Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ)
Bake-Out
A process used to remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from a building by elevating the temperature in the fully furnished and ventilated building prior to human occupancy.
Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV)
A rating that indicates the efficiency of air filters in the mechanical system. MERV ratings range from 1 (very low efficiency) to 16 (very high efficiency).
ASHRAE
American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers
Carbon Dioxide Concentration
An indicator of ventilation effectiveness inside buildings. CO2 concentrations greater than 530 parts per million (ppm) above outdoor conditions generally indicate inadequate ventilation. Absolute concentrations of greater than 800 to 1000 ppm generally indicate poor air quality for breathing. CO2 builds up in a space when there is not enough ventilation.
Floor Area Calculations and Floor Plans
Compliance is based on the percentage of floor area that meets the credit requirements
Design for Proper Ventilation
Consider the number of occupants in each space and the activities they will be engaged in. Make sure that the ventilation system, whether natural or mechanical is sized appropriately and can provide enough fresh air
Improvements to the Indoor Environment
GBCI Exam Areas of Focus
Q: If a project team increases the ventilation in a building and adds quality views to occupant spaces what will be the result?
Improved productivity of the occupants
Ergonomics
the study of people's efficiency in their working environment.
Give Occupants Temperature and Ventilation Control
In mechanically ventilated buildings, provide thermostats that allow occupants to control the temperature in their immediate environment. Provide adjustable air diffusers that allow occupants to adjust the air flow as well
Industrial Facilities
Most active warehouses and storage areas are considered multioccupant; most areas are also regularly occupied
Q: In addition to prohibiting smoking within the building, where is it also important to prohibit smoking to reduce occupant exposure to harmful airborne chemicals?
Near building entrances & adjacent to building air intakes - Smoking near building entrances or near building air intakes allows infiltration of environmental tobacco smoke into the building interior, thereby exposing occupants to harmful airborne chemicals
R: How do you balance ventilation and comfort versus energy efficiency?
Need to strike right balance between energy use and human health; there are also various efficient ways to ventilate an area that can be employed in the design phase like high-efficiency air filters and positioning for maximum air flow
Ensure Adequate Ventilation
Operate ventilation system to supply ample outside air to the occupants. Follow the most recent industry standards, such as ASHRAE Standard 62, Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality
Q: Thermal comfort is typically attributed to what environmental factors?
Humidity, air speed, and temperature (air temperature and radiant temperature) - Defined by ASHRAE Standard 55
Conduct Custodial Effectiveness Assessment
Identify opportunities for improving building cleanliness and reducing occupants' exposure to potentially harmful biological and particulate contaminants
Install Operable Windows
If possible, provide windows that can be opened to the outside. To save energy, sensors may be included to inform the HVAC system to shut down if a window is open
Test for Radon or Other On-Site Contaminants
If present, include a ventilation system to address possible emissions
Densely Occupied Space
an area with a design occupant density of 25 people or more per 1,000 square feet (93 square meters)
Protect Materials and Equipment
Protect materials from moisture exposure, protect and cap ducts and mechanical systems
Environmental Impact
Human health, work quality, comfort, reduce contamination or indoor emissions
Q: According to the EPA, what percentage of time do Americans spend indoors?
90% - Americans spend 90% of their time indoors, where concentrations of harmful contaminants may be dangerously high
Sick Building Syndrome (SBS)
A combination of symptoms, experienced by occupants of a building, that appear to be linked to time spent in the building but cannot be traced to a specific cause. Complaints may be localized in a particular room or zone or be spread throughout the building. (EPA)
Use Integrated Pest Management
A coordinated program of nonchemical strategies such as monitoring and baiting, will reduce the need for pesticides and other potentially toxic contaminants
Commissioning Report
A document that details the commissioning process, including a commissioning program overview, identification of the commissioning team, and description of the commissioning process activities.
Commissioning Plan
A document that outlines the organization, schedule, allocation of resources, and documentation requirements of the commissioning process.
Q: What does ASHRAE Standard 52.2 relate to?
ASHRAE 52.2 relates to Indoor Air Quality and MERV filtration levels for achieving low levels of indoor air particulates.
Contaminant
An unwanted airborne element that may reduce indoor air quality (ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2007)
Pollutant
Any substance introduced into the environment that harms the usefulness of a resource or the health of humans, animals, or ecosytems. (EPA) Air pollutants include emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), mercury (Hg), small particulates (PM2.5), and large particulates (PM10).
Windows
Appropriately sized and located windows can dramatically increase the amount of daylight introduced into a space; clerestory windows, light shelves, and reflective paint and materials bounce and diffuse the natural light. Low cubicle partitions allow daylight to travel, adjustable window shades give occupants control over excessive brightness and glare
Individual Occupant Space
Area where someone performs distinct tasks (ex. medical office, private office, study carrel)
Conduct a Flush-Out
Before occupancy, flush out off-gassed compounds and other contaminants left behind at the end of construction
Q: Demand-controlled ventilation is typically adjusted in response to ____?
