Course: GFM 101 Fundamentals of Green Facilities Management

Reading

(1/2)
The Science: Integrating Indoor Environmental Quality Systems

Please click on the links as they will lead you to articles that are part of the reading assignment.

Enhance Indoor Environmental Quality
- Value Aesthetic Decisions—windows should be provided that afford building occupants views outside but do not negatively impact the visual and acoustic comfort of the work environment.
- Provide Thermal Comfort—components of the building envelope should adequately address issues of thermal comfort at the building perimeter, particularly thermal and solar performance of glazing systems. ASHRAE Standard 55—Thermal Environmental Conditions for Human Occupancy should be used as the basis for thermal comfort analysis.

- Maintain Appropriate Indoor Air Quality—design and construction of the building envelope should give appropriate consideration to the moisture dynamics so that water is not transmitted through the building envelope in to the building construction such that indoor air quality is compromised. Where appropriate, consider the use of operable windows for natural ventilation and occupant control, but be careful to consider the effect on the building HVAC system so as not to negatively impact the building's overall energy performance. Use dedicated/separate outside air and conditioned air distribution systems for the building perimeter zones to maintain positive pressurization at the building envelope and appropriate indoor air quality for occupants in the perimeter zones.

The Science: Integrating Indoor Environmental Quality Systems
- Provide Thermal Comfort—components of the building envelope should adequately address issues of thermal comfort at the building perimeter, particularly thermal and solar performance of glazing systems. ASHRAE Standard 55—Thermal Environmental Conditions for Human Occupancy should be used as the basis for thermal comfort analysis.
- Maintain Appropriate Indoor Air Quality—design and construction of the building envelope should give appropriate consideration to the moisture dynamics so that water is not transmitted through the building envelope in to the building construction such that indoor air quality is compromised. Where appropriate, consider the use of operable windows for natural ventilation and occupant control, but be careful to consider the effect on the building HVAC system so as not to negatively impact the building's overall energy performance. Use dedicated/separate outside air and conditioned air distribution systems for the building perimeter zones to maintain positive pressurization at the building envelope and appropriate indoor air quality for occupants in the perimeter zones.
- Avoid Use of Materials High in Pollutants—limit the use of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in such products as paints and coatings, and sealants and adhesives.
- Create a High Performance Luminous Environment—design the glazing systems to maximize the use of daylight. Make sure that the electric lighting is controlled to respond to daylight levels to maintain a consistent light level on the work surface in the perimeter spaces. Use internal shades or blinds for glare control (not for control of solar gain) to maintain a healthy visual environment.