For schools with indoor swimming pools, the natatorium (swimming pool area) must meet the requirements of the ASHRAE HVAC Applications Handbook, 2003 edition, Chapter 4 (Places of Assembly), Typical Natatorium Design Conditions. Purchase a copy of the Handbook and review the requirements. Relative humidity levels of 40%–60% have to be maintained; 50% is optimal.
Identify any unique programming or climate conditions that might make it tricky to get the credit. Fitness rooms, gyms, natatoriums, or very humid climates often create conditions that require special consideration.
The mechanical engineer and architect review ASHRAE-55 along with the credit requirements in the context of the project. ASHRAE-55 requires that you establish a comfort zone based on several variables that affect occupant comfort, and design mechanical systems to create thermal conditions within the comfort zone in each occupied space. Comfort zone calculations are based on the following variables:
Base building mechanical systems have to allow for the tenant fit-out to meet the requirements of ASHRAE-55. If all the mechanical systems are relegated to tenant fit-out, core-and-shell projects are not eligible. Consider this early in the planning phase of a LEED-CS project.
You’ll need to implement an ongoing IAQ plan based on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) document, Building Air Quality: A Guide for Building Owners and Facility Managers, EPA reference number 402-F-91-102, December 1991 (see Resources).
Some projects already have to limit their RH to 60% or below to meet the requirements of ASHRAE-55 for IEQc7.1. However, ASHRAE-55 has a larger window of acceptable RH levels, and the levels vary depending on temperature and air speed. IEQc10 does not provide the flexibility that ASHRAE-55 does. All projects irrespective of temperature and air speed, must limit RH to 60% or below. ASHRAE-55 also focuses on occupant comfort and does not address unoccupied spaces and times. IEQc10, however, demands that humidity is controlled at all times.
Often building management establishes programs and green building strategies to make the building more attractive to tenants. Common strategies pursued in Path 12 include better outside air, base-building controls, BMS systems or composting practices, or an exceptional transportation management plan.
You may submit an application for a Path 12 point for a feature that is not addressed in other rating systems. It might be helpful to clarify the approach through a CIR (Credit Interpretation Request) unless you know that precedent already exists.
