Make sure that all equipment that might collect or generate moisture is located and installed for easy access for inspection and cleaning.

Design the HVAC system to limit relative humidity (RH) to 60% or lower during both occupied and unoccupied load conditions. Be sure that your HVAC design and controls meet both ASHRAE 55 and the RH requirements of IEQc10.

Verify that credits IEQc3.1: Construction IAQ Management Plan—During Construction, IEQc7.1: Thermal Comfort—Design, and IEQc7.2: Thermal Comfort—Verification are being planned for and attempted.

Identify the IAQ features of the HVAC design such as the dehumidification and controls that can be incorporated into building commissioning for EAp1 and EAc3.

Determine if your project will need to incorporate a dehumidification system in the HVAC design to limit RH to 60% or below.

Remember that the IAQ management plan focuses on operations, but a good design will minimize the risk of mold. When designing roof and wall systems, include detailed drawings of drainage planes and flashing installation, and specify appropriate joint sealant.

Determine which building systems are most susceptible to mold growth and IAQ-related problems, and be sure to address them properly in the IAQ management plan. These systems may include the HVAC, roof, wall, and ceiling assemblies, plumbing systems, as well as the foundation walls.

Provide both designers and contractors with a mold training session, or at least literature on mold awareness and prevention.

Consider installing relative humidity meters to verify that it is being controlled.

Areas that are prone to high levels of moisture need to be adequately addressed during the design stage. Consider design techniques such as adding ventilation, air-sealing, adding insulation at areas of thermal bridging, installing highly insulated windows, and selecting mold-resistant materials.