SUSTAINABLE BUILDINGS

Asset Classes

Focus Area

Indoor Air Quality and Hazards

Topic

Ventilation and Exhaust

Question #

I2.2 – IAQ in New Tenancies

Question

Is there a procedure in place for reviewing the tenant-controlled HVAC equipment at lease expiry?

Applicability

All asset classes
Tenant occupied building

Answer & Scoring

  • Yes = 3 points
  • No = 0 points
  • Not applicable – Owner/landlord occupied building = 0/0

Max of 3 points

Requirements

For all building components managed by the owner or landlord, provide:

    1. Implement a process for reviewing the condition and efficiency of tenant HVAC equipment at lease expiry, with recommendations to address any deficiencies related to:  
      • Mold or water damage
      • Air quality and ventilation effectiveness
      • Filtration media
    2. Describe corrective actions planned and implemented, and person responsible

Documentation

  • Narrative describing process to maintain HVAC equipment at lease expiry

Suggested Lead

In-house

Value

  • Tenant-controlled HVAC systems can have a significant impact on the indoor air quality (IAQ) in a building. If systems are not properly operated or maintained, this can lead to poor IAQ and negatively affect building occupants
  • During tenancy change-overs or at lease ends, review the condition and efficiency of tenant HVAC systems to ensure they have been operated and maintained correctly
  • Implement corrective actions to ensure HVAC systems continue to be properly maintained to preserve IAQ at the building

Description

Where tenants manage IAQ, owner or landlords should be aware of operations and maintenance practices within tenant spaces to check that tenant practices are not negatively impacting adjacent or base building components that are the owner or landlord’s responsibility. 

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. Odorous or dusty operations in tenant spaces have the potential to impact adjacent tenants if the contaminants are not properly controlled. The owner or landlord should ensure any high-risk tenants are diligent with their processes so adjacent tenants are not adversely impacted.

References

Adapted BB 3.0 Question

New in BOMA BEST 4.0