SUSTAINABLE BUILDINGS

Asset Classes

Focus Area

Accessibility and Wellness

Topic

Comfort, Views and Acoustics

Question #

A2.2 – Relative Humidity

Question

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

Applicability

All asset classes 
Owner/landlord occupied building
Tenant occupied building

Answer & Scoring

  • Yes = 2 points
  • No = 0 points
  • Not applicable – Tenant occupied building: No systems managed by the owner/landlord OR Humidification systems were considered but deemed not necessary = 0/0

Max of 2 points

Requirements

  1. Demonstrate ASHRAE 55 is maintained at the building

Documentation

  • BAS logs or equivalent Documentation showing humidity set point

Suggested Lead

In-house

Value

  • Keep relative humidity (RH) at a building within the recommended range to maintain occupant comfort
  • If the relative humidity is too high, occupants may feel uncomfortable, and the building may suffer with condensation issues which can lead to mold developing in building materials
  • If the relative humidity is too low, the air will feel dry leading to general occupant discomfort and an increased risk of viral transmission

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 mold 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 bioburden 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%.

References

Adapted BB 3.0 Question

New in BOMA BEST 4.0