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will likely change over time, due to climate change. For example, the periods with higher pollen levels and wildfires may increase or intensify. For this reason, information collected during the IPp1: Climate Resilience Assessment should be included in this investigation.

REGIONAL AIR QUALITY

Regional air quality is partially determined by reviewing compliance with national ambient air quality standards. In the U.S., air quality monitoring data is available to determine the region’s status relative to acceptable levels for six regional outdoor air quality pollutants (particulate matter, carbon monoxide, ozone, nitrogen dioxide, lead, sulfur dioxide).

LOCAL AIR QUALITY

Local air quality is typically determined through observations by walking around the project site and reviewing the neighborhood context. Examples of items to survey include facilities on-site and on adjacent properties, description of sources of vehicle exhaust on-site and adjacent properties, and identification of potential contaminant sources on the site and from adjoining properties. Most of this information will be gathered in the IPp2: Human Impact Assessment.

The results of the outdoor air quality investigation inform the design of critical elements of the mechanical system, including the air intake locations on the building, the filtration levels used, or the use of air-cleaning devices. The investigation also helps determine exhaust and equipment locations to minimize impacts to neighboring buildings or building occupants.

Ventilation and Filtration

ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2022 is the referenced ventilation standard for most commercial buildings. The Standard establishes minimum ventilation requirements and other measures for IAQ that is acceptable to human occupants and that minimizes adverse health effects.

The standard involves designing for IAQ using one of three available procedures: the ventilation rate procedure (VRP), indoor air quality procedure (IAQP), or the natural ventilation procedure (NVP). Any combination of options may be used for compliance with this prerequisite.

IAQP VERIFICATION

If the IAQP is used to comply with this prerequisite, an extra verification step after building completion is required that involves air quality testing and conducting a subjective occupant evaluation. These verification steps are outlined in ASHRAE 62.1-2022, Section 7.3 IAQP Verification.

U.S. Green Building Council LEED v5 Reference Guide for Interior Design and Construction, April 2025 Launch Edition 299