1. Construction IAQ Management Plan - IEQ credit 3.1 - Credit Equivalence Request This credit, in the 2.1 template, requires that MERV 13 filters be installed during construction and after construction is complete. However, part of our IAQ plan for this building is to not use the VAV air handler until the building is substantially complete, and all dust-generating activities are finished and the building is cleaned with a HEPA vacuum. All openings into the HVAC system are sealed with tape and plastic until this time. The building is presently heated with temporary fan coil units heated by the system boilers. The filters that are specified for the air handler are MERV 6 to 7. Since we will not be running the air handler until the building is clean, and since we have followed and are following a rigorous construction IAQ management plan we feel that we are meeting the intent of this credit without the MERV 13 filters. Can we apply for this credit?
To achieve equivalence in the absence of MERV 13 filters, it would be necessary to document that none of the ductwork or air handlers were used during the construction process, and that all HVAC components were effectively protected from contamination through the construction process. Photographic documentation of these conditions will be necessary. Clarify that the temporary fan coil units are not connected to the permanent ductwork. Also provide strong documentation of a rigorous construction IAQ plan. Finally, clarify how the dust generated by construction is removed from all surfaces before occupancy, through HEPA vacuuming, flushout with filtration, and/or other strategies. -- *NOTE (Nov 1 2007): Per errata posted in Fall 2007, there is no LEED or ASHRAE 52.2-1999 requirement for MERV 13 filtration during construction. LEED-NCv2.1 EQc3.1 requires MERV 8 filters on return air grills during construction, and for all filtration media to be replaced with MERV 13 immediately prior to occupancy/at the end of construction. Applicable Internationally.