The project is approx 75,000 sf over five floors with phased occupancy. The EQ Credit 3.2 Flush-out Procedure compliance path was not employed as each floor, at approx 18,000 ft2 per floor, would need to be ventilated with 3500 ft3/ft2 prior to occupancy for a total of 63,000,000 ft3 of outside air. Due to the existing building mechanical systems, the maximum outside air supply was limited to roughly 5000 ft3/min (CFM) per floor. Based on this rate, it would require almost 9 days of flushing prior to occupancy. Unfortunately, because of the tight construction/occupancy schedule, this was not possible. Therefore, the IAQ Test Procedure compliance path was employed prior to occupancy of each floor. Great care was taken in specifying LEED-compliant low emitting materials and furnishings, so the random elevated concentration levels of Total Volatile Organic Compounds (TVOC) were not anticipated. As per EQ Credit 3.2 Table 1, TVOC concentrations shall not exceed 500 micrograms per cubic meter (ug/m3). All other IAQ parameters: Formaldehyde, Particulates (PM-10), 4-Phenylclohexane (4-PCH) and Carbon Monoxide (CO) were well below the Maximum Contamination Concentration Levels detailed in EQ Credit 3.2 Table 1. The use of the same low emitting materials and furnishings is consistent on all floors. TVOC results are as follows: Main Floor Reception: May 9/10 initial - 1240 ug/m3; July 4/5 follow-up - awaiting results 2nd Floor: May 15/16 initial - 500 ug/m3 3rd Floor: Apr 5/6 initial - 1060 ug/m3; Apr 24/25 follow-up - 620 ug/m3; July 4/5 follow-up - awaiting results 4th Floor: Apr 23/24 initial - 150 ug/m3 5th Floor: Apr 6/7 initial - 960 ug/m3; Apr 24/25 follow-up - 150 ug/m3 An element that was beyond the tenant and project team\'s control was the installation by the landlord of base building PVC roller shades on the perimeter glazing just prior to occupancy. The manufacturer does not have emissions testing data available for the PVC shade cloth. Although the floors are occupied, we re-tested the Main and 3rd floors this week and are confident the TVOC concentrations will be below 500 ug/m3. The tenant has a strong commitment to the health and well-being of the building occupants as illustrated by their willingness to re-test floors where the TVOC concentrations exceed 500 ug/m3. In addition to attempting EQ Credit 3.2, the tenant plans to employ continuous IAQ monitoring of HVAC system related parameters (CO2, temperature, humidity and CO) as a method for assessing the effectiveness of the building systems in providing optimal indoor air quality for the occupants. Based on the above results and circumstances, does our alternative compliance path meet the intent of EQ Credit 3.2 and thus achieve a point?
The inquiry suggests that the project has been occupied prior to achieving the concentrations below the required limits. Thus, the credit cannot be achieved. In order to meet the intent and requirements of EQ Credit 3.2, testing must be conducted after all construction and installation have been completed, even for items outside the tenant\'s direct control, and prior to occupancy. Applicable Internationally.