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time. One-time testing can also be deployed when continuous monitors reveal IAQ levels significantly above typical levels for the space.

Option 1. Continuous Indoor Air Monitoring

Air monitoring allows for real-time air quality assessment in occupied spaces. Indoor air monitors enable the identification of potential issues and timely corrective actions to help maintain indoor air quality in the building. This option can be achieved with the use of temporary or permanent monitors.

REPORTING PERIOD

Monitoring must occur over a minimum of three consecutive months within a 12-month reporting period. The selected three-month period must fall entirely within the reporting period. Teams can select any three consecutive months within the year.

NUMBER OF MONITORS

A successful monitoring strategy must consider the purpose of the data collection and dedicated resources for ongoing data management. Fewer, well managed monitors are usually more beneficial than copious neglected monitors. Include at least one monitor per 25,000 square feet (2,500 square meters) of total occupied floor area. This density is a good entry point for getting started with indoor air quality monitoring. Additional monitors can be added as desired up to the best-practice density of one monitor per 5,000 square feet (500 square meters) of total occupied floor area.

MONITOR LOCATION

Monitors must be placed to best represent the project occupancy and function(s). This will vary depending on the purpose of the monitoring. Use the following criteria to determine representative locations for the project:

• Multiple space types . Consider including monitors in multiple space types. For example, in an office building, monitor the open office spaces but also consider closed offices, conference rooms, quiet spaces, and other occupied space types. In a school building, monitor classroom spaces but also consider the auditorium, administrative offices, student assembly areas, and lab spaces.

• Different ventilation systems . If the project has multiple ventilation systems, consider placing monitors in areas served by each ventilation system.

• Multiple floors . For projects with multiple floors, consider placing monitors on different floors.

U.S. Green Building Council LEED v5 Reference Guide for Operations and Maintenance, April 2025 Launch Edition 224