LEED (BD+C)- Indoor Environmental Quality Credit: Enhanced indoor air Quality strategies
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a green building certification program that recognizes sustainable building practices. One of the key credits in the program is the Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) credit, which aims to improve indoor air quality and promote the well-being, comfort, and productivity of building occupants. The Enhanced Indoor Air Quality Strategies credit is one of the sub-credits under IEQ and is applicable to a variety of building types, including new construction, core and shell, schools, retail, data centers, warehouses and distribution centers, hospitality, and healthcare.
| Building Type | Credit Points |
|---|---|
| New Construction | 1-2 |
| Core and Shell | 1-2 |
| Schools | 1-2 |
| Retail | 1-2 |
| Data Centers | 1-2 |
| Warehouses and Distribution Centers | 1-2 |
| Hospitality | 1-2 |
| Healthcare | 1-2 |
The Enhanced Indoor Air Quality Strategies credit is worth 1-2 points and can be achieved through two options: Option 1 requires compliance with certain requirements, and Option 2 requires compliance with additional requirements. Let’s take a closer look at what each option entails.
To achieve the Enhanced Indoor Air Quality Strategies credit, building owners and operators must provide documentation to demonstrate that they have met the requirements of Option 1 or Option 2. The required documentation varies depending on the option chosen and includes scaled floor plans, schedules highlighting MERV or class ratings for all units that supply outdoor air, and calculations and narratives demonstrating appropriate strategies per referenced standard.
Achieving the LEED Indoor Environmental Quality credit: Enhanced Indoor Air Quality Strategies requires a comprehensive approach to indoor air quality that includes a combination of strategies, such as entryway systems, filtration, and natural ventilation design. Building owners and operators must also provide documentation to demonstrate compliance with the requirements of Option 1 or Option 2. By improving indoor air quality, buildings can promote the well-being, comfort, and productivity of occupants, making them healthier and more sustainable places to live and work.