Learn how increasing ventilation in occupied spaces affects the LEED Indoor Environmental Quality credit category, but not Water Efficiency, Energy, or Materials.
Table of Contents
Question
Which of the following credit categories is affected by increasing the amount of ventilation in an occupied space?
A. Water Efficiency
B. Indoor Ventilation and Energy
C. Indoor Environmental Quality
D. Materials and Resources
Answer
C. Indoor Environmental Quality
Explanation
Increasing the amount of ventilation in an occupied space affects the Indoor Environmental Quality credit category. Ventilation is the process of supplying fresh outdoor air and removing stale indoor air from a building.
Ventilation can improve the indoor environmental quality by diluting or removing indoor pollutants, such as carbon dioxide, volatile organic compounds, or particulate matter, and enhancing the thermal comfort and well-being of the occupants. The LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook states that one of the strategies for achieving indoor environmental quality is to “increase ventilation rates”.
Increasing the amount of ventilation in an occupied space directly impacts the Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) credit category in LEED. Ventilation is a key factor in maintaining good indoor air quality, thermal comfort, and overall occupant well-being. By bringing in more fresh outdoor air and exhausting stale indoor air, increased ventilation helps remove indoor pollutants, control humidity levels, and regulate temperatures. This supports the goals of the IEQ category.
The other credit categories listed are not directly affected by ventilation rates:
A. Water Efficiency credits focus on reducing potable water consumption through efficient fixtures, appliances, landscaping, and wastewater reuse. Ventilation does not play a role.
B. There is no “Indoor Ventilation and Energy” credit category in LEED. Energy and Atmosphere credits do address energy efficiency, but ventilation rates are covered under IEQ.
D. Materials and Resources credits encourage the use of sustainably sourced, recycled, and low-emitting materials. While some of these materials may have an indirect impact on indoor air quality, the ventilation rate itself does not affect this category.
In summary, increasing ventilation in an occupied space directly contributes to earning credits in the Indoor Environmental Quality category of LEED, as it is a key strategy for providing fresh air and maintaining a healthy and comfortable indoor environment for occupants. The other listed categories are not directly impacted by ventilation rates.
USGBC LEED Green Associate certification exam practice question and answer (Q&A) dump with detail explanation and reference available free, helpful to pass the USGBC LEED Green Associate exam and earn USGBC LEED Green Associate certification.