Deciding which IEQc4 credits to pursue early in design will guide you in specifying and purchasing the appropriate products. Pursuing all six credits is a great way to create a robust
Furniture that was manufactured, refurbished or refinished over a year prior to occupancy does not need to comply with the requirements. So, if you’re reusing a lot of furniture, this credit will be particularly straightforward to achieve.
Determine which four of the six available IEQc4: Low-Emitting Materials credits are most appropriate for your project to pursue, in order to earn the maximum four points for IEQc4. (You may also be eligible for an Exemplary Performance point through IDc1, if you attempt more than four of the IEQc4 credits.) The most suitable credits vary depending on the school’s needs and project team experience.
Make sure you address this credit early on, ideally during schematic design. If you have already started purchasing furniture, earning this credit could be challenging because you may need to test already purchased furniture or back out of orders to get compliant products.
This is an all-or-nothing credit addressing ceiling and wall systems: all gypsum board, insulation, acoustic ceiling systems, and wall coverings in the interior of the building. If even one sheet of gypsum board does not comply, you will not earn the credit.
You can only earn four of the six available points, so deciding your project’s LEED focus early in the design phase helps to guide specifying and purchasing the correct products.
Figure out which four of the six IEQc4: Low-Emitting Materials credits are the best fit for your project. Which credits are most appropriate is based mostly on the school’s needs, project team’s experience and building location. Consider whether or not existing furniture will be used, the type of drywall or acoustic ceiling tiles needed to meet IEQp3: Minimum Acoustic Performance, and consider your paint and adhesive needs. You may determine that your ceiling tiles and gypsum board already comply and you just need to find a compliant insulation.
Earning this credit can lead to not only reduced water and sewer bills, but may also reduce gas and electric bills due to reduced water heating and pumping.
Refrigeration equipment that uses once-through cooling with potable water must be eliminated. Discuss this with your project’s mechanical engineer and kitchen consultant to determine the availability of compliant refrigeration equipment. Generally, this is an easy requirement to meet.
