855773520-LEED-v5-ID-C-Reference-Guide-Launch-Edition-1 - Page 362

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consider closed offices, conference rooms, quiet space, and other occupied space types. In a school building, test classroom space, but also consider the auditorium, administrative offices, student assembly areas and lab spaces.

• Different ventilation systems . If the project has multiple ventilation systems, identify a measurement location in areas served by each ventilation system, up to the required number of measurement points.

• Multiple floors . For projects with multiple floors, select locations on different floors.

• Spaces where the highest concentrations of contaminants are likely to occur . This could be due to the construction or fit-out of the space, or a lower ventilation rate. For example, private offices may have a higher concentration of contaminants compared to open offices, due to a higher density of furniture and finish materials in an enclosed space.

Failed testing If a test fails, take corrective action (e.g., clean and flush out the space) and retest. All test locations must meet the concentration limits in Table 2 for Path 1 compliance and/or Table 3 for Path 2 compliance.

Timing for air quality testing Air quality measurements must be conducted after construction is complete and before occupancy. For the purposes of this credit, construction is complete once all furniture and finishes are installed, construction punch-list items that would generate VOCs or other contaminants are complete, and testing and balancing of the HVAC system has been conducted.

Testing must be done under normal operating ventilation conditions. If there are unoccupied setbacks in the ventilation system, test during normal occupied hours to achieve the typical ventilation conditions.

All testing and retesting must be completed before occupancy.

Retail projects Retail projects may perform testing within 14 days of occupancy. This is to accommodate the unique compressed construction timeline for typical retail projects.

PATH 1. PARTICULATE MATTER AND INORGANIC GASES

Each location must be tested for all contaminants in Table 2 of the Rating System.

Table 2 outlines the approved test methods for each contaminant. Teams can use laboratorybased testing or take measurements using direct-reading instruments. If using direct readings,

U.S. Green Building Council LEED v5 Reference Guide for Interior Design and Construction, April 2025 Launch Edition 351