The intent of meeting minimum indoor air quality performance standards is to ensure proper ventilation for all building occupants. The Harvard University Sustainability Principles encourage maintaining environments that enhance human health, productivity, and safety for occupants of Harvard's buildings.

This credit is equivalent with code, so there should be no added cost to achieve this credit.

LEED-CI Version 2.0

See updated Credit Interpretation Rulings issued by the U.S. Green Building Council.

"Meet the minimum requirements of the voluntary consensus standard ASHRAE 62-2004, Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality Mechanical ventilation systems shall perform according to the Ventilation Rate Procedure.

Naturally ventilated buildings must comply with ASHRAE 62-2004 Section 5.1.

Modify or maintain existing building outside-air (OA) ventilation distribution system to supply at least the outdoor air ventilation rate required by ASHRAE Standard 62-20014."

- LEED-CI Version 2.0 Reference Guide, page 259

LEED-CI Version 2.0

• "Provide the LEED-CI Letter Template, signed by the responsible design professional, declaring that the project is fully compliant with Sections 4, 5, 6 and 7 of ASHRAE 62-2004 and all accepted Addenda. Provide a summary of calculations used to determine outdoor air ventilation rates, documenting all assumptions including occupancy type, occupant density and multiple zone analysis.
  
• For existing buildings that can not meet the ASHRAE 62-2004 minimum requirements, the engineer must certify in a letter that they have in hand and will deliver to the client: photographs/specs or cutsheet of mechanical equipment as-built Mechanical plans; or single line drawings as-builts of all space constrained aspects in system (e.g., vertical riser/horizontal chase space)."

- LEED-CI Version 2.0 Reference Guide, page 259

"Please provide documentation of design criteria and assumptions. Provide a design summary table including space names, area (sq ft), # of people per space, cfm per person, and total cfm. If there are any extenuating circumstances like reduced occupancy times, allowing for reduced ventilation, provide a schedule, narrative and any other relavent documentation to express the circumstances."

- LEED-CI version 2.0: Audited Credit Requirements; USGBC

Mather Dunster

Landmark

ASHRAE

EPA Indoor Air Quality

The university has a strict no-smoking policy. The Harvard University Statement of Sustainability Principles lays a foundation for promoting the health of the university community. The intent of this credit is to protect occupants from secondhand tobacco smoke.

There should be no added construction cost for this credit. With Harvard's no-smoking policy, this credit should be easy to achieve for non-residential buildings. For a residential building in which smoking in individual rooms is possible, see One Western Avenue for a Model Submittal.

LEED-CI Version 2.0

See updated Credit Interpretation Rulings issued by the U.S. Green Building Council.

"Minimize exposure of non-smokers to TS by one of the following options:

Option A:

Locating tenant space in a building that prohibits smoking by all occupants and users and maintains any exterior designated smoking areas at least 25 feet away from entries, outdoor air intakes and operable windows,

OR

Option B:

In buildings where smoking is permitted, confirming that smoking is prohibited in the portions of the tenant space not designated as a smoking space, in all other building areas served by the same HVAC system, and the common areas used by tenant’s occupants, and that there is no migration of ETS by either mechanical or natural ventilation from other areas of the building.

AND If the tenant’s occupants are permitted to smoke, providing one or more designated smoking rooms designed to effectively contain, capture and remove ETS from the building. At a minimum, each smoking room must be directly exhausted to the outdoors with no recirculation of ETS containing air to the nonsmoking area of a building, enclosed with impermeable deck-to-deck partitions and operated at a negative pressure compared to surrounding spaces of at least an average of 5 PA (0.02 inches of water gauge) and with a minimum of 1 PA (0.004 inches of water gauge) when the doors to the smoking room are closed.

Performance of the smoking rooms differential air pressure shall be verified by conducting 15 minutes of measurement, with a minimum of one measurement every 10 seconds, of the differential pressure in the smoking room with respect to each adjacent area and in each adjacent vertical chase with the doors to the smoking rooms closed. The testing will be conducted with each space configured for worst case conditions of transport of air from the smoking rooms to adjacent spaces.

OR

Option C:

For multi-unit residential buildings, minimize uncontrolled pathways for ETS transfer between individual residential units by sealing penetrations in walls, ceilings, and floors in the residential units, and by sealing vertical chases adjacent to the units. In addition, all doors in the residential units leading to common hallways shall be weather-stripped to minimize air leakage into the hallway. Acceptable sealing of residential units shall be demonstrated by a blower door test conducted in accordance with ANSI/ASTM-779-99, Standard Test Method for Determining Air Leakage Rate By Fan Pressurization,

AND

Use the progressive sampling methodology defined in Chapter 7 (Home Energy Rating Systems (HERS) Required Verification And Diagnostic Testing) of the California Low Rise Residential Alternative Calculation Method Approval Manual, found at (www.energy.ca.gov/title24_1998_standards/residential_acm/CHAPTER07.pdf). Residential units must demonstrate less than 1.25 square inches leakage area per 100 square feet of enclosure area (i.e., sum of all wall, ceiling and floor areas)."