Carbon Dioxide Concentrations - Demand-controlled ventilation modulates the delivery of outdoor air into the building based on occupancy. In many cases, outdoor airflow is increased when the building automation system detects increased carbon dioxide concentrations
Q: Which of the following most likely contributes to both Indoor Environmental Quality and Energy & Atmosphere
Daylighting strategies and Natural Ventilation
Daylight
Decrease the need for artificial lighting, daylight controls help in dimming or during down electrical lights entirely when daylight is sufficient; lighting should be zoned
Q: Which strategy supports improved indoor air quality?
Design systems to deliver ample outside air - Delivering high volumes of outside air into the building interior dilutes indoor air contaminants, thereby improving indoor air quality
Use Daylighting
Design the building to provide ample access to natural light and views for the occupants. Optimize access to views by using low partitions and vision panels
Non-regularly Occupied Spaces
Do not meet the definition of regularly occupied; areas that people pass through or areas used an average of less than one hour per person per day (ex. break room, restroom, copy room)
Occupied Space
Enclosed areas intended for human activities
Regularly Occupied Spaces
Enclosed areas where people normally spend time, defined as more than one hour of continuous occupancy per person per day, on average; the occupants may be seated or standing as they work, study, or perform other activities (ex. Auditorium, food service facility, meeting room)
Q: A building design in a cool climate includes daylighting, natural ventilation, operable windows, and individual lighting controls. What else can be included in the design to improve occupant comfort and control?
Ergonomic desks
Auditoriums
Exceptions to Daylight and Quality Views are permitted
Gymnasiums
Exceptions to Quality Views are permitted, Thermal Comfort has more guidance on dealing with high levels of physical activity
Keep Building Clean During Construction
Follow good housekeeping and dust control during construction
Transportation Terminals
For Thermal Comfort and Interior Lighting, most of the areas in a transportation terminal can be considered multioccupant; most areas are also regularly occupied
R: Why is it important to provide lighting and thermal comfort controls to building occupants?
Fosters partnership between occupants and the buildings, and increases the likelihood that occupants will be advocates for operational practices such as turning off lights when they are not in use
EQ Goals
Good indoor environmental quality protect the health and comfort of building occupants, enhance productivity, decrease absenteeism, improve the building's value, and reduce liability for building designers and owners; other factors like air quality, lighting quality, acoustic design, surrounding control
Use Entryway Systems
Have grilles, grates, or mats at building entrances to reduce the dust, dirt, and contaminants brought into the facility by people's shoes. Develop cleaning procedures to properly maintain the entryway systems
Provide Ergonomic Furniture
Include furniture that is adjustable to prevent repetitive stress injuries
Q: A school project in predesign would like to incorporate building strategies to maximize student learning. Which strategies should be considered to achieve this goal?
Incorporate daylight into classrooms & consider acoustical issues in core learning spaces - Studies show how improved daylight in classrooms increases student learning, with one study showing 20% faster progression in math and 26% faster progression in reading. High-performance acoustics foster effective teacher-student and student-student communication
EQ Overview
Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) encompasses the conditions inside a building—air quality, lighting, thermal conditions, ergonomics—and their effects on occupants or residents.
Prohibit Smoking
Institute a no-smoking policy for the building and around building entrances, operable windows, and air intakes
Space Categorization
Interactions between the occupants and the building and the indoor spaces in which they spend their time; important to identify which spaces are used by the occupants, including visitors, and what activities they perform in each space
Indoor Environmental Quality (EQ)
LEED Rating System Credit Category
Protect Air that comes into the Building
Locate air intakes away from likely exhaust sources, such as idling vehicles or smoking areas. Use air filtration to remove outdoor air contaminants. The filters should have high minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) ratings. The higher the MERV rating the greater the particulates captured by the filter
Q: Which minimizes air contaminants during construction?
Low VOC adhesives and sealants and Following the SMACNA Guidelines - the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors National Association (SMACNA) provides guidelines that address indoor air quality during contruction
Residential Spaces
Minimum Indoor Air Quality Performance and Enviornmental Tobacco Smoke have specific requirements and considerations for residential projects
Q: Which of the following helps earn points for Increased Ventilation?
Passive Ventilation, Active mechanical ventilation - Active and passive ventilation both contribute to increased ventilation. The other options might improve air quality, but they do not contribute to the Increased Ventilation Credit
Calibrate Sensors
Perform routine preventative maintenance, such as calibrating sensors and monitors, to ensure that accurate data are used to modulate systems
Unoccupied Spaces
Places intended primarily for other purposes, occupied only occasionally and for short periods of time, inactive areas (ex. mechanical room, closet etc)
R: What are some key strategies for achieving high indoor environmental quality?
