post a reply

You rely on LEEDuser. Can we rely on you?

LEEDuser is supported by our premium members, not by advertisers.

Go premium for $15.95  »

Profile picture for user dconnelly
Dylan Connelly
Mechanical Engineer
Integral Group
LEEDuser Expert
342 thumbs up

Sat, 09/28/2013 - 00:01

I don't see you meeting this credit without a mechanical system if you're in a high temp high humidity climate. Recommend going the testing route. Not all credits are good credits for every projects - that's why there are over 100 points.

Sun, 09/29/2013 - 16:58

Thank you Dylan for the comment. How about using portable mechanical system such as fan? If we can use that, what elements do we have to consider? As for testing, we have difficulties to find lab that can use EPA compendium or ISO method for all parameters. There are some labs offering us to use NIOSH method, however I don't think this method have the same minimum detection limit to those of EPA or ISO. Any ideas?

Mon, 09/30/2013 - 05:38

Yasir, The LEED 2009 Reference Guide on page 466 says other methods for air testing may be used if justification is provided. Also, the requirement says to use testing protocols "consistent with" the EPA methods. The EPA methods referenced in LEED 2009 are archaic and not used by IAQ professionals. LEED V.4 has finally recognized that flaw. Having done IAQ testing for over 25 years and done over a dozen LEED air testing projects I use a set of testing protocols that mix EPA TO methods and NIOSH methods that have the appropriate detection limits. Formaldehyde is NIOSH 2016 with a UMEX100 passive sampler; TVOCs is a modified TO-17 method with a Radiello passive sampler and ID of all compounds including TICs; carbon monoxide is a direct reading datalogging monitor; and PM10 is NIOSH 0500 which measures total particulates (an overestimation of PM10). None of my reports have been rejected for LEED credit. These methods are relatively easy, use minimal equipment, and are cost effective. The lab I use is ALS Environmental in Salt Lake City, UT which has been doing industrial hygiene lab work for decades and was once the OSHA lab. If you want more specifics I can be contacted at dwalsh@walshcih.com. Good luck.

Wed, 10/02/2013 - 01:40

Hi Dale, Thank you for the insight. There is ALS lab also here in Indonesia, I will try to contact that lab whether they have the tools and could perform those measurements like you said. Meanwhile, I saw that the number of sample is 1 per 25,000 square feet in each portion of the building served by a separate ventilation system. How if the building doesn't have any mechanical ventilation system (it will only be served by natural ventilation (windows) and AC VRF system)? Our building footprint area is less than 25,000 sf, has 2 stories, and "divided" into 4 zones (a group of similar AC system serving each zone). So, how many number of samples do we need to measure. Is it 2 samples because of the number of the building story or 4 due to the AC system groups?

Tue, 10/08/2013 - 06:16

I usually base the number of samples on how many different outdoor air intakes there are. I try to sample each zone served by a different intake. It sounds like you would need to sample four areas in the building. Also, if there is a lot of unfiltered outdoor air coming into the building then a couple outdoor samples may help identify outdoor pollutants (if present) contributing to the indoor pollutant levels. Since the air testing's purpose is to identify indoor pollutant impacts from construction activities and materials, outdoor pollutant sources are not applicable or controllable by the contractor (my opinion). If your ALS lab needs to talk to my contact in Salt Lake City, Utah his name is Paul Pope. Good luck.

Add new comment

To post a comment, you need to register for a LEEDuser Basic membership (free) or login to your existing profile.