SUSTAINABLE BUILDINGS
Asset Classes
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Offices
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- Not applicable
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Enclosed Shopping Centres
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- Not applicable
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Open Air Retail
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- Not applicable
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- Not applicable
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Light Industrial
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- Not applicable
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Multi-Unit Residential Buildings
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- Not applicable
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- Not applicable
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Health Care Facilities
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- Not applicable
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- Not applicable
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Universal
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- Not applicable
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Focus Area
Indoor Air Quality and Hazards
Topic
Ventilation and Exhaust
Question #
I2.5 – CO Monitoring in Occupied Spaces
Question
Do carbon monoxide (CO) concentrations in occupied spaces adjacent to parking garages, loading docks, and mechanical rooms meet minimum thresholds?
Applicability
All asset classes
Owner/landlord occupied building
Tenant occupied building
Answer & Scoring
- Yes — CO is tested = 1 point
- Yes — CO sensors installed = 2 points
- No = 0 points
- Not Applicable – There are no occupied spaces adjacent to parking garages, loading docks, and mechanical rooms = 0/0
Max of 2 points
Requirements
-
- Identify occupied spaces that are located adjacent to parking garages, loading docks and mechanical rooms
- If IAQ testing data is available, provide representative sampling that:
- Demonstrates that CO levels are below 5 ppm
- Is conducted at least annually and captures high traffic periods
- If sensors are installed:
- Demonstrate that concentrations of carbon monoxide are monitored continuously
- Provide sensor details (electrochemical or metal oxide semi-conductor with a resolution of 1 ppm)
- Show that sensors are calibrated in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications
- Confirm that CO levels are below 5 ppm
Documentation
- Identify occupied spaces potentially exposed to CO
AND
- IAQ testing results
OR
- IAQ sensor data
Suggested Lead
In-house, with third-party support
Value
- Carbon monoxide (CO) is a gas emitted from internal combustion vehicles and fuel-burning mechanical equipment that can present serious health risks to humans
- CO from parking areas and mechanical rooms can leak into surrounding occupied spaces putting occupants at risk
- Monitor CO levels in occupied spaces to ensure CO levels stay within a safe range by either testing CO levels annually or installing real-time CO sensors
- HVAC systems can be adjusted to respond to high CO levels in real-time to maintain a healthy indoor environment
Description
Carbon monoxide emissions from vehicles and improperly vented combustion equipment like boilers and hot water tanks can present a serious health and safety risk. Monitoring carbon monoxide concentrations in occupied spaces adjacent to indoor parking areas and mechanical rooms can help identify exposures before they become a health hazard.
Health Canada has indicated that carbon monoxide concentrations above 5 ppm are indication pf possible emissions and warrant further investigation.
References
Adapted BB 3.0 Question
New in BOMA BEST 4.0