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Credit language
© Copyright U.S. Green Building Council, Inc. All rights reserved.
Intent
Pilot Credit Closed
This pilot credit is closed to new registrations
The Indoor Environmental Quality Technical Advisory Group (EQ TAG) is actively discussing new pathways for performance-based design and assessment in LEED. If you would like to be involved in these conversations or are wanting to use IAQP to comply with the minimum indoor air quality prerequisite please contact loaks@usgbc.org.
To reduce potential adverse health impacts to building occupants arising from exposure to indoor air compounds through implementation of a tiered ongoing monitoring and performance based indoor air quality assessment protocol. To establish a process of baseline testing and continual improvement testing/monitoring of indoor air quality in existing buildings.
Requirements
Establishment (E)
The IAQ assessment manager/team members and building owner shall review the procedures in Tiers 1, 2, and 3 below. The review must include a walkthrough of the entire project space, selection of test methods or monitoring devices (sensors or direct read instruments), selection of sampling and monitoring locations, and creation of an occupant evaluation approach. If using sensors or direct read instruments for testing contaminants in Table 2 (see guidance under Table 2 below), prepare for their installation and use. The monitoring devices must be calibrated per manufacturer recommendations and have the ability to be re-calibrated in the future with a minimum operational life of 2 years. Individuals performing the indoor air testing must be trained by the manufacturer on calibration methods, inspection, use, chain-of-custody, troubleshooting, and data retrieval for each instrument/sensor or monitoring device used. Document the status of any required maintenance plans or a status of ‘no further remediation required’ for any asbestos containing materials, lead, mercury, radon, and moisture in the building.Tier 1. Baseline IAQ evaluation (2 points)
Test the indoor and outdoor air for the contaminants listed in Tables 1 and 2 using an allowed test method and perform an occupant satisfaction evaluation with focus on perceived indoor air quality. The responses must be collected from a representative sample of building occupants making up at least 30% of the total occupants. Table 1. Mandatory indoor VOC contaminant testing| Contaminant VOC Compound (CAS#) | Concentration Limit (µg/m3) | Concentration Limit reference* | Allowed Test Methods** |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acetaldehyde 75-07-0 | 140 | Cal EPA OEHHA CRELS | ISO 16000-3, 6, EPA IP-1, EPA TO-17, ISO 16017-1, 2; ASTM D6345-10 |
| Benzene 71-43-2 | 3 | ||
| Styrene 100-42-5 | 900 | ||
| Toluene 108-88-3 | 300 | ||
| Naphthalene 91-20-3 | 9 | ||
| Dichlorobenzene (1,4-) 106-46-7 | 800 | ||
| Xylenes-total 108-38-3, 95-47-6, and 106-42-3 | 700 | ||
| Formaldehyde 50-00-0 | 20 (16 ppb) | NIOSH | ISO 16000-3, 4; EPA TO-11, EPA comp. IP-6 ASTM D5197 |
| Total volatile organic compounds (TVOC)*** | 500 | LEED v4 | ISO 16000-6 |
*Concentration limits derived from Cal EPA OEHHA CRELs (as of June 2016), NIOSH (as of April 2016), and LEED v4. See Behind the Intent in the reference guide content for more information.
**For Table 1, implement testing using referenced laboratory testing methods only.
*** VOC as defined in ISO 16000-6
Table 2. Mandatory inorganic contaminant testing
| Contaminant non- VOC inorganics | Concentration Limit | Concentration Limit reference* | Allowed Test Methods | Measure indoors and outdoors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ozone | 137 ug/m3 (0.07 ppm) | EPA NAAQS | ASTM D5149-02, ISO 13964, and/or monitoring devices** | Yes |
| CO | 10 mg/m3 and no greater than 2 mg/m3 above outdoors ( | EPA NAAQS | ISO 4224, EPA IP-3, and/or monitoring devices** | Yes |
| CO2 | 1000 ppm | treating CO2 as a pollutant that affects cognitive ability | ISO 4224, EPA IP-3, and/or monitoring devices** | Yes |
| PM 2.5 | 35 ug/m3 or 12 ug/m3*** | EPA NAAQS | EPA IP-10, and/or monitoring devices** | Yes |
*Concentration limits derived from EPA NAAQS as of March 2017. See Behind the Intent in the reference guide content for more information.
