USGBC LEED® IEQ Credit 3.2 Flush-Out Testing: Utilizing the WolfPack IAQ PLUS (or DirectSense IAQ PLUS) as a Highly Efficient Screening Tool for “Option 2, IAQ Air Testing”

One full credit is offered by the US Green Building Council for LEED IEQ credit 3.2 in new and renovated buildings. This requires the air handling system in the building to be run, or the space “flushed out”, for a period of days or weeks ahead of occupancy. There is also the option of a two-phase flush-out, with a stage of HVAC operation ahead of occupancy, and then some additional flushout with significantly higher than normal outdoor (dilution) air being delivered during initial occupancy.

Such flush-outs can have negative economic consequences resulting from delayed occupancy, and due to the energy costs associated with heating or cooling the additional outdoor air being delivered during the flush-out. However, if a range of specific parameters are measured below prescribed levels, the flush-out period may be reduced or eliminated, while providing added assurance that occupants will not be subjected to elevated pollutants associated with construction and new building materials; pollutants that may detrimentally impact the productivity, and long-term health of the occupants.