SUSTAINABLE BUILDINGS

Asset Classes

Focus Area

Indoor Air Quality and Hazards

Topic

Ventilation and Exhaust

Question #

I2.4 – CO Monitoring in Parking Areas

Question

Do carbon monoxide (CO) concentrations in enclosed parking garages and loading docks meet minimum thresholds?

Applicability

All asset classes
Owner/landlord occupied building
Tenant occupied building

Answer & Scoring

  • Yes – CO is tested = 1point
  • Yes – CO sensors installed = 2 points
  • No = 0 point
  • Not Applicable – There are no enclosed parking garages or loading docks = 0/0

Max of 2 points

Requirements

    1. If IAQ testing data is available, provide representative sampling that:
      • Demonstrates that CO levels are below 25 ppm
      • Is conducted at least annually and captures high traffic periods
    2. If sensors are installed:
      • Demonstrate that concentrations of carbon monoxide are monitored continuously
      • Provide sensor details (electrochemical or metal oxide semi-conductor with a resolution of 1 ppm)
      • Show that sensors are calibrated in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications
      • Confirm that CO levels are below 25 ppm. Provide sensor logs and/or IAQ testing data for these locations

Note that this question is pertinent to the systems installed prior to and/or during tenancy and must be answered regardless of whether the systems are managed by the tenant.

Documentation

  • IAQ testing results

OR

  • IAQ sensor data

Suggested Lead

In-house, with third-party support

Value

  • Carbon monoxide (CO) is a gas emitted from internal combustion vehicles that can present serious health risks to humans
  • Monitor CO levels in enclosed parking areas to ensure levels stay within a safe range by either testing CO levels annually or installing real-time CO sensors
  • HVAC systems can be adjusted to respond to high CO levels in real-time to maintain a healthy indoor environment

Description

Carbon monoxide emissions from internal combustion vehicles can present a serious health and safety risk. Monitoring carbon monoxide within enclosed parking areas and loading docks can help identify exposures before they exceed current occupational exposure limits.

The current ACGIH Threshold Limit Values for carbon monoxide exposure is 25 ppm.

References

Adapted BB 3.0 Question

Question 03.04.06 – Is the enclosed parking garage and/or gas/fuel-fired equipment room ventilated?