The intent of this credit is to encourage project teams to employ carbon dioxide monitoring to provide feedback on space ventilation performance. Carbon dioxide monitoring, when paired with demand based ventilation systems, improve energy efficiency.

Requirements for Certification:

For mechanically ventilated spaces:

Install carbon dioxide monitors between 3 feet and 6 feet above the floor within all spaces occupied by 25 or more people per 1000 sq. ft.

Install outdoor airflow measurement devices (+/- 15% accuracy of design minimum outdoor air rate) for each HVAC system serving non-densely occupied spaces.

For naturally ventilated spaces:

Install carbon dioxide monitors between 3 feet and 6 feet above the floor. One carbon dioxide sensor may be used to represent multiple spaces if the design meets requirements.

Successful Strategies:

• Combine carbon dioxide monitors with demand based ventilation.
• Include carbon dioxide sensor points in BAS/DDC for system design automation.

Helpful Hints:

1. Operational adjustment of building systems due to CO 2 monitor feedback can be interpreted as either automatic adjustment or manual adjustment.
2. A carbon dioxide monitoring system can provide substantial energy cost savings in limiting the amount of unnecessary outside air for ventilation purposes.
3. Specify carbon dioxide controlled ventilation in those areas with highly variable occupancy
4. Provide a separate minimum outdoor airflow measuring station for each HVAC system

Historical Data (updated June 2006):

• 61% of all California LEED Certified projects achieved this credit for LEED v2.1.

Additional EDR Resources

Case Studies: Displacement Ventilation in Classrooms

Case Studies: Title 24 and Savings By Design

Design Briefs: Indoor Air Quality

Design Briefs: Options & Opportunities

Design Guidelines: Commissioning Guidelines - Appendix 5