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indoor air quality during wildfire events or during periods of increased risk of respiratory diseases which is addressed in EQc6: Resilient Spaces .

EVALUATE ECONOMIZER OPERATIONS

Evaluate systems using outdoor air economizers. Economizers often save energy but can degrade over time. Economizer controls require dampers, actuators, sensors, and a controller. If any of these parts is not calibrated or fails, it can lead to inadequate economizer performance or failure. When the economizers fail, they could allow insufficient levels of outdoor air into the space leading to indoor air quality issues. Verify the economizers operate in accordance with the design intent and resolve any issues with the economizers.

SPACES WITH NATURAL VENTILATION

This prerequisite requires evaluating the ventilation being provided through the building’s openings and identifying any issues or inadequacies. The project must have a list of the ventilation openings including their opening type, location, and size.

Projects without design documentation for the natural ventilation approach may refer to calculation procedures in ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2022 to assess adequate opening sizes and locations. These calculations are not required for this prerequisite but contribute to compliance with EQc2: Ventilation Performance .

VISUAL OPENING INSPECTIONS

A visual inspection is required for this prerequisite to confirm proper operation of the ventilation openings. This includes manually opening the windows (or observing the automatic opening apparatus) to confirm function and openable area. During the inspection, identify any damage to openings, screens, louvers, or mechanical components. If damage is present and prevents the openings from providing outdoor air entry, repair and replace the parts.

Review all openings for cleanliness. Dust, pollen, and biological material can build up on exterior surfaces such as screens or louvers. These can impact the quality of air entering the indoor environment, and if present, the visible debris and biological material must be removed.

Spaces with Mechanical Exhaust

Test exhaust systems to verify proper operation. Natural ventilation designs often rely on exhaust systems to maintain proper pressurization in the building.

Test the exhaust systems and modify if necessary to confirm proper operation as outlined in the CFR and O+M plan from IPp4: Current Facilities Requirements and O+M Plan .

U.S. Green Building Council LEED v5 Reference Guide for Operations and Maintenance, April 2025 Launch Edition 212