- LEED-CI Version 2.0 Reference Guide, pages 265-266

LEED-CI Version 2.0

• "Option A: Provide the LEED-CI Letter Template, signed by the tenant or responsible party, declaring that the building will be operated under a policy prohibiting smoking, and the exterior designated smoking areas are at least 25 feet away from entries and operable windows.
  
  OR
  
• Option B: Provide the LEED-CI Letter Template, signed by the tenant or responsible party, declaring and demonstrating that smoking is prohibited in that portion of the tenant space not designated as a smoking space and all other areas of the building serviced by the same HVAC system, plus common areas used by tenant occupants. If the tenant’s occupants are permitted to smoke, declare and demonstrate that designated smoking rooms met the design criteria described in the credit requirements and performance has been verified using the method described in the credit requirements.
  
  OR
  
• Option C: Provide the LEED-CI Letter Template, signed by the tenant or responsible party, declaring and demonstrating that the credit requirements for ETS transfer between individual residential units have been satisfied."

- LEED-CI Version 2.0 Reference Guide, page 266

"Please provide documentation (architectural and mechanical drawings and test data) that confirms the declarations of the signed LEED Letter Template."

- LEED-CI version 2.0: Audited Credit Requirements; USGBC

Mather Dunster

Landmark

ASTM

Monitoring carbon dioxide in a given space is a strategy for optimizing the energy used for ventilation. This strategy helps to provide the optimal air flow for human health, given the materials and activities in a room and to minimize ventilation when occupants are not in a space in order to not waste energy ventilating rooms when they are not in use. Harvard University is committed to developing and maintaining an environment that enhances human health and fosters a transition toward sustainability through the Sustainability Principles. This design element addresses three of the principles as a way to promote human health, conserve energy and measure energy consumption by "demonstrating institutional practices ...including measures to increase efficiency ... in Harvard’s own operations," and "promoting health, productivity and safety of the university community through design and maintenance of the built environment,"and "Establishing indicators for sustainability that will enable monitoring reporting and continuous improvement."

According to the Davis Langdon study, adding sensors and modifications to control systems for outside air delivery make a very small contribution to the overall cost of the air conditioning systems (Matthiessen, Fay and Morris, 20). For the full cite, see Financial Links. In addition, running ventilation only when necessary will reduce energy costs.

LEED-CI Version 2.0

See updated Credit Interpretation Rulings issued by the U.S. Green Building Council.

"Install permanent monitoring and alarm systems that provide feedback on ventilation system performance to ensure that ventilation systems maintain design minimum ventilation requirements in a form that affords operational adjustments:

For mechanical ventilation systems that predominantly serve densely occupied spaces (those with a design occupant density greater than or equal to 25 people per 1000 sq. ft), install a CO2 sensor within each densely occupied space.

For all other mechanical ventilation systems, provide an outdoor airflow measurement device capable of measuring the minimum outdoor airflow rate at all expected system operating conditions within 15% of the design minimum outdoor air rate.

For natural ventilation systems, install a CO2 sensor within each naturally ventilated space."

- LEED-CI Version 2.0 Reference Guide, page 271

LEED-CI Version 2.0

"Provide the LEED-CI Letter Template, signed by the responsible design professional, declaring and summarizing the installation, operational design and controls/zones for the carbon dioxide or outdoor airflow monitoring system."

- LEED-CI Version 2.0 Reference Guide, page 271

There are currently no audit requirements for this credit.

ASHRAE

The intent of this credit is to promote occupant health, comfort, and productivity by providing effective rates of ventilation and fresh air. Harvard University is committed to developing and maintaining an environment that enhances human health and fosters a transition toward sustainability.

The Davis Langdon study reports that "compliance with this credit has a very small construction cost impact, whether through the use of operable windows for natural windows for natural ventilation or through the increased use of outside air in mechanical ventilation systems," but operational costs can be significant if the relative humidity of the outdoor air is significantly different from the indoor air (Matthiessen, Fay and Morris, 20). For the full cite, see Financial Links.

LEED-CI Version 2.0

See updated Credit Interpretation Rulings issued by the U.S. Green Building Council.

"FOR MECHANICALLY VENTILATED SPACES
Increase breathing zone outdoor air ventilation rates to all occupied spaces by at least 30% above the minimum rates required by ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2004 as determined by EQ Prerequisite 1.

FOR NATURALLY VENTILATED SPACES
Design natural ventilation systems for occupied spaces to meet the recommendations set forth in the Carbon Trust “Good Practice Guide 237” [1998]. Determine that natural ventilation is an effective strategy for the project by following the flow diagram process shown in Figure 1.18 of the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) Applications Manual 10: 2005, Natural ventilation in non-domestic buildings.

