(G06) The A, B, C's of IAQ Monitoring: When, Why, and How?

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) has emerged as a leading consideration for building design, construction, and operations. Worsening air pollution, record setting forest fires, the global Covid-19 pandemic, and increased awareness about the lack of ventilation and build-up of indoor pollutants in existing buildings, have all prompted the industry to respond in kind.

There are a variety of ways to evaluate indoor air quality (IAQ), from age-old methods such as occupant surveys and point-in-time laboratory testing, to a robust offering of continuous air quality monitoring devices. Each of these methods are valuable situational tools depending on building operator needs and strategy. Continuous air quality monitoring, in particular, in the newest method available for use, is growing quickly, and evolving in real time.

This presentation will approach the topic of continuous monitoring in an informed, yet accessible, way for occupants to better understand their options and considerations for implementation. The presentation will be delivered in four parts – all complimentary when considering IAQ monitor specifics and scale of deployment.

The first part will introduce a new white paper written by a working group of the BuildingGreen Sustainable Design, Engineering, and Construction Leaders peer networks. This paper serves as a primer for continuous air quality monitoring and equips teams to cost effectively apply continuous IAQ monitoring on projects regardless of size or budget. Key questions to ask and parameters to consider are addressed in a sensible way.

The second part of the presentation will address research conducted on specific brands of commercial indoor air quality monitors in ‘hands on’ applications that compare device features and performance data gathered from several years of continuous monitoring. Discussion will focus on device setup, ease of use, data access, integration with Arc Skoru (LEED v4.1 O+M), and other criteria to inform attendees on key considerations for getting IAQ devices into more buildings both during design and in operation. Devices will also be available (and ideally, measuring) in the room for real-time comparison and hands-on comparison during and after the presentation.

The third part will share experience deploying continuous air quality monitoring at scale, with 5,000 devices across 4 continents. The challenges in sourcing, communicating, varying construction types and standards, and typical responsibility of trades are highlighted as this case study. Key insights and lessons learned will be shared for attendees to use and apply on their own projects.

A self-moderated panel discussion will conclude the presentation with introduction to Indoor Air Quality Procedure (IAQP) from ASHRAE Std. 62.1 that is relevant to LEED projects and how it contrasts with the VRP, presentation of applicable LEED prerequisites and credits, and a discussion on the direction of IAQ in the industry going forward.