SUSTAINABLE BUILDINGS

Asset Classes

Focus Area

Accessibility and Wellness

Topic

Thermal Comfort

Question #

A2.2 — Relative Humidity

Question

Is Relative Humidity (RH) maintained according to ASHRAE 55?

Applicability

Applicable to all buildings (systems or equipment in the owner or landlord’s control)

Answer

Select one of the following:

    • Yes
    • Not Applicable – Question A2.1 Answered Not Applicable or No
    • No

Description

Maintaining relative humidity in the proper range can prevent occupant complaints and condensation issues on building finishes. High relative humidity can cause discomfort and can also Suggested Lead to condensation and mould growth within buildings. Low relative humidity causes dryness and is a common indoor air quality complaint during winter months.

As per ASHRAE’s Epidemic Task Force, Building Readiness Guide, maintaining the space relative humidity between 40% and 60% decreases the bio-burden of infectious particles in the space and decreases the infectivity of many viruses in the air. Some regions recommend humidity levels are maintained between 30% to 50%.

Requirements

a. Demonstrate ASHRAE 55 is maintained at the building

Documentation

  • BAS logs or equivalent Documentation showing humidity set point

Adapted BB3 Question

New in BOMA BEST 4.0

Suggested Lead

In-house

References

Crosswalk

TBD

Other Notes

None

Scoring

2 Points

Verification