AND either of the following:

Use diagrams and calculations to show that the design of the natural ventilation systems meets the recommendations set forth in the CIBSE Applications Manual 10: 2005, Natural ventilation in non-domestic buildings.

OR

Use a macroscopic, multi-zone, analytic model to predict that room-by-room airflows will effectively naturally ventilate, defined as providing the minimum ventilation rates required by ASHRAE 62.1-2004 Chapter 6, for at least 90% of occupied spaces."

- LEED-CI Version 2.0 Reference Guide, page 279

LEED-CI Version 2.0

• "For mechanical ventilation systems, provide the LEED-CI Letter Templates, signed by the mechanical engineer or other responsible party, declaring that the outdoor air ventilation rates at the breathing zone of all occupied spaces are at least 30% above the minimum rates required by ASHRAE 62.1-2004, and provide the calculations demonstrating that design breathing zone ventilation rates exceed the minimum rates required by Standard 62.1 by at least 30%.
• For natural ventilation systems, provide the LEED-CI Letter Templates, signed by the mechanical engineer or other responsible party, declaring that the project meets the natural ventilation requirements of the credit. Provide documentation that natural ventilation is an effective strategy for the project and follows the design recommendations established by CIBSE. Provide either of the following: diagrams and calculations based on CIBSE AM 10, or diagrams and calculations based on results provided by a multi-zone analytical model."

- LEED-CI Version 2.0 Reference Guide, page 279

There are currently no audit requirements for this credit.

Mather Dunster

Landmark

ASHRAE

The intent of this credit is to ensure that dust and contaminants from construction do not infiltrate the permanent mechanical systems, to protect the health of construction workers, and to sequence construction activities in order to decrease the amount of toxins in the building. Developing, and adhering to an indoor air quality plan during construction aligns with Harvard University's commitment to developing and maintaining an environment that enhances human health, a basis of the University Sustainability Principles. Using an indoor air management plan during construction prioritizes the health of construction workers, who are part of the university community, which is a key element of the second Sustainability Principle: "...continuous improvement in...promoting health, productivity and safety of the university community through design and maintenance of the built environment."

According to the Davis Langdon study, the cost of compliance with this credit varies with location of the project. "In areas where construction IAQ management is widely used, the costs are minimal, if any. In other areas or with contractors unfamiliar with construction IAQ management the costs can be substantial." (Matthiessen, Fay and Morris, 20). For the full cite, see Financial Links.

LEED-CI Version 2.0

See updated Credit Interpretation Rulings issued by the U.S. Green Building Council.

"Develop and implement an Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Management Plan for the construction and pre-occupancy phases of the building as follows:

• During construction meet or exceed the recommended Control Measures of the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning National Contractors Association (SMACNA) IAQ Guidelines for Occupied Buildings under Construction, 1995, Chapter 3.
• Protect stored on-site or installed absorptive materials from moisture damage.
• If permanently installed air handlers are used during construction, filtration media with a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) of 8 shall be used at each return air grille, as determined by ASHRAE 52.2-1999.
• Replace all filtration media immediately prior to occupancy. Coordinate with EQ Credits 3.2 and 5, installing only a single set of filtration media."

- LEED-CI Version 2.0 Reference Guide, page 289

LEED-CI Version 2.0

• "Provide the LEED Letter Template, signed by the general contractor or responsible party, declaring that a Construction IAQ Management Plan has been developed and implemented, and listing each air filter used during construction and at the end of construction. Include the MERV value, manufacturer name and model number.

AND EITHER

• Provide 18 photographs—six photographs taken on three different occasions during construction—along with identification of the SMACNA approach featured by each photograph, in order to show consistent adherence to the credit requirements.

OR

• Declare the five Design Approaches of SMACNA IAQ Guideline for Occupied Buildings under Construction, 1995, Chapter 3, which were used during building construction. Include a brief description of some of the important design approaches employed."

- LEED-CI Version 2.0 Reference Guide, page 289

There are currently no audit requirements for this credit.

Mather Dunster

SMACNA

The purpose of this credit is to ensure healthy indoor air quality not only after construction, but also prior to occupancy. The Sustainability Principles encourage maintaining environments that enhance human health, productivity, and safety for occupants of Harvard's buildings.

LEED-CI Version 2.0

See updated Credit Interpretation Rulings issued by the U.S. Green Building Council.

