SUSTAINABLE BUILDINGS

Asset Classes

Focus Area

Indoor Air Quality and Hazards

Topic

Ventilation and Exhaust

Question #

I2.3 – Air Quality Sensors

Question

Are air quality sensors (CO2, Temperature, Relative Humidity) present within the HVAC system and do they monitor real-time indoor air quality metrics on the Building Automation System (BAS)?

Applicability

All asset classes
Owner/landlord occupied building
Tenant occupied building

Answer & Scoring

  • Yes = Points as indicated below

Select all that apply:

    • 5 = 1 point
    • PM10 = 1 point
    • CO = 1 point
    • Ozone = 1 point
    • NO2 (nitrogen dioxide) = 1 point
    • Total VOCs = 1 point
    • Formaldehyde = 1 point
  • No = 0 points

Max of 3 points

Requirements

    1. At least one sensor must be installed within a regularly occupied space in the building
    2. Demonstrate air quality sensors are present within the HVAC system, as follows:
      • The BAS system must be equipped with sensors to measure CO2 concentrations, temperature, and relative humidity in the air supply serving at least 75% of the occupied spaces in the building
      • Sensors must be non-dispersive infrared and provided by a reputable manufacturer
      • Sensors should be either self-calibrating or regularly calibrated as per manufacturer’s direction
      • Sensors must provide real-time monitoring with a data output interval of at least once every 10 minutes
    3. Provide BAS readouts that demonstrate how IAQ is monitored on the BAS
    4. Provide brief narrative explaining how BAS readings are used to inform building operations & maintenance procedures

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

Documentation

  • Purchase orders, installation records, maintenance work orders or photos of sensors installed
  • Screenshots of BAS readings
  • Narrative of IAQ monitoring activities

Suggested Lead

In-house, with third-party support

Value

  • Monitor IAQ parameters (temperature, relative humidity, and indoor air contaminants) through real-time air quality sensors
  • HVAC systems can be adjusted to respond to IAQ issues in real-time to maintain a healthy indoor environment and occupant comfort

Description

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

Having sensors measure CO2 concentrations, temperature and relative humidity within the building HVAC system can provide useful information to help manage indoor air quality.

References

None

Adapted BB 3.0 Question

Question 11.04.01 – Have real-time air quality sensors been installed since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic?