Page 251 - Green Building Through Integrated Design
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A HIGH-PERFORMANCE LABORATORY PROJECT 227
7 Has our commissioning agent or authority prepared a commissioning plan at this
stage?
8 Do the specifications provide for an independent commissioning agent to review
selected equipment submittals from the contractors? Who will be responsible for
training building operators?
INDOOR ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
1 Does the HVAC design clearly separate areas of major chemical mixing or print-
ing from other users in the building? Can we use green cleaning measures to get
rid of chemical mixing entirely or avoid the need for separate ventilation systems?
2 Does the HVAC design provide for real-time monitoring of temperature and
humidity in the building, with feedback to operational controls?
3 Have we clearly specified external shading systems or high-performance glazing
components to support our daylighting design?
4 Can some of the external shading be designed to support building-integrated
photovoltaics?
5 Does the architectural design provide for structural floor-to-floor partitions for
areas of high pollutant mixing or generation, such as high-volume copying and
printing rooms?
6 Is there any smoking allowed in the building (e.g., in a bar or restaurant)? If so, is
there a separate ventilation system for such areas, with negative pressure, a sepa-
rate return and deck to deck partitions?
7 Are we specifying carbon dioxide monitors to control ventilation levels in the
building and especially in areas of high-occupancy, such as conference rooms?
8 Are we choosing carbon dioxide monitors for our project that have a long life in
the field, an accuracy of at least 75 ppm and can go at least 5 years between
calibrations?
9 If we have operable windows, how are the HVAC zones going to be controlled?
10 How will disputes between users over when to open the windows be mediated?
Will we rely on an “impersonal” system such as red lights and green lights?
11 Have sensors for all lighting controls been specified for long life? Have they been
located in areas that are easy to service, and can they be replaced easily?
12 Have we clearly specified the use of low-VOC paints and coatings in the building?
13 Have we clearly specified the use of low-VOC sealants and adhesives everywhere
in the construction in the building?
14 Have we clearly specified the use of low-VOC carpets and floor coverings in the
building?
15 Have we investigated how to prove that all engineered wood or agrifiber products
in the building are free of urea-formaldehyde (UF)?
16 Will all casework be constructed of UF-free products? Will it meet low-VOC off-
gassing standards?
17 Have we designed permanent entryway systems (grills or grates) to capture dirt
and contamination and keep it out of the building?