"Develop and implement an Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Management Plan for the pre-occupancy phase as follows:

OPTION A — Flush-Out procedure:

• After construction ends, prior to occupancy and with all interior finishes installed, perform a building flush-out by supplying a total air volume of 14,000 cu.ft. of outdoor air per sq.ft. of floor area while maintaining an internal temperature of at least 60 degrees F and relative humidity no higher than 60%.
• The space may only be occupied following delivery of a minimum of 3,500 ft3 of outdoor air per ft2 of floor area to the space, and provided the space is ventilated at minimum rate of 0.30 cfm/ft2 of outside air or the design minimum outside air rate, whichever is greater, a minimum of three hours prior to occupancy and during occupancy, until the total of 14,000 ft3/ft2 of outside air has been delivered to the space.

OR

OPTION B —IAQ test procedure:

• Conduct baseline IAQ testing, after construction ends and prior to occupancy, using testing protocols consistent with the United States Environmental Protection Agency Compendium of Methods for the Determination of Air Pollutants in Indoor Air and as additionally detailed in the Reference Guide."

Demonstrate that the contaminant maximum concentrations listed below are not exceeded.

* This test is only required if carpets and fabrics with styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) latex backing material are installed as part of the base building systems.

• For each sampling point where the maximum concentration limits are exceeded conduct additional flush-out with outside air and retest the specific parameter(s) exceeded to indicate the requirements are achieved. Repeat procedure until all requirements have been met. When retesting non-complying building areas, take samples from the same locations as in the first test.

• The air sample testing shall be conducted as follows:

1) All measurements shall be conducted prior to occupancy, but during normal occupied hours, and with the building ventilation system starting at the normal daily start time and operated at the minimum outside air flow rate for the occupied mode throughout the duration of the air testing.
2) The building shall have all interior finishes installed, including but not limited to millwork, doors, paint, carpet and acoustic tiles. Non-fixed furnishings such as workstations and partitions are encouraged, but not required, to be in place for the testing.
3) The number of sampling locations will vary depending upon the size of the building and number of ventilation systems. For each portion of the building served by a separate ventilation system, the number of sampling points shall not be less than one per 25,000 sq.ft., or for each contiguous floor area, whichever is larger, and include areas with the least ventilation and greatest presumed source strength.
4) Air samples shall be collected between 3 feet and 6 feet from the floor to represent the breathing zone of occupants, and over a minimum 4-hour period."

- LEED-CI Version 2.0 Reference Guide, page 293-294

LEED-CI Version 2.0

"OPTION A:

• Provide the LEED-CI Letter Template, signed by the architect, interior designer or engineer, describing flush-out procedures and dates. Provide calculations to demonstrate that the required total air volumes and minimum ventilation volumes and rates have been delivered.

OR

OPTION B:

• Provide the LEED-CI Letter Template, signed by the environmental consusltant or other responsible party, indicating that the air quality testing procedure has been conducted and that all areas tested do not exceed the maximum allowable concentration limits.
• Provide a copy of the IAQ testing results that includes documentation of the results and identifying the EPA testing method used. If alternative testing protocols are used, provide documentation and rationale justifying that the measured results meet the intent of the EPA testing methods."

- LEED-CI Version 2.0 Reference Guide, page 294

There are currently no audit requirements for this credit.

SMACNA

Sealants and adhesives are a source of toxins in buildings. Off-gassing of products in classrooms, dorms or offices affects occupant health. Given that Americans spend 90% of their time indoors, the various building materials that off-gas require evaluation and investigation. An important aspect of the Harvard University Sustainability Principles is the promotion of the health of the university community. Adhesives and sealants have traditionally off-gassed; low-emitting adhesives and sealants are a viable alternative. This also decreases the “production of waste and hazardous materials, both in Harvard’s own operations and in those of its suppliers." Harvard can have a positive impact on the market through its purchasing. The application of research by Harvard University professors is a basic tenet of the Sustainability Principles: “Encouraging environmental inquiry and institutional learning throughout the university community." Addressing environmental quality through public health measures is an effective method to promote health in the community. “Sustainability should be advanced through research, analysis, and experience gained over time." Faculty and doctoral students at the Harvard School of Public Health are researching personal exposure levels for many compounds found in building materials.

The wide availability of low-VOC adhesives and sealants has meant that this design element has been cost neutral for Harvard University projects to date.

LEED-CI Version 2.0

See updated Credit Interpretation Rulings issued by the U.S. Green Building Council.

"All materials listed below that are used in the building interior, (i.e., inside of the exterior moisture barrier) must not exceed the following requirements:

• Adhesives, Sealants and Sealant Primers: South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) Rule #1168 requirements in effect on January 1, 2003 and rule amendment dated October 3, 2003.
• Aerosol Adhesives: Green Seal Standard GC-36 requirements in effect on October 19, 2000."

- LEED-CI Version 2.0 Reference Guide, page 307

LEED-CI Version 2.0

• "Provide the LEED-CI Letter Template, signed by the architect, interior designer or other responsible party, listing the adhesives, sealants, sealant primers and aerosol adhesives used in the building and declaring that they meet the noted requirements. For each product in the listing, state the VOC level, the applicable standard, the classification of material and the VOC limit."

