AIR TEST OPTION

I have been recommending that the air testing option not be pursued due to the likelihood of not meeting the criteria as well as it being more costly.  If you have read my posts over the years I have commented numerous times about the uselessness of this testing for actually assuring good IAQ.  That being said I spoke with Edward Stuber, CIH with SGS Galson labs who has been doing the analytical for LEED V4 air testing.  He said the pass/fail rate is about the same as LEED V3.  Apparently, some people are passing the testing provided they take care of all the things that often lead to failure (e.g., using supposed low VOC coatings when they actually aren't low VOC, intake of outdoor air with fuel related VOCs, dust generating activities taking place during testing, etc.).  Mr. Stuber's number is 315-427-4222.  If you wish to discuss further my number is 702-468-4782. 

Agree with what Dale said. If a client wants this credit, but doesn't want to do the flushout (I find that most often Owner's don't want to wait on a flushout - even the partially before and partially after occupancy option), I always warn that, even when using low-VOC products and doing everything right, it is very possible to fail an air test. Comparatively, this credit isn't all that expensive when doing the air test (when compared to a lot of the other v4 credits), but it can be a dart throw. Therefore, I try to keep this as a maybe/buffer point instead of one that I rely on for my desired Certification level.

I have also commented on flush out before.  If the air testing is relatively useless for helping to assure good IAQ, the flush out is not only useless but a waste of money and counter to the conservation of energy concept.  Many other things would be more effective at helping assure good IAQ than what LEED has (e.g., no cellulose containing wallboard in showers, janitor's closets, kitchens, etc.; putting sewer, kitchen, and bathroom vents on other side of building from outdoor air intake; no flat roofs; no fiberglass ceiling tiles; no un-cleanable lined duct work; easy access and maintenance of HVAC units, better humidity control, etc.). 

Use version LEEDv4.1 for this credit. The first point is easier to achieve (CO, PM, ozone) than the VOC one. PM2.5 and PM10 are mostly impacted by dust that was generated during construction. So make sure that the QAI plan is well followed and that a clean-up occurred before any tests. For VOC, make sure that the cleaning crew of the building passes after the testing because their cleaning products can impact the results negatively.  If you can, do the tests Monday morning and make sure that the HVAC system is on during the weekend to flush out a bit of the indoor air.