Indoor Environmental Quality as an Occupant-Centered System
Definition
Indoor environmental quality is the combined effect of air quality, lighting, thermal conditions, acoustics, control, and spatial experience on occupants rather than a single HVAC or ventilation metric.
Sourced Facts
- The guide defines indoor environmental quality through air quality, lighting, thermal conditions, acoustics, and their effects on occupants. PDF p. 84; guide p. 77
- For indoor pollutants, it prioritizes source elimination or control, followed by ventilation to remove contaminants that enter. PDF p. 85; guide p. 78
- Operations measures include adequate ventilation, airflow and carbon-dioxide monitoring, sensor calibration, smoking controls, green cleaning, and custodial assessment. PDF p. 86; guide p. 79
- Thermal comfort also depends on humidity, air movement, and occupant control; daylight and natural ventilation can support both energy and occupant goals when designed as an integrated system. PDF p. 87; guide p. 80 PDF p. 88; guide p. 81
Interpretation
Interpretation
Define performance from the occupant’s point of view, then coordinate envelope, source control, ventilation, filtration, lighting, acoustics, controls, and maintenance. Verify outcomes with sensors and occupant feedback because compliant component settings do not by themselves prove comfort or health.
Evidence
- Primary pages: PDF p. 84; guide p. 77, PDF p. 85; guide p. 78, PDF p. 86; guide p. 79, PDF p. 87; guide p. 80, and PDF p. 88; guide p. 81
- Source note: LEED Core Concepts Guide - Third Edition > Indoor Environmental Quality