Rating System

LEED BD+C: New Construction, LEED BD+C: Schools, LEED ID+C: Commercial Interiors

Rating System Version

v2 - LEED 2.2, v2 - Schools 2007, v2 - LEED 2.0

Inquiry

This CIR is in reference to a 55,000 sf healthplex project in a colder climate. The project includes a wellness center, occupational therapy offices, as well as rehabiltation offices and a pool area. The project team opted to attempt Option 1 of EQ 3.2 Construction IAQ Management Plan. After 3 1/2 days of 100% outside air, the team had reached the 3,500 cu.ft. of outdoor space per sq. ft. of floor area. However, the weather in our region turned colder and precluded the mechanical contractor from continuing with the flush-out plan. The RTUs on the project need to run at approximately 40% to achieve the rest of the flush out, but anything higher than approximately 20% could potentially hurt the units if they had to keep indoor air above 60 degrees and 60% humidiity. The RTUs are currently running at their set point of 20% and flushing out the building slowly, though not achieving the .3 cfm. This is our CIR request: The colder weather in this region creates a great obstacle for achieving the .3 cfm during the winter months. The team can\'t feasibly, based on the weather, achieve the .3 cfm requirement currently without harming the building systems and occupants. Have we met the intent of the credit by achieving the phase 1 of option 1 and calculating the flush-out based on the current rates until the 14,000 cu.ft. is achieved, or, do we need to wait until a later date (after occupancy) to resume the flush-out to the rates specified by the LEED Reference Guide once the weather is warmer? The project team requests that an alternative compliance be granted based on the extenuating circumstances.