For EQ Prerequisite: Environmental Tobacco Smoke Control, how can compartmentalization be demonstrated in a residential project?

Demonstrating compartmentalization in a residential project, particularly in relation to the Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS) Control prerequisite, requires evidence that prevents the movement of contaminants, such as secondhand smoke, between living spaces. Using tracer gas testing or a blower door test after drywall installation effectively showcases this compartmentalization by measuring the infiltration and exfiltration of air within the homes.

Tracer gas testing involves introducing a harmless gas into an area and measuring its concentration over time in different rooms. This process can determine how effectively spaces are sealed from one another, indicating whether air movement—and thus the potential transfer of ETS—is being controlled. A blower door test, meanwhile, pressurizes the home to pinpoint leaks and airflow issues before the sealing of spaces is finalized. Together, these tests offer quantitative data about the home’s ability to contain contaminants.

The approach aligns with the LEED framework’s focus on optimizing indoor air quality. Other methods, like visual inspections alone or using air quality monitors, do not provide the same definitive proof of containment and control as the more rigorous testing methods do.