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Concern about the environmental impact of construction and emissions has increased significantly in recent years, due to factors such as global warming, biodiversity loss and water pollution, among others. This has led to a boom in the development of standards and certifications that focus on the sustainability of buildings from various points of view. Energy efficiency, the reduction of the use of polluting materials or the saving of essential resources such as water are some of the conditions and points of interest that are framed in this type of certifications. In this context, LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) stands out as the most widely recognized sustainable building certification system worldwide.
LEED-certified buildings are considered to be healthy and energy-efficient buildings, thereby reducing their environmental impact and resulting in social benefits. Like the vast majority of certifications in this field, it offers a holistic approach that considers building sustainability as the result of many key elements, including the following:
The currently available versions are V4.1 and V5. LEED V4.1 stands out from the previous version due to improvements in energy efficiency standards, water conservation, site selection, material selection, lighting, and waste reduction. Version V5, meanwhile, focuses on decarbonization, quality of life, and ecological conservation and restoration.
LEED certification projects are distinguished based on the type of building and the phase of construction, including new Core & Shell buildings (Building Design and Construction; BD+C), new constructions and interior design (Interior Design and Construction; ID+C), and projects involving existing buildings (Building Operations and Maintenance; O+M). This range of options is reflected in specific certification systems for each project type, as explained further below. In all cases, certification is based on a point system. A minimum of 40 points is required to obtain certification, although higher certification levels are available: Silver (>50 points), Gold (>60 points), and Platinum (>80 points).
New construction projects can earn points under the Indoor Environment Quality (EQ) category, where there are several credits where air quality monitoring can help earn those points.
First, the Minimum Indoor Air Quality Performance credit is a prerequisite that requires CO₂ monitoring in naturally ventilated spaces, making inBiot’s solutions highly useful for achieving compliance.
Second, LEED offers several strategies to earn points under the Enhanced Indoor Air Quality Strategies credit. Meeting three of these strategies earns 1 point, and inBiot enables compliance with two air quality monitoring strategies:
Third, the Indoor Air Quality Assessment credit proposes two options to establish better indoor air quality after construction and during occupancy, aiming to protect occupant well-being:
In its most recent version, LEED offers great flexibility for compliance with the established thresholds, allowing the use of monitoring devices, such as MICA in addition to laboratory testing.
First, the Enhanced Air Quality credit promotes design strategies aimed at improving indoor air quality. Option 2: Enhanced Indoor Air Quality Design allows for the achievement of 1 point through the measurement and compliance with thresholds for PM2.5, formaldehyde, and ozone. Monitoring these parameters helps ensure threshold compliance, supporting an improved IAQ design.
Second, the Air Quality Testing and Monitoring credit focuses on encouraging better indoor air quality management through multiple approaches. One such approach is Option 2: Continuous Indoor Air Monitoring, which awards 1 point for the installation of monitors that track key parameters: CO₂, PM2.5, TVOCs, temperature, and relative humidity. These monitors must meet building-grade standards. Thanks to their RESET Grade B certification, inBiot’s MICA devices are aligned with LEED’s requirements.
Operations and maintenance projects for existing buildings also have the opportunity to earn points through the Indoor Environmental Quality (EQ) category. In this case, the Indoor Environmental Quality Performance credit offers the possibility of earning up to 20 points. This is a requirement that includes, on the one hand, a building occupant satisfaction survey, which accounts for 50% of the weight of the final score.
On the other hand, indoor air quality assessment comprises the other 50%, divided between CO2 monitoring ( 25%) and TVOC monitoring (25%). In addition, additional pollutants such as CO, ozone, PM and formaldehyde may be included.
The resulting score can provide from 8 points, the minimum required, up to 20, depending on the level of satisfaction of people and air quality. This reaffirms the importance of IAQ monitoring because of its close relationship with the sustainability of buildings and the effects on the health of the people who occupy them.
Version v5 introduces a new approach. Based on a restructured LEED framework, this latest version places greater emphasis on indoor air quality (IAQ) monitoring. The Indoor Environmental Quality (EQ) category includes a new credit titled Indoor Air Quality Performance, which features a section fully dedicated to continuous indoor air monitoring (Option 1: Continuous Indoor Air Monitoring). This credit can contribute up to 10 points toward LEED certification.
Points can be earned by installing monitors that track key air quality parameters. Furthermore, additional points are awarded for maintaining concentrations within established limits, allowing projects to earn up to the full 10 points.
In conclusion, indoor air quality monitoring plays a key role in achieving LEED certification, serving as a fundamental element in the creation of sustainable and healthy buildings. inBiot’s innovative solutions, led by MICA, not only meet LEED’s rigorous standards but also promote efficiency and enhanced quality of life within buildings—contributing to both people’s well-being and environmental care.
Contact us and find out how we can boost your project's LEED certification!
