LEED AP with Operations and Maintenance (O+M ) Practice Exam

What must an office project with mechanical ventilation do during the performance period to comply with EQ Prerequisite Minimum IAQ?

1. Conduct regular air quality testing

2. Measure outdoor airflow

3. Install additional ventilation systems

4. Limit occupancy to reduce pollutants

The correct answer is: Measure outdoor airflow

For an office project with mechanical ventilation to comply with the Minimum Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Requirements under the EQ Prerequisite, measuring outdoor airflow is essential. This process ensures that the building is receiving adequate amounts of outside air, which is critical for maintaining acceptable indoor air quality levels. Proper ventilation reduces the concentration of indoor pollutants, allows for the dilution of contaminants, and creates a healthier environment for occupants. Measuring outdoor airflow during the performance period is a requirement to assess if the mechanical ventilation systems are working efficiently and effectively in providing sufficient fresh air. This verification aligns with building codes and standards that govern indoor air quality, ultimately supporting the health and well-being of building occupants. Other options, while relevant to indoor air quality maintenance, do not address the specific compliance requirement of measuring outdoor airflow. Regular air quality testing, for instance, analyzes the pollutant levels but does not ensure that adequate outdoor air is being supplied. Installing additional ventilation systems could be beneficial in certain situations, but it is not a required action for compliance with this prerequisite. Limiting occupancy can indeed reduce the generation of pollutants, but it does not address the core requirement of ensuring adequate fresh air delivery through mechanical ventilation.