17-0217 v3.1/Giant Panda Exhibit, Calgary Zoo/IAQ Testing Clarification

QUESTION

These questions are in relation to the Air Quality Testing requirements as outlined in the 3.0 Health and Happiness Petal Handbook. It is stated in this document that 1 outdoor control sample should be collected for all buildings where three or more samples are collected. Please clarify what is required to be tested for the outdoor control sample, and for any parameters that are required to be tested outdoors, what are the sampling results to be compared to when no outdoor maximum allowable concentrations have been provided within the 3.0 Health and Happiness Petal Handbook.

Clarification is requested because with the exception of microbial testing, outdoor control samples are not normally required in indoor air quality evaluations, especially with laboratory samples. Among other considerations, the time span between the pre and post occupancy samples would regularly necessitate the collection of samples during winter months. Much of the sampling equipment and sample media used for indoor air quality assessments are not designed for use in below zero temperatures as some sampling media and equipment will not work properly or provide accurate results when used in these temperatures. Also, maximum allowable concentrations have not been provided to compare the outdoor sample results to. In other words, what would the outdoor sample results be compared to when this data is collected, and where does it factor in to whether the indoor samples are compliant with the maximum allowable concentrations that are listed on page 14 of the above referenced document. The maximum allowable concentrations provided for the indoor samples were not designed for, and are not applicable to outdoor levels. With air quality testing under Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards for example, there is only one parameter which technically is required to be sampled outdoors, and that is carbon monoxide. When testing for this parameter under LEED, the allowable levels for indoors includes a comparison to outdoor levels if indoor levels exceed a certain amount.

ANSWER

The outdoor sample is to be used as a reference point only and does not need to meet the thresholds specified in I08 Healthy Interior Environment. Ideally, the outdoor sample should capture levels of PM2.5, PM10, and CO2. The intent of the outdoor sample point is to provide information that may affect IAQ conditions if natural ventilation is an active strategy or there is a mechanical system failure.

The final IAQ test must occur between 3 and 12 months after occupancy begins and furniture is installed, per https://access.living-future.org/etsy-hq/iaq-post-occ-testing-interior-typology. If testing during winter is an issue, then the final test may be shifted within these limits.

Post ID 6381