- LEED-CI Version 2.0 Reference Guide, page 307

There are currently no audit requirements for this credit.

Mather Dunster

Landmark

South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) Rule #1168

Bay Area Air Quality Management District Regulation 8, Rule 51

The intent of this credit is to improve indoor air quality by eliminating high-emitting paints and coatings. One of the fundamental tenets of the Harvard Sustainability Principles is to promote human health. Elimination of volatile organic compounds from paints and coatings in a building promotes occupant health and improves indoor air quality.

The Davis Langdon study points out that low-emitting paints and coatings are widely available, and therefore "should have only minimal –if any– impact on cost" (Matthiessen, Fay and Morris, 21). For the full cite, see Financial Links.

LEED-CI Version 2.0

See updated Credit Interpretation Rulings issued by the U.S. Green Building Council.

"Interior paints and coating applied on-site must meet the limitations and restrictions concerning chemical components set by the following standards:

• Topcoat Paints: Green Seal Standard GS-11, Paints, First Edition, May 20, 1993.
• Anti-Corrosive and Anti-Rust Paints: Green Seal Standard GS-03, Anti-Corrosive Paints, Second Edition, January 7, 1997. For applications on ferrous metal substrates.
• All other Architectural Coatings, Primers and Undercoats: South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) Rule 1113, Architectural Coatings, rules in effect on January 1, 2004."

- LEED-CI Version 2.0 Reference Guide, page 312

LEED-CI Version 2.0

• "Provide the LEED-CI Letter Template, signed by the architect, interior designer or other responsible party, listing all the interior paints and coatings used in the building that are addressed by the referenced standards. State that they comply with the current VOC and chemical component limits and the chemical component restrictions of each standard. For each product in the listing, state the VOC level, the applicable standard, the classification of material and the VOC limit."

- LEED-CI Version 2.0 Reference Guide, page 312

There are currently no audit requirements for this credit.

Mather Dunster

Landmark

Green Seal’s Standard GS-11

Carpet has a significant environmental impact. This design element considers the VOC content of carpets, but there are also other considerations when selecting carpet: where it was manufactured, its recycled content, its materials, and its overall environmental impact. The university is committed to continuous improvement in “measures to increase efficiency, increase the use of renewable resources, and to decrease production of waste and hazardous materials, both in Harvard’s own operations and in those of its suppliers.” Avoiding products with volatile organic compounds contributes to the second of the Sustainability Principles, “promoting the health, productivity and safety of the university community through design and maintenance of the built environment.” Since carpet has significant environmental consequences, understanding of its life cycle impact is a way for the university to enable comparative analysis of sustainability implications and to “support long-term economic, environmental and socially responsible decision-making.”

As above, this credit should have minimal -if any- impact on cost.

LEED-CI Version 2.0

See updated Credit Interpretation Rulings issued by the U.S. Green Building Council.

"Carpet systems must meet or exceed the Carpet and Rug Institute’s Green Label Plus testing and product requirements. (Green Label Plus does not address backer or adhesive.) Carpet pad must meet or exceed CRI Green Label testing and product requirements. Carpet adhesive must meet the requirements of Credit 4.1."

- LEED-CI Version 2.0 Reference Guide, page 316

LEED-CI Version 2.0

"Provide the LEED-CI Letter Template, signed by the architect, interior designer or other responsible party, listing all the carpet systems used in the tenant space and stating that they meet or exceed the Carpet and Rug Institute’s Green Label Plus testing and product requirements."

- LEED-CI Version 2.0 Reference Guide, page 316

There are currently no audit requirements for this credit.

Landmark

Specifications for ALL carpet types in the building must be submitted. It is helpful to submit the VOC content of carpets.

Carpet and Rug Institute’s Green Label Indoor Air Quality Test Program

The intent of this credit is to promote the use of alternatives to urea-formaldehyde in composite woods. Urea resins are often used in the manufacture of particleboard, plywood paneling, and medium-density fiberboard. By selecting materials that do not use urea resin in their manufacture, designers can follow one of the tenets of the first Sustainability Principle: "to decrease production of ...hazardous materials, both in Harvard’s own operations and in those of its suppliers." Eliminating urea formaldehyde from the built environment should improve indoor air quality, thereby promoting the health and safety of the university community.

According to the Davis Langdon study, “prices for composite wood materials with no added urea-formaldehyde can vary widely, depending on the product selected and market conditions” (Matthiessen, Fay and Morris, 21). For the full cite, see Financial Links. This credit is an exception to the minimal costs of EQ credits 4.1-4.3 (see above).

LEED-CI Version 2.0

See updated Credit Interpretation Rulings issued by the U.S. Green Building Council.

