This is a blog supporting discussion surrounding the EDIN (Energy Development in Island Nations) USVI (United States Virgin Islands) EEWG (Energy Efficiency Working Group). We welcome Virgin Island residents, businesses, government officials, utilities, and relevant consultants and commerical interests to participate. We are in the process of introducing the "VIenergize" campaign; energizing the Virgin Islands' pursuit of reduced fossil fuel consumption.
Friday, April 1, 2011
Green Building Mold Issues
Green Building practices, like LEED, are still so new that many are untested. This article from Lodging Engineer is a wonderful read (for us LEED geeks). The fellows writing it seem well versed and experienced in the field of sick buildings. Mold is the culprit. As they suggest, LEED practices are relatively new or newly applied old ideas. What I love about this article is that the authors cite a right solution (there are more than just theirs, for sure) and not just for how to fix each project (follow mold and moisture level guidelines, duhh), they have correctly assesed how the USGBC (www.usgbc.org) can change the LEED methods to include these mold prevention practices. This article is a perfect criticism because it comes with a solution. That is so rare from critics. Kudos to the group that wrote it. Take a look at the article, linked in this title, and tell us what you think.
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This article perspective is based on antiquated data and misses the point. The same kinds of risk exist in traditional construction and in fact moisture is one of the larges litigation issue for designers. He should be looking at ASHRAE since they create the standards and advocate for those levels of fresh air in buildings that USGBC requires for credit award. The increase of outside air mentioned in the article only happens when the CO2 levels increase in the building based on ASHRAE standards of IAQ, and not all the time (an increase CO2 level indicates more people using the space and thus a higher than normal demand on the air quality). The flush out only happens prior to occupancy and only to remove all the toxins release by the millions of other products that create a structure from paints, adhesives, and other materials prior to occupancy. LEED had achieved the shift of the marketplace as a significant number of product manufacturers figure out that creating greener products make business sense and environmental sense. Legal issues will always be there in one way or another, but LEED has been proven resilient and gets more refine and sofisticated with every version. The regional concerns were there from the very beginning and now regional priority credits address this issue (although we can say that more needs to be done here). This article only shows a lack of understanding on how a green building is understood as a whole rather than it´s parts and how much smarter these buildings really are. In my personal experience, LEED certified buildings offer a superior indoor air quality to regular buildings. The comfort level is evident when you are in a LEED certified building (regardless of the climate or region of the country).
ReplyDeleteI agree completely that LEED certified buildings are more comfortable. However, the article makes a sound point that as we design buildings, especially in climates like the Virgin Islands, that use more fresh air instead of conditioned air, we need to monitor the damp air. As an example, cross ventilating with 80 degree air is one of the best ways to keep people comfortable. It means a more constant air flow to mimic a beautiful tropical breeze and it comes with damp air that causes mold to flourish. So bring in the 80 degree breeze but dry it out as it comes in. This is all the article is really saying (though admittedly with negative approaches and fear tactics).
ReplyDeleteI'm glad that this post has created a discussion as the Virgin Islands Energy Office together with collaboration from our EDIN partners is currently planing to host a specialized training about air conditioning in hot and humid climate, as well as LED lighting and Operations and Maintenance at the end of May. The St Thomas sessions will take place on May 23-24 and in St Croix May 26-27. As the venue and agenda information is finalized it will be shared.
ReplyDeleteIn reference to green buildings, LEED certified or not, a mayor concern is that the building's construction process carries the design intent which captures all the health, energy, and environment attributes throughout to the final occupancy.
The issue of air quality is of personal interest to me since I suffer from allergies and my health and productivity are affected negatively. I recommend building designers use both the latest versions of ASHRAE 55 for thermal comfort as well as ASHRAE 62.1 for Indoor Air Quality, and/or different solutions like those listed in "How to Grow Fresh Air" by Dr. B.C. Wolverton. There are many sick buildings in the Virgin Islands, the building industry has to step up and provide solutions. An integrated approach is necessary to ensure that the multiple building systems work together to enhance productivity, health, and the environment.