The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System is here to stay. This is being applied to many new and major retrofit construction projects throughout the U.S. and there are four levels of certification: Certified, Silver, Gold, and Platinum.

One of the five critical areas for this certification directly affecting our trade, no matter what level, is Indoor Environmental Quality and the Indoor Air Quality Air Management Plan. Referenced in this section are standards from ASHRAE 52.2-1999 and ASHRAE 62.1-2004 and SMACNA’s IAQ standard.

The primary goal is to prevent construction debris and dust from entering the HVAC duct system. To accomplish this, the ends of all duct and fittings shall be covered with plastic. This is especially important during demolition and heavy construction. Must the HVAC system be operating during construction; temporary filters are required and must be replaced prior to occupancy.

Source Control keeps pollutants out of the indoor air and is achieved through the selection of low emission materials and finishes including paints, sealants, adhesives, and cleaning products.

Housekeeping is a priority to remove construction dust and debris. All work areas must be dry and the materials on-site shall be stored on dunnage or immediately installed if possible.

HLI has a certified LEED AP in house should an issue ever arise.