Page 237 - Alternative Energy Systems in Building Design

LEED 213

Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) control, prerequisite no. 2 This is a
prerequisite that mandates the provision of dedicated smoking areas within buildings
that can effectively capture and remove tobacco and cigarette smoke from the build-
ing. To comply with this requirement, designated smoking rooms must be enclosed
and designed with impermeable walls and have a negative pressure (air being sucked
in rather than being pushed out) compared with the surrounding quarters. On comple-
tion of construction, designated smoking rooms are tested by the use of a tracer-gas
method defined by ASHRAE standards that impose a maximum of 1 percent tracer-
gas escape from the ETS area. This measure is readily achieved by installing a sepa-
rate ventilation system that creates a slight negative room pressure. The point weight
awarded for this measure is 1.

Outdoor air-delivery monitoring, credit no. 1 As the title implies, the intent
of this measure is to provide an alarm monitoring and notification system for indoor
and outdoor spaces. The maximum permitted carbon dioxide level is 530 ppm. To
comply with the measure, HVAC systems are required to be equipped with a carbon
dioxide monitoring and annunciation system, which is usually a component of building
automation systems. The point weight awarded for this measure is 1.

Increased ventilation, credit no. 2 This measure is intended for HVAC designs
to promote outdoor fresh-air circulation for building occupants’ health and comfort.
A credit of 1 point is awarded for adherence to the ASHRAE guideline for naturally
ventilated spaces where air distribution is achieved in a laminar-flow pattern. Some
HVAC design strategies used include displacement and low-velocity ventilation,
plug-flow or under-floor air delivery, and operable windows that allow natural air
circulation.

Construction (IAQ) air quality management plan, credit no. 3 This measure
applies to air quality management during renovation processes to ensure that occupants
are prevented from exposure to moisture and air contaminants. One credit is awarded
for installation of absorptive materials that prevent moisture damage and filtration
media to prevent space contamination by particulates and airborne materials. A second
point is awarded for a minimum of flushing out of the entire space by displacement with
outside air for a period of 2 weeks prior to occupancy. At the end of the filtration period,
a series of tests is performed to measure the air contaminants.

Low-emitting materials, credit no. 4 This measure is intended to reduce indoor
air contaminants resulting from airborne particulates such as paints and sealants. Four
specific areas of concern include the following: (1) adhesives, fillers, and sealants,
(2) primers and paints, (3) carpet, and (4) composite wood and agrifiber products that
contain urea-formaldehyde resins. Each of these product applications is controlled by
various agencies, such as the California Air Quality Management District, the Green
Seal Council, and the Green Label Indoor Air Quality Test Program. The point weight
awarded for each of the four measures is 1.