Indoor Environmental Quality

To establish minimum indoor air quality performance by ensuring adequate ventilation and filtration.

Meet or exceed the minimum ventilation requirements of ASHRAE 62.1 or the applicable local ventilation standard. Verify that all outdoor air intake systems are functioning properly. Ensure all air filtration systems meet minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) ratings as required by ASHRAE 62.1. Conduct ventilation verification at least annually. Maintain records of filter replacement and ventilation system maintenance.

To prevent or minimize exposure of building occupants and visitors to environmental tobacco smoke.

Prohibit smoking inside the building and within 25 feet (7.5 meters) of building entrances, operable windows, and outdoor air intakes. Post no-smoking signage at all building entrances and in prominent locations. For residential buildings, prohibit smoking in all common areas and ensure smoke-free units. Implement and enforce a no-smoking policy throughout the project boundary.

To achieve and maintain improved indoor air quality to support occupant health and well-being.

Conduct indoor air quality monitoring or testing during building occupancy. Measure concentrations of key pollutants including CO2, PM2.5, PM10, formaldehyde, total volatile organic compounds (TVOC), and carbon monoxide. Compare results to established health-based thresholds. Points are awarded based on the percentage of contaminants that meet target concentration levels.

To provide enhanced ventilation rates and strategies to improve indoor air quality and occupant comfort.

For 3 pts: Exceed ASHRAE 62.1 minimum ventilation rates by at least 30% in all occupied spaces. Demonstrate compliance through monitoring or calculation.

For 4 pts: Exceed ASRAE 62.1 minimum ventilation rates by at least 30% and implement demand-controlled ventilation in densely occupied spaces (occupancy greater than 25 people per 1000 sq ft). Install CO2 sensors in densely occupied spaces.

For 5 pts: Complete above plus provide outdoor air to all occupied spaces using dedicated outdoor air systems or displacement ventilation. Implement continuous IAQ monitoring with real-time display.

To enhance occupant experience through improved thermal comfort, lighting quality, and acoustic performance.

For 1 pt: Conduct an occupant experience survey covering thermal comfort, lighting quality, acoustic environment, and overall satisfaction. Achieve a minimum 70% satisfaction rate. Implement at least 2 improvements based on survey results.

For 2 pts: Complete above plus implement individual comfort controls for at least 50% of regular occupants (adjustable lighting, thermal controls, acoustic options). Provide access to daylight and views for at least 75% of regularly occupied spaces.

For 3 pts: Complete above plus achieve 80%+ occupant satisfaction rate. Implement a continuous feedback system for reporting comfort issues. Demonstrate measurable improvement in satisfaction over the performance period.

To ensure the building is maintained and operated in a way that supports indoor environmental quality and occupant well-being.

For 1 pt: Implement a green cleaning program covering at least 75% of the building area. Use cleaning products that meet recognized environmental standards (Green Seal, UL ECOLOGO, or EPA Safer Choice). Train cleaning staff on green cleaning protocols.

For 2 pts: Complete above plus implement an integrated pest management (IPM) plan with quarterly inspections. Conduct annual IAQ assessments. Maintain HVAC systems per manufacturer recommendations and ASHRAE standards.

For 3 pts: Complete above plus implement a preventive maintenance tracking system. Conduct occupant comfort assessments at least twice per year. Demonstrate measurable improvements in facility conditions over the performance period.

To enhance indoor air quality through improved air filtration to remove particulate matter and other contaminants.

Install air filters with a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) of 13 or higher in all HVAC systems that supply outdoor air to occupied spaces. Ensure filters are properly sealed to prevent bypass. Implement a filter maintenance program that includes regular inspection and replacement per manufacturer guidelines. Monitor pressure drop across filters to optimize replacement timing.

To create indoor spaces that are resilient to disruptions and can maintain acceptable environmental conditions during emergencies.

Designate at least one resilient space within the building that can maintain habitable conditions during an emergency or utility disruption. The resilient space must include: backup power or off-grid capability, independent ventilation system, access to potable water, emergency communication capability, and thermal insulation to maintain acceptable temperatures for at least 72 hours without active HVAC. Document the resilient space design and operating procedures.

To reduce the exposure of building occupants and maintenance personnel to potentially hazardous chemical and biological contaminants from cleaning products and processes.

For 1 pt: Implement a green cleaning policy covering at least 75% of the building. Use sustainable cleaning products and equipment. Train staff on green cleaning procedures. Use microfiber cleaning tools to reduce chemical use.

For 2 pts: Complete above plus implement green cleaning for 100% of the building. Use only cleaning products certified by Green Seal, UL ECOLOGO, or EPA Safer Choice. Implement an entryway cleaning system (grilles, grates, mats) at all high-traffic entrances. Conduct annual green cleaning audits.

To control pests through the least toxic means possible to minimize exposure of building occupants to pesticides.

Implement an integrated pest management (IPM) plan that emphasizes prevention and nonchemical control methods. The IPM plan must include: regular monitoring and inspection, identification of pest-conducive conditions, implementation of preventive measures (sealing, sanitation, habitat modification), use of nonchemical controls first (traps, exclusion, biological controls), use of least-toxic chemical controls only as a last resort, notification of occupants before any pesticide application. Maintain pest management logs documenting all activities and outcomes.