ASHRAE recently published a technical feature "Flushing Out Dust, VOCs" by Dan Morris spring 2004. In this article one of the strategies outlined is Plan D: Intermittent Flush-Out (text is included below). For our project (and other similar projects) this appears to be a good way to get around the difficulties of finding two weeks to flush the building in a very accelerated schedule. Question: 1) Is this an acceptable alternate to the two week flush out? 2) The article stated that this procedure had been submitted as an equal. True? Is USGBC reviewing this? Plan D: Intermittent Flush-Out The goal of the intermittent flush-out is to reduce the level of all indoor air pollutants prior to occupancy by purging them from the building via portable fans and the HVAC system. Conditioning the outdoor air is required in many climates to avoid rapid changes in temperature and humidity. To conduct an intermittent flush-out before occupancy, we offer the following guidelines:
USGBC did not receive Figures 1 and 2 (note that attachments are not possible), but they were not necessary for this ruling. Your proposed methodology does not satisfy the credit requirements. However, LEED offers alternative compliance methods as noted in EQc3.2 credit rulings dated 9/8/2004 (flush-out) and 10/8/02 (indoor air testing). The alternative method to meet flush-out requirements via systems that cannot draw 100% outside air was carefully assessed for equivalent performance. Regarding your second question: you must contact the design team of the subject project to obtain this information. USGBC does not provide access to reviews of projects to anyone other than the people submitting it.