Indoor Air Quality

Indoor airPLUS Version 2 Reaches for the Sky: New Opportunities for Healthier Multifamily Buildings


Description
In late 2019, with the advent of ENERGY STAR's Multifamily New Construction Program (MFNC), EPA's Indoor airPLUS Program incorporated MFNC as a viable pre-requisite for buildings up to 5 stories. If Indoor airPLUS works for five stories, why wouldn't it work for twelve or sixteen stories? Conceptually it would seem simple to apply the same indoor air quality details for taller buildings; however, as buildings get taller, some physical elements change beyond the height. Driving forces and internal pressures change as buildings get taller. Ventilation and air sealing details also become more complex, making compartmentalization increasingly critical. Materials and methods are often different for large facades and flat roofs, while interior moisture vapor and humidity control also require attention in design and construction. Radon-resistant construction is still incredibly important for multifamily buildings; but these structures often include parking garages, retail spaces, or other residentially-associated common spaces. How should these areas be addressed to reduce the risk of poor IAQ for the occupants? This session will examine how Indoor airPLUS Version 2 intends to address these issues with additional requirements built on the foundation of ENERGY STAR MFNC. Attendees will have a chance to preview these changes and learn how to provide valuable feedback to EPA as the program continues to evolve to improve IAQ in this growing sector.

Instructors: Nick Hurst, Gayathri Vijayakumar, & Karla Butterfield

CEU's: 1 AIA, 1 BPI, 1 NAHB, 1 NARI, 1 RESNET, and 1 GENERAL

**A maximum of 6 NAHB credits can be earned for entire Summit
Content
  • Indoor airPLUS Version 2 Reaches for the Sky
Completion rules
  • All units must be completed