LEED 3.2 IEQ Credit: IEQ Testing or Building Flush-out?

I was recently contacted by a General Contractor asking if IAQ Consultants Pte Ltd provided IEQ testing for LEED IEQ 3.2 Credit. I said, “Of course we do. Is this an Existing Building, New Construction, Major Renovation or Commercial Interior project?” I was curious why a Contractor may choose to perform IEQ Testing versus Building Flush out. This curiosity led met into an in depth research project including interviews with general contractors, EPA representatives, architects, construction managers, property managers and other building owners and representatives. IAQ Consultants Pte Ltd has also provided presentations to several firms regarding IEQ testing and we include demonstrations of several types of sampling techniques. A summary of my research is below.  

Pros of IEQ Testing:	Cons of IEQ Testing:
Schedule. Construction schedules and desired time of occupancy by the owner may make testing more appealing because it is typically faster.	Construction activities that generate dust or the use of non-green products can lead to failed air sampling results.
Costs may be less than flush out. Flush out requires a volume of 14,000 cubic feet of outdoor air per square foot of floor area while maintaining an internal temperature of at least 60oF requiring lots of energy.	Fear of failure using testing.
Provides real and defendable data.	Testing by a third party can mean more layers of contracts and liability
If you follow the construction IAQ management plan closely you won’t fail.	It may not provide a comprehensive IEQ measurement…
Schedule. Construction schedules and desired time of occupancy by the owner may make testing more appealing because it is typically faster.	Location of project – pollution sources may be adjacent or adjoining a project
	Too much data may require explanation and/or detail reporting to occupants
Pros of Flush Out:	Cons of Flush Out:
Better overall indoor air quality – mixed opinions about this.	Schedule delays and liquidated damages.
Flush out meets requirements without failing analytical results.	Energy penalty potential
May help with short term exposure related to wet materials such as paint.	Requires time and high energy uses that can result in high dollars
Better overall indoor air quality – mixed opinions about this.	Schedule delays and liquidated damages.
Flush out meets requirements without failing analytical results.
May help with short term exposure related to wet materials such as paint.

A few of the companies I spoke with have established best management practices whereby they do both IEQ Testing and Building Flush Out. The ultimate intent is to reduce indoor air quality (IAQ) problems resulting from construction or renovation and promote the comfort and well-being of workers and occupants. Other drives include issues such as Singapore Standard 554:2009 ‘Good Air Quality for Air Conditioned Buildings’. Please contact IAQ Consultants for your requirements and free recommendations on which option is best for your circumstances.