Dynamic Germicidal Air Filtration We would like to submit an appeal to an earlier ruling under "Innovation & Design." Copied here is the previous request and interpretation ruling. INNOVATION & DESIGN PROCESS: Innovation in Design: Specific Title (IDc13) 12/6/2002 - Credit Interpretation Request Besides allergies and asthma, breathing air that contains high concentrations of fungal spores can cause other illnesses. The spores of a number of different types of mold may contain toxins which, when breathed in over a long period of time may result in a kind of poisoning. One such fungus, named Stachybotrys chartarum has been linked to a wide range of serious illness in adults, and in several alarming, recent cases where extensive contamination was present, to fatal lung hemorrhage in infants. In order to prevent these illnesses to the occupants, an ultraviolet irradiation mechanical system is being proposed for this project. Ultraviolet irradiation instantaneously kills the bacteria, viruses, anthrax, and mold spores traveling through the mechanical system, therefore reducing the spread of airborne pathogens and the causes of "sick buildings". Since this strategy demonstrates exemplary IAQ performance, we believe this should be an acceptable innovation credit. 12/23/2002 - Project Manager\'\'s Ruling The approach described does not qualify for an innovation credit. Controlling toxic mold growth is a vital part of developing an acceptable building environment. There are many aspects of building design and construction that must be successfully addressed to effectively control mold. Filtration may be one component of a comprehensive mold control strategy. However, to achieve the status of Innovation in Design, mold control must represent a comprehensive, thorough, and effective design response. Purchasing an off-the-shelf piece of mechanical equipment does not achieve this goal in and of itself. Air stream filtration/treatement does not effectively control mold in and of itself. Effective mold control requires attention to building details, construction sequencing, material selection and application, thoughtful ventilation and mechanical system design, and filtration strategies. To maintain these conditions, on-going equipment maintenance, effective cleaning strategies, and indoor air quality monitoring are also required. Our appeal is as follows: Innovation credit: Dynamic Germicidal air filtration One approach to achieve an innovation credit is " to greatly exceed the requirements of respective LEED credits" Our strategy to greatly exceed the requirements of EQ Credits 3.1 and 3.2 is to use a dynamic filtration system with an efficiency that greatly exceeds that of the required MERV 13 rating. The credit states that filter media with a MERV 13 rating must be replaced immediately prior to occupancy. Credit ruling with inquiry ID 0166-EQc31-011802 states that the intent is for these filters to be used for the ongoing indoor air quality of the building occupants. This suggests that the MERV 13 filters are to be used for the permanent HVAC system for ongoing health. Ashrae STD 52.2-1999 shows a MERV 13 filter efficiency of 75% at .3 microns, and 90% at 1 micron and greater The proposed Dynamic enhanced electronic filtration system has an efficiency of 97% at .3 microns, 95% at 1 micron, and 99% at 3 microns and greater. It does this with less air resistance, and the filter media is replaced instead of cleaned to eliminate ongoing maintenance. We feel the proposed Dynamic filter system efficiency greatly exceeds the required MERV 13 rating and merits an innovation credit. This filter efficiency is comparable to the HEPA filter efficiency used in clean room applications.