**Scientific and building grade monitoring devices (as defined in the Reference Guide) such as sensors or direct read instruments are also an allowed test method for the contaminants in Table 2. The devices must be calibrated in accordance with the device manufacturer’s recommendations and capable of measuring below the concentration limit and in the same measurement range as the laboratory method.
***Projects in areas with high ambient levels of PM2.5 (known EPA nonattainment areas for PM2.5, or local equivalent) must meet the 35 ug/m3 limit, all other projects must meet the 12 ug/m3 limit.
Tier 2. IAQ optimization (1-4 possible points)
Improvement over baseline (1 point)
Use the results from the baseline evaluation to identify opportunities for improving the indoor air quality in the building. Address at least one of these opportunities and demonstrate a reduction in the contaminant levels in the indoor air, and/or reduction in issues from site observations, and/or an improvement in occupant satisfaction within one year time of performing the baseline evaluation. AND/ORAchieve pass criteria for mandatory contaminant testing (1 point)
Demonstrate the measured concentrations in the indoor air are at or below the levels in Tables 1 and 2 and achieve 80% occupant acceptability. AND/OROptional contaminant testing (1-2 points)
Test the indoor air for contaminants not included in Tables 1 and 2 and compare the measured concentrations with a cognizant authority health-based limit. The contaminants tested must be either those listed in Tables 4 and 5 in the reference guide, or an alternative list pre-approved for the project by USGBC and GBCI. One point is awarded for testing and one point is awarded for demonstrating the measured concentrations in the indoor air are at or below the identified limit.Tier 3. Ongoing IAQ performance (3 points)
Implement annual contaminant lab testing for contaminants in Table 1 and implement annual contaminant lab testing, direct read testing, and/or continuous monitoring for the contaminants in Table 2 using the same methods as the baseline evaluation and commit to continue to collect the listed data annually for at a period of at least five years. Further, commit to perform an annual occupant evaluation for a period of at least five years. Demonstrate consistently once a year that indoor air quality limits in Table 1 and Table 2 and 80% occupant acceptability are met or are improved upon the baseline evaluation. If data reveal significant deviation from prior years or the baseline evaluation, investigate the deviations and implement and track corrective actions as needed.Performance (P)
Compile air testing, occupant evaluation results, and any relevant observations into yearly reports and commit to sharing these reports with USGBC for a minimum period of 5 years on an annual basis.POINT ALLOCATION
This pilot credit is an alternative approach to achieving several indoor air quality-related credits in the Indoor Environmental Quality credit category. Projects may earn points for this pilot credit as follows: Table 3. Points for pilot credit| Tier | Requirement | Points awarded |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1: Baseline IAQ evaluation | Walkthrough+ baseline testing+ occupant evaluation | 2 points under Indoor air quality management program |
| Tier 2. IAQ optimization | Improvement over baseline | 1 point under Enhanced Indoor air quality strategies |
| Achieve pass criteria for mandatory testing (contaminant limits in Table 1 and Table 2 + 80% occupant satisfaction) | 1 point under Green cleaning products and materials | |
| Optional contaminant testing: Perform testing | 1 point in Innovation credit | |
| Optional contaminant testing: Achieve pass criteria | 1 point under Enhanced Indoor air quality strategies | |
| Tier 3. Ongoing IAQ performance | Implement annual air testing and indoor air quality evaluation | 3 points in Innovation credit |
Submittals
General
- Participate in the LEEDuser pilot credit forum
- Complete the feedback survey:
Credit Specific
See the guide tab for documentation requirements.Changes
- Closed for registration on 8/12/2022
What does it cost?
Cost estimates for this credit
On each BD+C v4 credit, LEEDuser offers the wisdom of a team of architects, engineers, cost estimators, and LEED experts with hundreds of LEED projects between then. They analyzed the sustainable design strategies associated with each LEED credit, but also to assign actual costs to those strategies.
Our tab contains overall cost guidance, notes on what “soft costs” to expect, and a strategy-by-strategy breakdown of what to consider and what it might cost, in percentage premiums, actual costs, or both.
