EQ Prerequisite 2 - Environmental Tobacco Smoke Control This project is a 41 story high rise condominium residential building registered under LEED NC v2.2. Smoking will be allowed in all of the 141 residential units, and will be meeting EQ Prerequisite 2 with Option 3 compliance path. Though tracer gas testing was approved by the USGBC Credit Interpretation Ruling dated September 10, 2007 ("Verification of the performance of smoking rooms may be accomplished through tracer gas testing (per LEED NC v2.1 requirements) as an alternative to blower door testing"), this CIR is asking approval for the following tracer gas testing methodology: In accordance with the progressive sampling methodology detailed in Chapter 4 of the Residential Manual for Compliance with California\'s 2001 Energy Efficiency Standards, and as referenced in the LEED NC v2.2 Prerequisite language, residential units will be grouped together based on unit type. Testing will be conducted on one (1) in seven (7) units in each group. Should any of the residential units fail the test, the construction contractor can resolve the issue prior to re-testing that unit. Should any of the remaining 1 in 7 units in that group fail the test, the entire group will be deemed to fail. The contractor will then correct every unit in that group prior to every unit being tested. A spectrophotometer will be used as the tracer gas analyzer. The residential unit will be tested with all the doors and windows closed and the HVAC system turned off to create similar environments in all units. The tracer gas will be released at breathing height in a centrally located area within the unit. The tracer gas will be injected at a constant flow rate into the room until steady-state conditions are achieved. Once steady state conditions are achieved (where concentrations vary less than 8%), leak tests will be initiated in all adjoining residential units for a minimum of 5 minutes in each site using a second spectrophotometer calibrated to match the one located in the testing unit. As stated in the LEED NC (V2.1) Reference Guide, acceptable exposure in the adjacent units is defined as less than 1% of the tracer gas concentration in the testing unit or "smoking room". Upon completion of the measurements, steady state conditions in the testing unit will be reconfirmed using the spectrophotometer. Please advise if this methodology will meet the intent of and all requirements of EA Prerequisite 2 ETS Control.
The tracer gas test is no longer an acceptable test method for EQp2. The reason for eliminating the tracer gas is that it only provides a snap shot in time of the transport of air from unit to unit and is influenced by varying meteorological conditions and operation of mechanical systems, where as the blower door test is not influenced by those factors. The sampling methodology outlined in the CIR conforms to that described in Chapter 4 (Compliance Through Quality Construction) of the Residential Manual for Compliance with California\'s 2001 Energy Efficiency Standards. The CIR dated September 10, 2007 has been updated to reference the guidance above. Applicable Internationally.