Breathe Easier with LEED Certification

Roughly 40 million Americans have asthma, which is partially attributed to indoor air pollution. There are typically two to five times more pollutants indoors than outside. To prevent such pollution, buildings must control contaminant sources, provide proper ventilation, manage humidity and have adequate filtration.

LEED certification can provide a breath of fresh air to your building projects. The Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) category of LEED Building Design and Construction represents about 15% of total LEED points, and extra points can be earned for indoor air quality (IAQ). You can also earn credits for IAQ with LEED Interior Design and Construction.

Prerequisites involve achieving a minimum indoor air quality performance and establishing a no-smoking policy. During the design phase, determine what optional credits are appropriate. You should also prioritize IAQ during the initial HVAC design and in the construction phase.

Managing the construction process

Implementing a construction IAQ management plan can be accomplished at minimal or no cost. Construction management plans help reduce health risks for workers and have a major impact on the life of the building. These plans — typically written by the contractor — must be completed before construction and should include detailed specifications.

During construction, all control measures recommended by the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association must be met. Protect absorptive materials from moisture damage and replace filters prior to occupancy.

Low-emitting materials

This credit focuses on volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions inside the building and the VOC content of materials. Different products have different compliance thresholds. Testing methods for indoor emissions are outlined.

This category is also relatively inexpensive to implement. BuildingGreen.com offers a directory of more than 2,000 green products based on unbiased, independent product research.

Indoor air quality assessment

This credit helps establish better IAQ after construction and during occupancy. A flush-out before occupancy or air testing after construction and before occupancy is required. Before testing, make sure outdoor conditions regarding humidity, temperature and external air quality are acceptable. Include the option you choose in your management plan for the pre-occupancy phase.

Enhanced indoor air quality

This credit is much more expensive to implement because it requires additional ventilation equipment, such as carbon dioxide monitoring systems, to prevent contaminants from entering the building. Proper ventilation reduces contaminants and carbon dioxide and improves productivity and comfort.

Document your ventilation plan, including expected levels. Adjust ventilation levels if occupancy changes over time. Keep records of original calculations for each zone.

Proper training of building maintenance staff is critical to maintaining air quality. The maintenance program should include monitoring outdoor air delivery, as well as scheduled cleaning, filter replacement and exhaust testing.

Good IAQ can enhance productivity, decrease absenteeism, improve building value and reduce liability. For assistance in navigating LEED certification, please contact your TXU Energy sales executive or email us at business@txu.com.