"Composite wood and agrifiber products, including core materials, must contain no added ureaformaldehyde resins. Laminate Adhesives used to fabricate on-site and shop applied assemblies containing these laminate adhesives must contain no urea-formaldehyde. Products covered by EQ Credit 4.5, Low- Emitting Materials, System Furniture and Seating shall be excluded from these requirements."

- LEED-CI Version 2.0 Reference Guide, page 319

LEED-CI Version 2.0

• "Provide the LEED-CI Letter Template, signed by the architect, interior designer or responsible party, listing all the composite wood products used in the tenant space and stating that they contain no added urea-formaldehyde resins and listing all the laminating adhesives used in the tenant space and stating that they contain no urea-formaldehyde.
• Provide documentation that all core and laminate adhesive products used on the project contained no added urea-formaldehyde."

- LEED-CI Version 2.0 Reference Guide, page 319

There are currently no audit requirements for this credit.

Mather Dunster

LEED-CI Version 2.0

See updated Credit Interpretation Rulings issued by the U.S. Green Building Council.

"All systems furniture and seating* introduced into the project space that has been manufactured, refurbished or refinished within one year prior to occupancy must meet one of the requirements below.

Option A: Greenguard Indoor Air Quality Certified

OR

Option B: Calculated indoor air concentrations that are less than or equal to those established in Table 1 for furniture systems and seating determined by a procedure based on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Environmental Technology Verification (ETV) Large Chamber Test Protocol for Measuring Emissions of VOCs and Aldehydes (September 1999) testing protocol conducted in an independent air quality testing laboratory.

Systems furniture is defined as either a panel-based workstation comprised of modular interconnecting panels, hang-on components and drawer/filing components or a freestanding grouping of furniture items and their components that have been designed to work in concert.

Seating is defined as task and guest chairs used with systems furniture.

*Furniture other than systems furniture and task and guest chairs used with systems furniture is defined as occasional furniture and is excluded from the credit requirements.

Salvaged and used furniture that is more than one year old at time of occupancy is excluded from the credit requirements."

LEED-CI Version 2.0

• "Provide the LEED-CI Letter Template, signed by the architect, interior designer or other responsible party, declaring that all systems furniture and seating covered by this credit is included in a listing that states the manufacturer and product line, item description, period of manufacture, form of compliance and the period for which the item is U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Environmental Technology verification (ETV) Large Chamber Test Protocol for Measuring Emissions of VOCs and Aldehydes (September 1999).
• For Greenguard Air Quality Certified systems furniture and seating, provide a copy of the product certification, complete with the start and end dates of certification. The period covered must have begun before and extend through the actual manufacturing dates of the product used on the project.
• For systems furniture and seating tested using a procedure based on the U.S. EPA ETV protocol, provide details of the procedure, and the emission factors from the large-chamber testing of the systems furniture, showing the calculations used in determining the emission limits, complete with the air exchange rate, demonstrating that emissions limits have not exceeded those shown in Table 1. Test results and supporting calculations must be dated and signed by an officer of the independent laboratory where the testing was conducted. Test results must represent the manufacturing practices employed for the product used on the project. Tests must have been completed before the start of manufacturing but no earlier than 24 months prior to the last manufacturing date."

- LEED-CI Version 2.0 Reference Guide, pages 322-323

There are currently no audit requirements for this credit.

This credit has not yet been achieved by a LEED-CI project at Harvard.

The intent of this credit is to design a building so that it reduces occupant exposure to harmful fumes, and thereby supports occupant health. Harvard University is committed to developing and maintaining an environment that enhances human health and fosters a transition toward sustainability. In the university's Sustainability Principles, Harvard is committed to "promoting health, productivity and safety of the university community through design and maintenance of the built environment."

LEED-CI Version 2.0

See updated Credit Interpretation Rulings issued by the U.S. Green Building Council.

"Design to minimize and control pollutant or biological contaminant entry into the tenant space and later cross-contamination of regularly occupied areas:

• Employ permanent entryway systems (such as grills or grates) to capture dirt, particulates, etc. from entering the building at all high-volume exterior entryways within the tenant area.

AND

• Where hazardous gasses or chemicals may be present or used (including housekeeping and laundry areas and copying and printing rooms), provide segregated areas with deck-to-deck partitions with separate outside exhausting at a rate of at least 0.5 cu. ft per minute per square foot, no air recirculation and operated at a negative pressure compared with the surrounding spaces of at least an average of 5 PA (0.02 inches of water gauge) and with a minimum of 1 PA (0.004 inches of water gauge) when the doors to the rooms are closed.

AND

• Provide containment drains plumbed for appropriate disposal of hazardous liquid wastes in spaces where water and chemical concentrate mixing occurs for maintenance, or laboratory purposes.

AND

• Provide regularly occupied areas of the tenant space with new air filtration media prior to occupancy that provides a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) of 13 or better."

