Air infiltration management
14. Air infiltration management
Indoor air quality and thermal comfort can be compromised by leaks and gaps that break the building’s air barrier. These weak points are not only wasteful but can also lead to conditions conducive to growth of molds and the infiltration of pests or polluted air.
This feature requires testing to check for air leakages in the building envelope. Such tests are often used to optimize a building's energy efficiency and can also be used to maintain indoor air quality and comfort. It also prescribes thermal breaks and water-impervious materials which may be difficult in existing buildings but are best practice in modern construction.
The following is performed after substantial completion and prior to occupancy to ensure the structure is airtight:
One of the following methods is used to evaluate the building envelope:
Applicability Matrix
| Core & Shell | New & Existing Buildings | New & Existing Interiors | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part 1: Air Leakage Testing | O | O | O |
| Part 2: Leak Tests for Residences | - | - | - |
| Commercial Kitchen | Education | Multifamily Residential | Restaurant | Retail | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part 1: Air Leakage Testing | O | O | - | O | O |
| Part 2: Leak Tests for Residences | - | - | O | - | - |
Verification Methods Matrix
| Letters of Assurance | Annotated Documents | On-Site Checks | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part 1: Air Leakage Testing | Commissioning Report | ||
| Part 2: Leak Tests for Residences | Contractor | Leak Test Report |
| 14.1.a |
LEED v4 BD+C: Enhanced commissioning provides two options for the credit, one of which involves following commissioning processes for the building's thermal envelope in accordance with ASHRAE Guideline 0-2005 and NIBS Guideline 3-2012. |