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
Filtration
Question #
I3.2 – MERV Filter Rating
Question
Are filters with a MERV 13 rating or higher installed on Air-Handling Units (AHUs)?
Applicability
All asset classes
Owner/landlord occupied building
Tenant occupied building – systems managed by the owner/landlord
Answer & Scoring
- Yes = 4 points
- No = 0 points
- Not applicable – Tenant occupied building: No systems managed by the owner/landlord = 0/0
Max of 4 points
Requirements
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- Provide evidence of the MERV filter rating or equivalent. All filters must be rated as per ASHRAE 52.2
- Filters must be replaced at or before the pre-determined pressure drop or timeframe, not exceeding the manufacturer’s specifications and ASHRAE Standard 180 (Maintenance Standard)
Documentation
- Filter rating (MERV 13 to 16) or equivalent, such as via inventory list, product box, photos
- Filter replacement schedule
Suggested Lead
In-house
Value
- Filters are used in air handling systems to trap air contaminants such are dust, pollen, and mold spores. Filters ensure that clean air is provided to indoor spaces
- Filters have a MERV rating that reflects the filter’s efficacy. The higher the MERV rating the smaller particulates the filter can capture.
- MERV 13 – 16 filters prevent up to 90% of outdoor air contaminants from entering the HVAC system
- Install higher rated filters in HVAC systems to improve indoor air quality at their building
- Before installation ensure the building’s HVAC systems can support higher rated filters
Description
Installation of filtration systems that meet ASHRAE Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) 13 or equivalent prevent larger outdoor air contaminants, such as mold spores, pollen, some dusts, and aerosols from entering the HVAC system. Installation of filtration systems that meet ASHRAE MERV 13 to 16 prevent up to 90% of fine outdoor air contaminants, such as mold spores, pollen, dust, and aerosols from entering the HVAC system.
References
Adapted BB 3.0 Question
Question 03.04.01 – What MERV filters are in use for all outdoor air and return air (i.e. circulating air) systems?