This information is also available in a full PDF download in The Cost of LEED v4 report.
Learn more about The Cost of LEED v4 »Frequently asked questions
See all forum discussions about this credit »Documentation toolkit
The motherlode of cheat sheets
LEEDuser’s Documentation Toolkit is loaded with calculators to help assess credit compliance, tracking spreadsheets for materials, sample templates to help guide your narratives and LEED Online submissions, and examples of actual submissions from certified LEED projects for you to check your work against. To get your plaque, start with the right toolkit.
© Copyright U.S. Green Building Council, Inc. All rights reserved.
Intent
Pilot Credit Closed
This pilot credit is closed to new registrations
The Indoor Environmental Quality Technical Advisory Group (EQ TAG) is actively discussing new pathways for performance-based design and assessment in LEED. If you would like to be involved in these conversations or are wanting to use IAQP to comply with the minimum indoor air quality prerequisite please contact loaks@usgbc.org.
To reduce potential adverse health impacts to building occupants arising from exposure to indoor air compounds through implementation of a tiered ongoing monitoring and performance based indoor air quality assessment protocol. To establish a process of baseline testing and continual improvement testing/monitoring of indoor air quality in existing buildings.
Requirements
Establishment (E)
The IAQ assessment manager/team members and building owner shall review the procedures in Tiers 1, 2, and 3 below. The review must include a walkthrough of the entire project space, selection of test methods or monitoring devices (sensors or direct read instruments), selection of sampling and monitoring locations, and creation of an occupant evaluation approach. If using sensors or direct read instruments for testing contaminants in Table 2 (see guidance under Table 2 below), prepare for their installation and use. The monitoring devices must be calibrated per manufacturer recommendations and have the ability to be re-calibrated in the future with a minimum operational life of 2 years. Individuals performing the indoor air testing must be trained by the manufacturer on calibration methods, inspection, use, chain-of-custody, troubleshooting, and data retrieval for each instrument/sensor or monitoring device used. Document the status of any required maintenance plans or a status of ‘no further remediation required’ for any asbestos containing materials, lead, mercury, radon, and moisture in the building.Tier 1. Baseline IAQ evaluation (2 points)
Test the indoor and outdoor air for the contaminants listed in Tables 1 and 2 using an allowed test method and perform an occupant satisfaction evaluation with focus on perceived indoor air quality. The responses must be collected from a representative sample of building occupants making up at least 30% of the total occupants. Table 1. Mandatory indoor VOC contaminant testing| Contaminant VOC Compound (CAS#) | Concentration Limit (µg/m3) | Concentration Limit reference* | Allowed Test Methods** |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acetaldehyde 75-07-0 | 140 | Cal EPA OEHHA CRELS | ISO 16000-3, 6, EPA IP-1, EPA TO-17, ISO 16017-1, 2; ASTM D6345-10 |
| Benzene 71-43-2 | 3 | ||
| Styrene 100-42-5 | 900 | ||
| Toluene 108-88-3 | 300 | ||
| Naphthalene 91-20-3 | 9 | ||
| Dichlorobenzene (1,4-) 106-46-7 | 800 | ||
| Xylenes-total 108-38-3, 95-47-6, and 106-42-3 | 700 | ||
| Formaldehyde 50-00-0 | 20 (16 ppb) | NIOSH | ISO 16000-3, 4; EPA TO-11, EPA comp. IP-6 ASTM D5197 |
| Total volatile organic compounds (TVOC)*** | 500 | LEED v4 | ISO 16000-6 |
*Concentration limits derived from Cal EPA OEHHA CRELs (as of June 2016), NIOSH (as of April 2016), and LEED v4. See Behind the Intent in the reference guide content for more information.
