SUSTAINABLE BUILDINGS

Asset Classes

Focus Area

Indoor Air Quality and Hazards

Topic

Ventilation and Exhaust

Question #

I2.1a – Owner or landlord maintains Outdoor Air

Question

Do measured Outdoor Air (OA) ventilation rates in owner/landlord-controlled areas meet minimum carbon dioxide (CO2), ASHRAE 62.2 thresholds?

Applicability

All asset classes Owner/landlord occupied building Tenant occupied building – all systems managed by the owner/landlord

Answer & Scoring

  • Yes — CO2 concentrations below 800ppm = 2 points
  • Yes — OA rates meet ASHRAE 62.2 Table 6.2.2.1 minimum requirements = 5 points
  • No = 0 points
  • Not applicable – Tenant occupied building: Some or no systems managed by the owner/landlord (must answer I2.1b) = 0/0

Max of 7 points

Requirements

    1. Demonstrate CO2 concentrations below 800ppm:
      • Refer to most recent IAQ Assessment Report and highlight section showing CO2 concentrations measured below 800ppm in owner or landlord-controlled spaces
      • The assessment must have been completed within the last year
    2. Demonstrate ASHRAE 62.2 Table 6.2.2.1 minimum Requirements are met:
      • Determine the average ventilation rate for frequently occupied indoor spaces through on-site measurement of actual outdoor and supply air through the use of a certified air balancing contractor or equivalent
      • The assessment must have been completed within the last five years, or as major renovations of the HVAC systems occur

Documentation

  • Table showing CO2 concentrations measured below 800ppm
  • Table comparing calculated and measured based on ASHRAE 62.2 Table 6.2.2.1 ventilation rates

OR

  • Documentation demonstrating that no systems are under the building owner/landlord’s control (e.g. lease agreement)

Suggested Lead

In-house, with third-party support

Value

  • Excessive carbon dioxide (CO2) in a building can cause adverse health effects. CO2 levels should be kept under the recommended level of 800 ppm to prevent negative impacts on building occupants
  • Monitor CO2 levels to ensure they stay below the recommended level
  • Ventilate indoor spaces with an adequate amount of outdoor air to manage CO2 levels and indoor air contaminants
  • An outdoor air study can be done by qualified professionals to confirm that ventilation rates are in compliance with ASHRAE 62.2

Description

Maintaining adequate ventilation and thermal comfort within the built environment is important for occupant health and safety, comfort, and productivity.

Inadequate ventilation is one of the major sources of IAQ complaints and is also an indicator that the HVAC system may not be functioning optimally.

References

Adapted BB 3.0 Question

Question 03.04.04 — Do measured outdoor air ventilation rates meet the minimum requirements of Table 6.2.2.1 of the current ASHRAE 62.2 Standard?