Issue link: https://hi.iaq.net/i/844521
Table A1: Project Planning (continued) Table A1: Project Planning Complete Energy and IAQ Audits An energy audit identifies ways to improve energy efficiency in a building. An IAQ audit, sometimes referred to as an IAQ walkthrough inspection, identifies IAQ issues in a building that affect occupant health and safety. Sometimes, when equipment upgrades or operational changes are completed to improve energy efficiency, IAQ can be negatively affected. For example, performing energy upgrade activities without considering building ventilation can lead to decreased air quality, condensation problems, or elevated humidity levels that can cause mold growth. The resulting tradeoff for reduced operating cost from energy savings is decreased occupant health and safety. By performing both energy and IAQ audits and including IAQ planning in energy improvement projects, these potential negative effects can be mitigated while also taking advantage of the synergies of energy efficiency and IAQ. When planning for energy and IAQ audits, ask whether the energy auditor can assist an IAQ professional, such as the school's IAQ coordinator, with an IAQ assessment. Additionally, ask the energy auditor whether the outdoor ventilation rates are sufficient and if the controls are functioning properly, as ventilation plays a large role in both energy efficiency and IAQ. Refer to AP 1.2 for more information on IAQ walkthroughs. Any final decisions regarding the project scope and plan should be made after the walkthrough and should ensure that major IAQ issues are accounted for and addressed. Identify Hazardous Materials Hazardous materials such as lead, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), asbestos and mold all pose significant health and safety issues to building occupants in old or even previously renovated buildings. These materials must be identified prior to starting work to ensure safe construction practices are used and that the materials are safely removed from the building as necessary. Removing these hazardous materials can be expensive, and any associated costs should be built into the project budget during the initial planning stages. Refer to the following Priority Issues for specific information regarding potential locations of these materials within the building and for remediation guidance: 3.0 Moisture Control and Mold 4.0 Asbestos 5.0 Lead 6.0 Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) Test for Radon Radon is a cancer-causing radioactive gas. It is odorless, colorless and tasteless, and it is a serious health and safety issue that must be addressed early in project planning. Measuring radon levels in schools is a relatively easy and straightforward process compared to many other important building upkeep activities. Mitigation of elevated radon levels can be more expensive, and any associated costs should be built into the project budget during the initial planning stages. Refer to Priority Issue 7.0 Radon for testing and mitigation guidance. Design Charrette Overall project goals, scope and systems-level strategy should be discussed during the Design Charrette or planning meeting. During this meeting, designers, engineers, and school representatives and decision makers should discuss strategy and synergies between IAQ and energy efficiency that can be implemented to achieve overall project goals. The Charrette should be concluded by outlining a defined project strategy. This strategy may include some "wish list" items that may later be ruled out based on cost; however, the goal of this meeting is to strategize tangible methods to achieve a school's desires so that the facility manager and other school decision makers can make informed final decisions about project scope. Refer to MA 1.1 for more information on the Design Charrette process. 76 Energy Savings Plus Health | INDOOR AIR QUALITY GUIDELINES FOR SCHOOL BUILDING UPGRADES