**For Table 1, implement testing using referenced laboratory testing methods only.
*** VOC as defined in ISO 16000-6
Table 2. Mandatory inorganic contaminant testing
| Contaminant non- VOC inorganics | Concentration Limit | Concentration Limit reference* | Allowed Test Methods | Measure indoors and outdoors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ozone | 137 ug/m3 (0.07 ppm) | EPA NAAQS | ASTM D5149-02, ISO 13964, and/or monitoring devices** | Yes |
| CO | 10 mg/m3 and no greater than 2 mg/m3 above outdoors ( | EPA NAAQS | ISO 4224, EPA IP-3, and/or monitoring devices** | Yes |
| CO2 | 1000 ppm | treating CO2 as a pollutant that affects cognitive ability | ISO 4224, EPA IP-3, and/or monitoring devices** | Yes |
| PM 2.5 | 35 ug/m3 or 12 ug/m3*** | EPA NAAQS | EPA IP-10, and/or monitoring devices** | Yes |
*Concentration limits derived from EPA NAAQS as of March 2017. See Behind the Intent in the reference guide content for more information.
**Scientific and building grade monitoring devices (as defined in the Reference Guide) such as sensors or direct read instruments are also an allowed test method for the contaminants in Table 2. The devices must be calibrated in accordance with the device manufacturer’s recommendations and capable of measuring below the concentration limit and in the same measurement range as the laboratory method.
***Projects in areas with high ambient levels of PM2.5 (known EPA nonattainment areas for PM2.5, or local equivalent) must meet the 35 ug/m3 limit, all other projects must meet the 12 ug/m3 limit.
Tier 2. IAQ optimization (1-4 possible points)
Improvement over baseline (1 point)
Use the results from the baseline evaluation to identify opportunities for improving the indoor air quality in the building. Address at least one of these opportunities and demonstrate a reduction in the contaminant levels in the indoor air, and/or reduction in issues from site observations, and/or an improvement in occupant satisfaction within one year time of performing the baseline evaluation. AND/ORAchieve pass criteria for mandatory contaminant testing (1 point)
Demonstrate the measured concentrations in the indoor air are at or below the levels in Tables 1 and 2 and achieve 80% occupant acceptability. AND/OROptional contaminant testing (1-2 points)
Test the indoor air for contaminants not included in Tables 1 and 2 and compare the measured concentrations with a cognizant authority health-based limit. The contaminants tested must be either those listed in Tables 4 and 5 in the reference guide, or an alternative list pre-approved for the project by USGBC and GBCI. One point is awarded for testing and one point is awarded for demonstrating the measured concentrations in the indoor air are at or below the identified limit.Tier 3. Ongoing IAQ performance (3 points)
Implement annual contaminant lab testing for contaminants in Table 1 and implement annual contaminant lab testing, direct read testing, and/or continuous monitoring for the contaminants in Table 2 using the same methods as the baseline evaluation and commit to continue to collect the listed data annually for at a period of at least five years. Further, commit to perform an annual occupant evaluation for a period of at least five years. Demonstrate consistently once a year that indoor air quality limits in Table 1 and Table 2 and 80% occupant acceptability are met or are improved upon the baseline evaluation. If data reveal significant deviation from prior years or the baseline evaluation, investigate the deviations and implement and track corrective actions as needed.Performance (P)
Compile air testing, occupant evaluation results, and any relevant observations into yearly reports and commit to sharing these reports with USGBC for a minimum period of 5 years on an annual basis.POINT ALLOCATION
This pilot credit is an alternative approach to achieving several indoor air quality-related credits in the Indoor Environmental Quality credit category. Projects may earn points for this pilot credit as follows: Table 3. Points for pilot credit| Tier | Requirement | Points awarded |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1: Baseline IAQ evaluation | Walkthrough+ baseline testing+ occupant evaluation | 2 points under Indoor air quality management program |
| Tier 2. IAQ optimization | Improvement over baseline | 1 point under Enhanced Indoor air quality strategies |
| Achieve pass criteria for mandatory testing (contaminant limits in Table 1 and Table 2 + 80% occupant satisfaction) | 1 point under Green cleaning products and materials | |
| Optional contaminant testing: Perform testing | 1 point in Innovation credit | |
| Optional contaminant testing: Achieve pass criteria | 1 point under Enhanced Indoor air quality strategies | |
| Tier 3. Ongoing IAQ performance | Implement annual air testing and indoor air quality evaluation | 3 points in Innovation credit |
Submittals
General
- Participate in the LEEDuser pilot credit forum
- Complete the feedback survey:
Credit Specific
See the guide tab for documentation requirements.Changes
- Closed for registration on 8/12/2022
