The contractors for the Tutt Science Center project plan to follow a Construction IAQ Management Plan that includes the following five steps. We believe these meet or exceed the requirements outlined in the Reference Guide. Will these, along with photographic evidence and filtration media cut sheets, be sufficient to qualify for the point? 1. HVAC Protection --During construction, the return air system openings will have temporary filters that receive frequent periodic maintenance if the HVAC system is being utilized. When activities that produce high dust, such as drywall sanding, concrete cutting, masonry work, wood sawing and insulating or pollution levels occur, the return air system openings will be sealed off completely for the duration of the task. --If the HVAC system is not used during construction, the supply and return air system openings will be sealed off to prevent the accumulation of dust and debris in the duct system. The diffusers will also be sealed in plastic. --The mechanical rooms will not be used to store construction or waste materials. Rooms will be kept clean and neat. --Filter media will meet the ASHRAE requirement for MERV Level 13. Where possible, 80% dust spot efficiency filtration will be utilized. --Upon periodic inspections during construction, if the ducts become contaminated due to inadequate protection, the ducts will be cleaned professionally. --Pictures will be taken daily by the Mechanical Contractor and submitted to the General Contractor. 2. Source Control --Use of low VOC products as indicated by the specifications will be utilized to reduce potential problems. --Traffic volume will be restricted and idling of motor vehicles will be prohibited where emissions could be drawn into the building. --Electric or natural gas alternatives for gasoline and diesel equipment will be used where possible and practical. --Equipment will be cycled off when not being used or needed. --Pollution sources will be exhausted to the outside with portable fan systems. Care will be taken to ensure exhaust does not re-circulate back into the building. --Containers of wet products will be kept closed as much as possible. Waste materials, which can release odor or dust, will be covered or sealed. 3. Pathway Interruption --Dust curtains or temporary enclosures will be used to prevent dust from migrating to other areas when applicable. --Pollutant sources will be relocated as far away as possible from supply ducts and areas occupied by workers when feasible. Supply and exhaust systems may have to be shut down or isolated during such activity. --During construction, areas of work will be isolated to prevent contamination of clean or occupied areas. Pressure differentials may be utilized to prevent contaminated air from entering clean areas. --Depending on weather, ventilation using 100% outside air will be used to exhaust contaminated air directly to the outside during installation of VOC emitting materials. 4. Housekeeping --Cleaning activities will be instituted concentrating on HVAC equipment and building spaces to remove contaminants from the building prior to occupancy. --All coils, air filters, fans and ductwork will remain clean during installation and will be cleaned prior to performing the testing, adjusting and balancing of the systems. --Dust will be suppressed with wetting agents or sweeping compounds. An efficient and effective dust collecting method such as a damp cloth, wet mop, vacuum with particulate filters, or wet scrubber will be used. --Accumulations of water inside the building will be removed. Porous materials such as insulation and ceiling tile will be protected from exposure to moisture. --Photographs will be provided of the above activities during construction to document compliance. 5. Scheduling --High pollution activities that have high VOC level products may need to be scheduled during off-hours. Activities may include products such as paints, sealers, insulation, adhesives, caulking and cleaners. --Occupancy and construction will not coincide.
Most of your construction IAQ plan appears to be consistent with the requirements, with the exception of #5. Scheduling. First, there should not be any high pollution activities if proper source control steps have been taken. Second, the scheduling aspects of this credit are not related to time of day ("off hours") that materials are installed, but rather to the SEQUENCE in which they are installed. Highly absorbent materials (ceiling tiles, gypsum wall board, fabric furnishings, carpet and insulation, for example) will act as \'sinks\' for VOCs, odors and other contaminants; therefore it is advantageous to install VOC-emitting products BEFORE installing absorbent materials. We suggest that you amend your construction IAQ plan to include directions for scheduling installation of absorbent materials AFTER applications of odorous, VOC-emitting or other contaminating materials. Applicable internationally.