Similar to the Outdoor Ventilation requirement, this credit focuses on indoor air quality.  The difference is that EQ 5 targets moisture and indoor pollutants in our kitchen and bathrooms — two rooms that produce much more moisture and odors than any other room (hopefully).  As a prerequisite, we need to do all of the following:

a. Design and install local exhaust systems in all bathrooms (including half baths) and the kitchen to meet the requirements of Section 5 of ASHRA Standard 62.2-2007 (i.e., 100 cfm in kitchen or vented range hood; 50 cfm in bathrooms).

b. Design and install the fans and ducts to meet the requirement of Section 7 of ASHRAE Standard 62.2-2007.

c. Exhaust air to the outdoors (i.e., exhaust to attics is not permitted).

d. Use ENERGY STAR labeled bathroom exhaust fans. [The USGBC added this: Clarification: Part (d) is waived for bathrooms with an ERV or HRV. (EQ 05-11)]

Our HVAC subcontractor, Jason, signed the LEED Accountability Form that says these were all installed according to the design specifications, so we meet this prerequisite.  Our kitchen hood is indeed vented outdoors, which meant our contractors had to address the issue of make-up air.  I have a friend whose new home was sealed so tightly that every time he turned on the kitchen range hood, it created an air suction such that ashes flew out of his fireplace into his living room.  Now that’s a make-up air issue.

For 5.2 Enhanced Local Exhaust, which offers one point, every bathroom needs to have either (a) an occupancy sensor, (b) an automatic humidistat controller, (c) an automatic timer to operate the fan for a timed interval after occupant leaves the room, or (d) a continuously operating exhaust fan.  I had to check with our HVAC sub-contractor to see what we’ve got; here’s what he said:

The Honeywell IAQ forced air control system that we provided does automatically regulate humidity in the home.  If the humidity is too low we add it with the humidifiers.  If the humidity is too high from activity in the home the control system will start the air handler fans & the air exchangers to exhaust the moisture & bring fresh air into the home.  This type of system is a balanced ventilation system that is superior to just exhausting.

I think this qualifies as a continuously operating exhaust fan, so I will count a point here.

For 5.3 Third-party Testing, we get one point if Jimmie Sparks tested each exhaust air flow rate for compliance.  The third-party testing points seem like easy ones to pick up, plus they ensure that our builder did what he said he was going to do.  I am pretty sure Jimmie already tested for this and am awaiting confirmation, but I’ll count one point here.

So, two points total for this credit, which did cost our builder a few bucks for the test.  Probably worth it.

Indoor Environmental Quality points so far: 6

Cumulative points: 76.5

Additional points needed to get to Gold: 11.5