Indoor Air Quality and LEED. A high-quality building—one that is holistically developed using a system like LEED. Building owners and architects have been doing more to obtain LEED credits during the design and construction of new buildings in order to make them more energy-efficient, and occupant-friendly as it relates to Indoor Air Quality. One of the methods for obtaining LEED credits involves the collection of air samples, prior to occupancy with the HVAC system operating as designed and includes the following:
Better buildings, better productivity
Healthy indoor environments, one that employers, investors, building developers, and owners are discovering. A better (IEQ) indoor environmental quality is better for people—and people are the most valuable resource in most organizations, typically accounting for 90 percent of business operating costs. Even a 1 percent improvement in productivity or in reduced absenteeism can have a major impact on the bottom line and competitiveness of any business. A 2012 study found that companies that adopt more rigorous standards are associated with higher labor productivity, by an average of 16 percent, over non-green firms.
A Holistic System For IEQ
To have a high-quality (IAQ) Indoor Air Quality, you need a high-quality building—one that is holistically developed using a system like LEED. You can’t have a high-performing indoor space if the building itself is wasting energy, water, and other resources. You can’t ensure health in a building that is constructed on land unsuitable for development. You can’t ensure well-being in a building that is not optimized for the systems inside. You can’t have a more comfortable indoor environment in a building that is contributing to the heat island effect. All of these components contribute to the LEED rating system and what ensures a high-performing building from the inside out.
The (IEQ) Indoor Air Quality and LEED
The relationship between the Indoor Air Quality and LEEDand the health and comfort of occupants is complex. Local customs and expectations, occupant activities, and the building’s site, design, and construction are just a few variables that make it harder to measure. However, there are many ways to quantify the direct effect of a building on its occupants.
Our technique combines traditional approaches with emerging design strategies. Traditional approaches include ventilation and thermal control, while the emerging design techniques involve advanced lighting metrics, acoustics, and a holistic emissions-based approach.
- IAQ-related volatile organic compounds (TVOCs)
- Carbon monoxide
- 4-phenyl-cyclohexene.
- Formaldehyde
- Mold
EE&G’s Industrial Hygiene group can the necessary sampling to comply with testing requirements and produce the necessary documentation to air the architect or building owner obtaining LEED credits. If you need any of these services, please contact us.