- LEED-CI Version 2.0 Reference Guide, page 331

LEED-CI Version 2.0

"Provide the LEED-CI Letter Template, signed by the architect, interior designer or other responsible party, declaring that:

• Permanent entryway systems (such as grilles or grates) to capture dirt, particulates, etc. are provided at all high-volume exterior entryways within the tenant area.
• Chemical use areas and copy rooms have been physically separated with deck-to-deck partitions; independent exhaust ventilation has been installed at the required exhaust rate and negative pressure differential.
• Drains in facility cleaning and maintenance areas within the tenant space are plumbed for environmentally appropriate disposal of hazardous liquid wastes.
• Filters used meet the MERV requirements with new media installed prior to occupancy. Provide a listing of each filter installed including the MERV value, manufacturer name and model number."

- LEED-CI Version 2.0 Reference Guide, page 331

There are currently no audit requirements for this credit.

This credit has not yet been achieved by a LEED-CI project at Harvard.

ASHRAE

Green Seal

The intent of this credit is to provide building occupants with control of their workspace lighting, temperature and air movement. The goal of the second University Sustainability Principle is to promote the “health, productivity and safety of the university community through design and maintenance of the built environment.” Research on the effects of personal control over one's work space is being done throughout the university. These studies help the university to establish indicators for sustainability “to support long-term economic, environmental and socially responsible decision-making.”

According to the Davis Langdon study, these costs can be minimal to significant, but are easily achieved (Matthiessen, Fay and Morris, 21). For the full cite, see Financial Links.

LEED-CI Version 2.0

See updated Credit Interpretation Rulings issued by the U.S. Green Building Council.

"Provide individual lighting controls for 90% (minimum) of the building occupants to enable adjustments to suit individual task needs and preferences.

AND

Provide lighting system controllability for all shared multi-occupant spaces to enable lighting adjustment that meets group needs and preferences."

- LEED-CI Version 2.0 Reference Guide, page 337

LEED-CI Version 2.0

• "Provide the LEED-CI Letter Template, signed by the architect or other responsible party, demonstrating and declaring that the required lighting controls are provided."

- LEED-CI Version 2.0 Reference Guide, page 337

There are currently no audit requirements for this credit.

This credit has not yet been achieved by a LEED-CI project at Harvard.

The intent of this design element is to allow occupants control over their thermal comfort in both individual and group settings. This design element ties in to the second Sustainability Principle, in which the university demonstrates a commitment to "promoting health, productivity and safety of the university community through design and maintenance of the built environment." Certain strategies, such as operable windows, also have the potential to conserve energy, which is a significant part of the Sustainability Principles.

The cost of controllability of thermal comfort can be fairly high, but when integrated into more carefully planned systems, the cost can be significantly lower (Matthiessen, Fay and Morris, 21). For the full cite, see Financial Links.

LEED-CI Version 2.0

See updated Credit Interpretation Rulings issued by the U.S. Green Building Council.

"Provide individual comfort controls for 50% (minimum) of the building occupants to enable adjustments to suit individual task needs and preferences,

AND

All shared multi-occupant spaces where transient groups must share controls.

Operable windows may be used in lieu of individual controls for occupants near windows (20 feet inside of and 10 feet to either side of the operable part of the window), and where the operable windows meet the requirements of ASHRAE Standard 62-2004 Section 5.1 Natural Ventilation."

-LEED-CI Version 2.0 Reference Guide, page 341

LEED-CI Version 2.0

"Provide the LEED-CI Letter Template, signed by the architect or other responsible party, demonstrating and declaring that the required ventilation and temperature controls are provided."

-LEED-CI Version 2.0 Reference Guide, page 341

There are currently no audit requirements for this credit.

This credit has not yet been achieved by a LEED-CI project at Harvard.

ASHRAE

The intent of this credit is to provide for the assessment of building thermal comfort over time. The Sustainability Principles encourage maintaining environments that enhance human health, productivity, and safety for occupants of Harvard's buildings.

There should be no cost implication because for Harvard projects, operations staff can administer the survey to building occupants.

LEED-CI Version 2.0

See updated Credit Interpretation Rulings issued by the U.S. Green Building Council.

"Comply with ASHRAE Standard 55-2004, Thermal Comfort Conditions for Human Occupancy."

- LEED-CI Version 2.0 Reference Guide, page 345

LEED-CI Version 2.0

"Provide the LEED-CI Letter Template, signed by the engineer or responsible party, declaring that the project complies with ASHRAE Standard 55-2004. Include documentation of compliance according to ASHRAE Standard 55-2004, Section 6.1.1, Documentation."

- LEED-CI Version 2.0 Reference Guide, page 345

There are currently no audit requirements for this credit.

Mather Dunster

The Sustainability Principles encourage maintaining environments that enhance human health, productivity, and safety for occupants of Harvard's buildings.

LEED-CI Version 2.0

See updated Credit Interpretation Rulings issued by the U.S. Green Building Council.

