Rating System

LEED BD+C: New Construction

Rating System Version

v2 - LEED 2.1

Inquiry

For a high school project, we are currently specifying all the air handlers with MERV-13 filters to comply with LEED 2.1; however, in the natatorium we are utilizing packaged dehumidification heat recovery equipment, for which there is very limited availability of equipment able to accomodate MERV-13 filters -- this is because the filter rack & unit mixing box configuration cannot typically accommodate larger, MERV-13 filters and fan performance is compromised with these larger, MERV-13 filters. Please note that typical applications of MERV 13 filters as classified by ASHRAE are for hospital impatient care, general surgery, smoking lounges and superior commercial buildings. Our application is for a natatorium environment, in which the dehumidification heat recovery equipment will not be used during construction, and which is relatively free of dust particles when occupied and in use. In order to comply with this Credit under LEED 2.1, can we utilize a lower MERV-rating for filters on the three packaged units serving the natatorium area, while retaining the MERV-13 filters for all of the other air-handling units in the high school?