IAQ Assessment - Air Testing

I didn't help write this credit, but here's my two cents: All of these contaminants have an ASTM or EPA method, which means some lab should have the capability to conduct the testing. My guess is that they have not been requested to conduct some of the tests and are therefore not set up to do so without devoting new resources. So yes that sounds like the market not catching up yet, and there is plenty of that to go around with v4.

Option 2 (air testing): What does before 'occupancy' mean? Before TCO or before COO?

Hi, I have other question about this credit. I found one supplier who can test some parameter for Target VOCs, but use NIOSH Method (LEED need ASTM D5197; EPA TO-1, TO-17, or EPA Compendium Method IP-1). I am wandering can I pursue base on the NIOSH Method?

Hi Sompoche, I think you should look up more details on the specific NIOSH method you are pursuing and see if at any time it is equivalent to a LEED recommended method. If it is, you may be able to write a narrative. Otherwise I would find a different supplier.

Hi Laura - sorry for the delay in response here. Occupancy is defined as the date of the Final Certificate of Occupancy. Since the testing could be affected by the presence of humans, I think it would just be good to do the testing before any humans have occupied the space, regardless of level of occupancy. Also, check out this previous FAQ post: https://leeduser.buildinggreen.com/forum/definition-occupancy-0

How many sample points is required for air testing? Is it based on total floor area?

Good afternoon, I am working on a project in Cambridge, MA, our client would like to pursue the LEED v4 Indoor Air Assessment Option 2 credit.  The credit language specifies which test methods are recommended, there are many companies out there which offer instruments which perform all the tests in one and state they are used for LEED.  They utilize an electronic sensor for detection, this does not appear to follow the recommended standards.  Does anyone know if the USGBC has awarded credits based on this testing?

If your commissioning agent or construction team has the devices that can measure the particluates and/or VOCs needed in the requirement, I believe you can do the testing yourself (or anyone on the construction team or on behalf of the client) and input the measurements and upload them to LEEDOnline to count towards the credit for V4.1 at least. I get that having the devices may be the tricky part, but I've seen it done on a couple on a few university projects where they had students help with measurement for experience and to cut down on equipment cost and construction schedule time with the flush out path. Our commissioning agent was a big help in suggesting equipment/devices if they didn't have it themselves.

Do note that in the v4 Ref Guide, it states the following: 
Laboratories that conduct the tests for chemical analysis of formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds must be accredited under ISO/IEC 17025 for the test methods they use. In the v4.1 changes, the updated requirements list this accreditation requirement only under Path 2 (since they split the Particulate Matter and Inorganic Gases from the VOCs). I, too, have a higher ed project that wants their students to participate in the testing process for a learning experience (overall, doing more than just what LEED requires). We were advised that--since the university's lab does not have the abovementioned accreditation--that they could use the students and their own equipment, but would need to partner with an accredited lab for processing/reporting for full compliance.