855773520-LEED-v5-ID-C-Reference-Guide-Launch-Edition-1 - Page 322

Extracted Content

FORMALDEHYDE

A design target of 20 µg/m³ (16 ppb) was selected based on the NIOSH recommended airborne exposure limit (REL ) and FEMA goal for emergency housing [118] . Formaldehyde is a carcinogen that can irritate the skin and eyes. Long-term exposure has been associated with increased allergic sensitivity and asthma. Many building products contain formaldehyde as addressed in the MRc Low-Emitting Material s.

PM2.5 A design target of 10 ug/m3 was selected based on the WHO global air quality guidelines, PM2.5 interim target 4. [119] This number reflects the thinking that adverse effects from PM2.5 can occur at low concentrations approaching zero, so PM2.5 should be maintained as low as reasonably achievable in interior spaces.

If air cleaning systems are used to achieve the enhanced IAQ design targets, refer to the guidance on air cleaning devices in EQp2: Fundamental Air Quality .

Option 3. Verification of Ventilation and Filtration

When planning a new build-out in an existing building, it is critical to understand the base building systems and their capability to provide ventilation for the planned occupancy. Option 3 requires the project team to measure and verify the total quantity of outdoor air delivered to the tenant space from the existing base building HVAC systems.

MEASUREMENT AND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

Measurements from calibrated airflow measuring stations or an approved test, adjust, and balance report from the contractor may be used.

Measure the outdoor airflow to the project from each base building air-handling unit that serves spaces within the LEED project scope. Acceptable measurements may come from calibrated airflow measuring stations or contractor test, adjust, and balancing reports. Take measurements under worst-case operating conditions.

Confirm that the results for each air handling unit are within 10% of the minimum outdoor airflow value determined for EQp2: Fundamental Air Quality .

This path is only available to projects that renovate previously occupied spaces.

118 “Formaldehyde”, Chemical Insights, accessed March 31, 2025, https://chemicalinsights.org/wpcontent/uploads/FactSheet_Formaldehyde.pdf. 119 “WHO global air quality guidelines. Particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), ozone, nitrogen dioxide, sulfer dioxide”, Geneva: World Health Organization, (2021), https://iris.who.int/bitstream/handle/10665/345329/9789240034228-eng.pdf.

U.S. Green Building Council LEED v5 Reference Guide for Interior Design and Construction, April 2025 Launch Edition 311