SMACNA IAQ Guidelines for Occupied Buildings Under Construction is mainly for an occupied remodel. As our project will be new construction, we will not have an occupied building. Can we still achieve this credit as long as we follow the requirements? Our assumption is that the
The SMACNA guidelines referenced by LEED were written for existing, occupied buildings, but may be applied also to new construction. LEED requires both new and existing projects to follow the requirements, or Control Measures, outlined in the referenced SMACNA document. To achieve this credit, LEED requires that both new and existing projects meet or exceed the SMACNA IAQ Guidelines for Occupied Buildings Under Construction, and protect stored on-site or installed absorptive materials from moisture damage, and replace all filtration media immediately prior to occupancy. Utilizing temporary ventilation units is one strategy to meet SMACNA control measure \'HVAC protection\', but does not on its own satisfy all the requirements of this credit. The permanent HVAC system would still be required to have new MERV 13 filters installed immediately prior to occupancy, for the ongoing indoor air quality of the building occupants. Please refer to the requirements listed in the LEED Reference Guide (formatted version of June 2001, pp. 237-238). Applicable internationally.