What’s New in LEED Version 5?
The transition to LEED Version 5 signals a more advanced approach to addressing various environmental concerns, particularly those related to human health. The most notable addition to the proposed update is the incorporation of the latest indoor air quality standards set forth by ASHRAE. Specifically, LEED Version 5 allows the adoption of certain practices within ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2022 and ASHRAE Standard 241-2023 as earnable credits, which lays out comprehensive guidelines for maintaining healthy indoor environments.
Indoor Air Quality Procedure
ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2022 introduced a new Indoor Air Quality Procedure (IAQP), enabling building designers and operators to incorporate air cleaning into ventilation design to reduce outdoor air intake resulting in immense energy savings. This flexibility allows buildings to ensure healthier indoor environments without being strictly bound to traditional, often outdated, ventilation requirements. By endorsing this standard, LEED Version 5 promotes practices that adapt to the dynamic nature of indoor air quality, enhancing overall occupant health and productivity.
Indoor Air Quality Assessment Testing
In addition to the earnable credits through the implementation of the IAQP, LEED Version 5 also includes specifications for indoor air quality testing outlined in ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2022. These requirements provide a detailed framework for evaluating the air quality within buildings, emphasizing the measurement of various contaminants, testing equipment calibration specifications, and the processes in which the testing must be performed.
Air Cleaner Effectiveness Testing
ASHRAE Standard 241-2023 lays out guidelines for prescriptive indoor air quality management when there is a heightened risk for infectious aerosol contamination, and for the first time, provides quantitative testing requirements for the effectiveness of air cleaning technology. When adding indoor air cleaning systems to ventilation design, LEED Version 5 will allow credits to be earned when such devices are tested for ASHRAE Standard 241-2023 and ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2022 requirements. By aligning with ASHRAE’s rigorous testing standards, the LEED Version 5 framework encourages the adoption of proven air cleaning technologies, empowering building owners and designers to make informed decisions that contribute to healthier indoor environments. This initiative supports sustainability goals and fosters building resilience, promoting a guaranteed approach to environmental and public health in the built environment.
AirBox: Bringing Certification to Life
AirBox is an asset for achieving LEED Version 5 certification. The AirBox IAQ Testing Services fully align with LEED’s requirements for earning IAQ Testing credits, ensuring compliance with the latest standards. Additionally, AirBox High-Volume Purifiers (HVPs) play a critical role in meeting ASHRAE’s Indoor Air Quality Procedure (IAQP), which helps reduce energy consumption and supports the attainment of LEED credits for improved indoor air quality. With these integrated solutions, AirBox helps building projects achieve sustainability and occupant health goals, streamlining the path to LEED certification.
Conclusion
LEED Version 5 represents a significant advancement in integrating IAQ and energy efficiency into building design. By adopting the IAQP and aligning with ASHRAE’s latest standards, LEED Version 5 encourages the development of buildings that prioritize occupant health and environmental sustainability. Professionals in the building industry should familiarize themselves with these updates to ensure compliance and leverage the opportunities presented by this enhanced certification framework.
