The intent of this credit is to implement a building flushout or Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) test to demonstrate air quality problems will be reduced from the construction/renovation process.

Requirements for Certification:

OPTION 1 - Flushout

Supply a total air volume of 14,000 cu. ft. of outdoor air per sq. ft. of floor area maintaining a temperature of at least 60F and relative humidity less than 60% prior to occupancy. All interior finishes must be installed prior to flushout.

If occupancy is desired prior to completion of flushout, space may be occupied after 3,500 cu.ft. of outdoor air per sq. ft. of floor area has been delivered. Consequently, the space must be ventilated with at least 0.30 cfm / sq. ft. of outside air until 14,000 cu. ft. of outdoor air per sq. ft. of floor area has been delivered.

OPTION 2 - Air Quality Testing

Conduct baseline IAQ testing after construction and prior to occupancy following the testing protocols determined by the United States Environmental Protection Agency Compendium of Methods for the Determination of Air Pollutants in Indoor Air.

Maximum concentration limits for contaminants defined by LEED must not be exceeded for credit compliance.

Successful Strategies:

• If flushout option, incorporate 2-week period in construction schedule early in design.
• If IAQ test option, determine if the associated cost will be a contractor's or owner's contingency.

Helpful Hints:

1. Consider including both flush-out and testing options in the specifications to allow the construction schedule to dictate whether the two-week building flush-out is feasible. Alternatively, if the schedule does not permit, IAQ testing is already in the project budget.
2. It is possible to stage the flushing of a building if areas are separated physically and the mechanical systems can operate separately. Once the area has been flushed out, however, it is necessary to maintain separation from areas under construction per SMACNA Guidelines for Occupied Buildings.
3. If IAQ testing is chosen, quality control in the field will be more stringent due to strict LEED requirements about what can and cannot be present during testing (furniture, etc.).
4. Commissioning activities may occur during the building flush-out period.

Historical Data (updated June 2006):

• 52% of all California LEED Certified projects achieved this credit for LEED v2.1.

Additional EDR Resources

Design Briefs: Indoor Air Quality

Design Briefs: Field Review