EQ Credit: Construction Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Management Plan
👉 “Clean during construction = healthy after occupancy”
This credit is about protecting air quality during construction so that:
- Workers are protected during construction
- Occupants are protected after occupancy
- Building systems perform better long-term
👉 Think: “Don’t contaminate the building before people even move in.”
🎯 Intent
To promote the well-being of construction workers and building occupants by minimizing indoor air quality problems associated with construction and renovation.
✅ Core Requirement
Projects must:
✔ Develop AND implement a Construction IAQ Management Plan
✔ Follow SMACNA IAQ Guidelines (key exam item)
📊 REQUIRED STRATEGIES (SMACNA + LEED)
🔹 Must Address ALL of These
Requirement | What It Means | Exam Tip |
Follow SMACNA Guidelines | Control dust, pollutants, airflow | ⭐ Core requirement |
Protect absorptive materials | Prevent moisture damage (e.g., drywall, insulation) | Mold prevention |
HVAC protection | Use MERV 8 filters if running systems | ⭐ Compare with MERV 13 |
No tobacco use | No smoking inside or within 25 ft | Same as ETS prereq |
🧠 SMACNA STRATEGIES (MEMORIZE THIS LIST)
Category | Meaning |
HVAC Protection | Keep ducts/equipment clean |
Source Control | Control dust at source |
Pathway Interruption | Prevent pollutant spread |
Housekeeping | Clean regularly |
Scheduling | Sequence work to reduce exposure |
👉 Memory Trick:
“HSPHS” → HVAC, Source, Pathway, Housekeeping, Scheduling
⚠️ KEY NUMBERS TO REMEMBER
Item | Value |
Smoking distance | 25 feet |
Filter requirement | MERV 8 (during construction) |
Enhanced IAQ (comparison) | MERV 13 (post-construction) |
🏗️ IMPLEMENTATION (PROJECT TIP)
- Include IAQ plan in:
- Construction documents
- Specifications
- Subcontractor agreements
👉 This is often tested:
“Where should the IAQ plan be included?” → Construction documents (Specifications)
🏥 HEALTHCARE ADD-ON (VERY TESTABLE)
Healthcare projects require:
🔹 Environmental Quality Management Plan (EQMP)
Requirement | Description |
Infection Control Risk Assessment (ICRA) | Evaluate contamination risks |
Follow FGI Guidelines (2010) | Healthcare standard |
Integrative team | Owner + Designer + Contractor |
Coordinate with design | Not just construction phase |
👉 Exam Tip:
Healthcare ≠ just IAQ → includes infection control
👉 During construction:
- Keep air clean
- Protect materials
- Protect HVAC
- No smoking
- Follow SMACNA
❗ COMMON EXAM TRAPS
- MERV 8 (this credit) vs 13 (Enhanced IAQ)
- Plan must be implemented, not just written
- Smoking restriction applies during construction
- SMACNA = construction phase, not operations
Official FAQs
Which standard must be followed for this credit?
B. SMACNA IAQ Guidelines
C. CIBSE Manual
D. EPA WaterSense
✅ Answer: B
What is the minimum filtration requirement if HVAC is used during construction?
B. MERV 10
C. MERV 8
D. MERV 5
✅ Answer: C
A contractor stores drywall in an open, humid area. Which requirement is being violated?
B. HVAC protection
C. Protection of absorptive materials
D. Pathway interruption
✅ Answer: C
A project includes IAQ measures but does not include them in construction documents. What is the issue?
B. Plan is incomplete
C. Plan is not enforceable
D. Violates ASHRAE
✅ Answer: C
A project runs HVAC systems during construction without filtration. What are the likely impacts?
B. Contaminant buildup in ducts
C. Energy savings
D. Better commissioning
✅ Answer: B
A healthcare project follows SMACNA but skips infection control risk assessment. Does it comply?
B. No
C. Only for new construction
D. Only if HVAC is off
✅ Answer: B
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