It shouldn’t cost you anything to earn this credit—it will just take a little work (the same is true for the related credit, IEQc4.2: Low-Emitting Materials—Paints and Coatings). Your first priority should be to specify only adhesives and sealants that comply with the credit’s VOC limits, and enforce those specifications on the jobsite.

Ongoing commissioning involves performing critical elements of the retrocommissioning process, repeatedly over a series of two-year cycles. The idea is to optimize system performance and continue to fine-tune it, actively preventing problems for the lifetime of the building. 

To earn this credit, 30% of your cleaning products and materials purchases must meet the credit criteria. You can earn exemplary performance for this credit if 60% of your purchases meet the credit criteria.

If you take a look at all of the products you currently purchase and can find compliant alternatives for each one that does not currently comply, you can easily achieve 100% compliance. Finding compliant products shouldn’t be hard. 

Buildings with the potential for realizing cost-effective energy savings opportunities are strong candidates for this credit. The credit will take some effort, but buildings with an Energy Star rating between 40 and 70 are particularly good candidates for seeing a healthy payback. 

You can’t pursue EAc2.2 without first having EAc2.1 in your pocket. In the first credit, EAc2.1, the project team determines possible energy conservation measures. In the second credit, EAc2.2, the project team implements all of those energy efficiency measures identified as low-cost and no-cost. These might include things like replacing T12 lamps with T8 lamps, reprogramming building system controls, and reconfiguring building system set points.