"Provide a permanent monitoring system and process for corrective action to ensure performance to the desired comfort criteria as determined by EQ Credit 7.1, Thermal Comfort, Compliance."

- LEED-CI Version 2.0 Reference Guide, page 350

LEED-CI Version 2.0

"Provide the LEED-CI Letter Template, signed by the engineer or other responsible party, that identifies the comfort criteria, strategy for ensuring performance to the comfort criteria, description of the permanent monitoring system implemented, and process for corrective action."

- LEED-CI Version 2.0 Reference Guide, page 350

There are currently no audit requirements for this credit.

Mather Dunster

ASHRAE

Both daylight and views provide a connection for building occupants to the outdoors. Both are especially important in the living environment of dormitories and residential halls. They are also important for faculty, students and staff while working, excluding certain disciplines where daylight would be a hindrance. The second Sustainability Principle focuses on “promoting health, productivity and safety of the university community through design and maintenance of the built environment." Daylight and views promote both health and productivity. Daylit buildings have a second advantage: occupants may not require the use of electric lights when daylight levels suffice. This design strategy is in accordance with the first Sustainability Principle which “include[es] measures to increase efficiency."

Costs for high performance glazing and/or increased glazing opening sizes can range from minimal to significant (Matthiessen, Fay and Morris, 21). For the full cite, see Financial Links.

Some studies show that productivity and learning increase in daylit spaces. As the largest expense in a building are the salaries of the workers, increased capital costs can be offset by increased productivity and decreased sick days due to improved environmental quality, including improved daylight and views. See the Case Studies gathered and analyzed by the Advanced Building Systems Integration Consortium (ABSIC) Center for Building Performance Diagnostics (CBPD) at Carnegie Mellon University. Design with consideration of daylighting and views also has a strong correlation with the design of the building envelope, lighting and mechanical equipment.

LEED-CI Version 2.0

See updated Credit Interpretation Rulings issued by the U.S. Green Building Council.

"For at least 75% (90%) of all regularly occupied areas:

Achieve a minimum Daylight Factor of 2% (excluding all direct sunlight penetrations)

OR

Using a computer simulation model, achieve at least 25 footcandles.

AND

Provide daylight redirection and/or glare control devices to ensure daylight effectiveness.

Exceptions for areas where tasks would be hindered by the use of daylight will be considered on their merits."

- LEED-CI Reference Guide Version 2.0, page 355

LEED-CI Version 2.0

"Provide the LEED-CI Letter Template, signed by the responsible party, indicating the required daylighting is accomplished in at least 75% (90%) of the regularly occupied areas.

Provide area calculations that define the daylight zones and provide a summary of daylight factor prediction calculations through manual methods or a summary of computer simulations illustrating that the footcandle levels have been achieved."

- LEED-CI Reference Guide Version 2.0, page 355

There are currently no audit requirements for this credit.

This credit has not yet been achieved by a LEED-CI project at Harvard.

Views provide a connection to the outdoors, which is especially important in residential halls and apartments. Views are also important for faculty, students and staff while working, excluding certain disciplines where daylight would be a hindrance. Views to the outdoors promote both health and productivity, which is the focus of the second Sustainability Principle: “Promoting health, productivity and safety of the university community through design and maintenance of the built environment."

LEED-CI Version 2.0

See updated Credit Interpretation Rulings issued by the U.S. Green Building Council.

"Achieve direct line of sight to the outdoor environment (vision glazing between 2’-6” and 7’-6”) for building occupants in 90% of all regularly occupied areas. Determine the area with direct line of sight by totaling the regularly occupied square footage that meets the following criteria:

• In plan view, the area is within sight lines drawn from perimeter vision glazing.
• In section view, a direct sight line can be drawn from a point 42 in. above the floor to perimeter vision glazing.

Line of sight may be drawn through interior glazing. For private offices, the entire square footage of the office can be counted if 75% or more of the area has direct line of sight to perimeter vision glazing. If less than 75% of the area has direct line of sight then only the area with the direct line of sight will be counted towards meeting the credit requirement not the whole office area. For multi-occupant spaces, the actual square footage with direct line of sight to perimeter vision glazing is counted."

- LEED-CI Reference Guide Version 2.0, page 365

LEED-CI Version 2.0

• "Provide the LEED-CI Letter Template and calculations signed by the architect, interior designer or other responsible party describing, demonstrating and declaring that the building occupants in 90% of regularly occupied areas will have direct lines of site to perimeter glazing.
• Provide floor plans and representative sections highlighting the areas with direct line of sight and showing interior partitions and perimeter windows with respect to the view at 42 in. above the floor."

- LEED-CI Reference Guide Version 2.0, page 365

There are currently no audit requirements for this credit.

This credit has not yet been achieved by a LEED-CI project at Harvard.