Combustion minimization
- 1 Air quality standards
- 2 Smoking ban
- 3 Ventilation effectiveness
- 4 VOC reduction
- 5 Air filtration
- 6 Microbe and mold control
- 7 Construction pollution management
- 8 Healthy entrance
- 9 Cleaning protocol
- 10 Pesticide management
- 11 Fundamental material safety
- 12 Moisture management
- 13 Air flush
- 14 Air infiltration management
- 15 Increased ventilation
- 16 Humidity control
- 17 Direct source ventilation
- 18 Air quality monitoring and feedback
- 19 Operable windows
- 20 Outdoor air systems
- 21 Displacement ventilation
- 22 Pest control
- 23 Advanced air purification
- 24 Combustion minimization
- 25 Toxic material reduction
- 26 Enhanced material safety
- 27 Antimicrobial surfaces
- 28 Cleanable environment
- 29 Cleaning equipment
24. Combustion minimization
Although fireplaces and gas stoves have aesthetic benefits, they can be detrimental to indoor air quality. If not effectively sealed off from the living space, they contribute harmful combustion byproducts such as carbon monoxide and particulate matter.
This feature prohibits combustion in occupied spaces to eliminate the single most harmful source of indoor pollution. It also requires that any combustion equipment serving the building meet stringent clean-burning standards, and that vehicles are discouraged from idling near the building.
The following are forbidden in regularly occupied spaces:
All combustion equipment used in the project for heating, cooling, water-heating, process heat, or power generation (whether primary or back-up) must meet California’s South Coast Air Quality Management District rules for pollution:
Signage, visible from pick-up, drop-off and parking areas indicates:
Applicability Matrix
| Core & Shell | New Construction | WELL Interiors | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part 1: Appliance and Heater Combustion Ban | O | O | O |
| Part 2: Low-Emission Combustion Sources | O | O | - |
| Part 3: Engine Exhaust Reduction | O | O | - |
| Commercial Kitchen | Education | Multifamily Residential | Retail | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part 1: Appliance and Heater Combustion Ban | - | P | O | O |
| Part 2: Low-Emission Combustion Sources | - | - | O | - |
| Part 3: Engine Exhaust Reduction | - | P | O | O |
Verification Methods Matrix
| Letters of Assurance | Annotated Documents | On-Site Checks | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
PART 1 (Design) Appliance and Heater Combustion Ban |
Architect | Spot Check | |
|
PART 3 (Protocol) Engine Exhaust Reduction |
Auditor Inspection |
| 24.1.a |
The EPA notes that under certain conditions combustion appliances can release contaminants into the home that can seriously damage health, including combustion pollutants such as carbon monoxide and particulates. |
| 24.2.a |
The South Coast Air Quality Management District Rule 1110.2 establishes requirements for gaseous- and liquid-fueled engines for the purpose of reducing emission of nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds, and carbon monoxide. |
| 24.2.b |
The South Coast Air Quality Management District Rule 1111 establishes requirements for natural gas fired, fan-type central furnaces for the purpose of reducing emission of nitrogen oxides. |
| 24.2.c |
The South Coast Air Quality Management District Rules 1146, 1146.1 and 1146.2 establish requirements for the reduction of nitrogen oxide emissions from natural gas-fired water heaters, boilers, process heaters and steam generators. |
| 24.2.d |
The South Coast Air Quality Management District Rules 1121 and 1146.2 establish requirements for the control of nitrogen oxides from residential natural gas-fired water heaters, large water heaters, small boilers and small process heaters. |