We are requesting clarification on the number and location of IAQ testing measurements for a 140,000 SF university residence hall project. Based on guidance from previous CIRs for other buildings with large numbers of like spaces, we propose the IAQ testing approach described below: Corridors: The corridors are uninterrupted on each floor and are served by seven 100% outside-air Roof Top Units spaced along the building. Each RTU serves the corridor segments of the floors beneath it. (RTU 1 serves the West section of the corridors on floors 1-5, etc.) The corridors on each floor are identical in terms of materials, finish, usage and, for the most part, configuration. We propose to sample one location for each corridor RTU, with at least one test per floor. Any unique configurations will also be tested. (7 tests) Nonresidential spaces: Two additional RTUs serve several first floor common spaces: RTU 8 serves a large conference room; RTU 9 serves several other common spaces (e.g. building lobby and reception areas). Each RTU serves less than 25,000 SF. There are 18 additional spaces - lounges and private offices - which rely primarily on individual PTACs and operable windows for outdoor air. Many of these spaces are identical (e.g. Five identical lounges, one on each floor). For the first floor spaces served by RTUs, we propose to test 1 location per RTU in keeping with the credit requirements. For the remaining 18 spaces which rely primarily on PTACs and operable windows for outdoor air, we propose to test each unique space. For the identical spaces, we propose to test 1 in 7 of each type. (11 tests total) Residential: The majority of the building comprises 144 residential units, all of which are identical in terms of finish, materials and usage. There are 15 different unit types total. Five of the unit types are single occupancy apartments, accounting for 12 units; with no more than 5 of each apartment type. The 10 remaining unit types are dorm suites, accounting for 132 units. Each type of dorm suite is a different configuration of the same elements: a common living/kitchen space, a bathroom, and single or double bedrooms. (Unit type 4A has a living/kitchen area, a bathroom and 4 single bedrooms; unit type 4B has a living/kitchen area, bathroom, and 2 double bedrooms; etc.) Each bedroom and living/kitchen space has a dedicated PTAC, and relies primarily on the PTAC and operable windows for outdoor air. For the 12 single occupancy apartment units (representing 5 unit types), we propose to test one of each unit type. For the 132 dorm suites (representing 10 unit types), we propose to test at least 3 examples of each identical space that composes the suites. That is, we will test 3 single bedrooms, 3 double bedrooms, 3 living/kitchen areas and 3 bathrooms at minimum. These tests will be selected such that there is at least one test in each unit type and at least one test per floor. (17 tests total) All test locations will be selected according to the guidance provided in the reference guide (3-6 ft from floor, in the location anticipated to have the least ventilation and highest presumed source strength, etc.). We feel that providing 35 tests is more than adequate for a 140,000 SF building. Please indicate whether this approach will meet the credit intent or provide additional guidance if it will not.
The applicant is requesting clarification to confirm if the proposed sampling locations are acceptable for each space type given the specific project information provided. It should be noted that although a random sampling plan may be employed per CIR Ruling dated 5/30/2007, contiguous areas served by multiple RTU units, such as the corridors, are considered separate ventilation zones. The proposed sampling locations, by space type, are considered as follows: Corridors: Each of the 5 contiguous corridors is served by 7 separate RTU units for a total of 35 similar ventilation zones. The sampling strategy of insuring that each RTU and each floor will be represented, along with any unique configuration areas, is consistent with the allowable random sampling strategy and does not exceed 7 locations per sample. Therefore 7 sampling locations are acceptable for the corridor areas. Non-Residential: For the first floor RTU unit 8, serving a single space with an area less than 25,000 sq.ft., a single sampling location is acceptable. For the first floor RTU unit 9, serving multiple spaces with a combined area less than 25,000 sq.ft., a single sampling location is acceptable provided the areas represent a single ventilation zone. If the areas served by RTU unit 9 are not a single ventilation zone, each area must be sampled individually. It should be noted that if 2 or more of the areas served by RTU unit 9 are identical, a sampling strategy may be employed provided that no greater than 7 identical locations are represented by a single sample. For the remaining 18 spaces, the proposed sampling strategy is acceptable as each unique space is sampled and no greater than 7 identical locations are represented by a single sample. Residential: For the 12 single occupancy apartment units, it is acceptable to employ a sampling strategy of one sample per unit type, as no greater than 7 identical units will be represented by a single sample. For the 132 dorm suites, it is not clear from the description that no greater than 7 identical units will be represented by a single sample and it does not appear that a minimum of 3 samples will be taken for each identical configuration. Therefore, this strategy is only acceptable if no greater than 7 identical units are represented by a single sample or if a minimum of 3 samples are taken for each identical unit type. It should be noted that although 3 samples are proposed for each component part of these units, the mixing of air may be variable depending on the specific configuration of spaces within the unit. Therefore, each of the 10 unit type configurations must be considered individually when determining sampling strategies.