Prohibit smoking, ensure adequate ventilation, monitor carbon dioxide, install high-efficiency filters, specify low-emitting materials, use integrated pest management, conduct a flush-out, employ green cleaning program
Give Occupants Lighting Control
Provide adjustable lighting controls so that occupants can match lighting levels to their tasks. These may be designed in combination with daylight and occupancy sensors to conserve energy
Lighting
Providing enough lighting for particular tasks is critical to protect occupants' eyesight over time and office productivity
Particulates
Solid particles or liquid droplets in the atmosphere. The chemical composition of particulates varies, depending on location and time of year. Sources include dust, emissions from industrial processes, combustion products from the burning of wood and coal, combustion products associated with motor vehicle or nonroad engine exhausts, and reactions to gases in the atmosphere. (EPA)
Q: Which of the following should a green cleaning policy include?
Standards for selecting products and technologies and certification of cleaning equipment
Ventilation Rate
The amount of air circulated through a space; measured in air changes per hour (the quantity of infiltration air in cubic feet per minute divided by the volume of the room). Proper ventilation rates, as prescribed by ASHRAE Standard 62, ensure that enough air is supplied for the number of occupants to prevent accumulation of carbon dioxide and other pollutants in the space.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
The amount of carbon compounds that participate in atmospheric photochemical reactions and vaporize (become a gas) at normal room temperature, measured in grams per liter. VOCs off-gas from many materials, including adhesives, sealants, paints, carpets, and particleboard. Limiting VOC concentration protects the health of both construction personnel and building occupants.
Daylighting
The controlled admission of natural light into a space, used to reduce or eliminate electric lighting.
Off-Gassing
The emission of volatile organic compounds from synthetic and natural products.
Air Quality Standards
The level of pollutants prescribed by regulations that is not to be exceeded during a given time in a defined area (EPA)
Indoor Air Quality
The nature of air inside the space that affects the health and well-being of building occupants. It is considered acceptable when there are no known contaminants at harmful concentrations and a substantial majority (80% or more) of the occupants do not express dissatisfaction (ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2007).
Flush-Out
The operation of mechanical systems for a minimum of two weeks using 100 percent outside air at the end of construction and prior to building occupancy to ensure safe indoor air quality.
Controllability of Systems
The percentage of occupants who have direct control over temperature, airflow, and lighting in their spaces.
Commissioning (Cx)
The process of verifying and documenting that a building and all of its systems and assemblies are planned, designed, installed, tested, operated, and maintained to meet the owner's project requirements.
Ambient Temperature
The temperature of the surrounding air or other medium (EPA)
Thermal Comfort
The temperature, humidity, and airflow ranges within which the majority of people are most comfortable. Because people dress and feel differently depending on the season, thermal comfort levels vary with the season. Control setpoints for HVAC systems should vary accordingly, to ensure that occupants are comfortable and energy is conserved.
Q: An operable window is considered what type of control
Thermal comfort control - Operable windows allow occupants to make adjustments to the air speed and temperature within the building, thereby controlling multiple environmental conditions for thermal comfort
Dormitories and Military Barracks
These spaces fall in between a work space and residence; areas with personal work spaces are considered individual occupant spaces; without personal work spaces are considered shared multioccupant
Develop and Implement a Green Cleaning Policy
To minimize the introduction of contaminants, outline procedures and goals for the custodial program at the facility. This policy should specify standards for selecting cleaning products and technologies, such as Green Seal standards, California Code of Regulations, and certification of cleaning equipment from the Carpet and Rug Institute
Monitor Outdoor Airflow
Use an outdoor airflow measurement device that can measure and control the minimum outdoor airflow rate
Design for Entryway Systems
Use grilles, grates, or mats at building entrances to reduce the dust, dirt, and contaminants carried into the facility by people's shoes
Specify Low-Emitting Materials
Use materials with low VOC emissions
Monitor Carbon Dioxide
Use monitors and integrate them with a ventilation system that regulates the supply of air based on occupants' demand. With demand-controlled ventilation, air flow is automatically increased if concentrations exceed a setpoint
Include Appropriate Acoustic Design
Use soft surfaces and other strategies to ensure that sound levels remain comfortable for the activity level of the space
Conduct Occupant Surveys
Use valid survey protocols to assess occupants' satisfaction with the indoor environment. Evaluate results to identify areas of dissatisfaction and prepare a corrective action plan to make the necessary operational changes
Q: The abbreviation VOC refers to ____?
Volatile Organic Compounds - are volatile at room temperature. Many of them are harmful to humans
Shared Multioccupant Space
a place of congregation, or where occupants pursue overlapping or collaborative tasks (ex. active warehouse and storage, hotel lobby, hospital exam room)
