EQp7: Compartmentalization – Above Green

Required

Intent

To limit occupants’ exposure to indoor air pollutants by minimizing the transfer of air between units.

Requirements

Multifamily and Attached Single-Family Projects Only

Compartmentalize each residential unit to minimize leakage between units. Minimize uncontrolled pathways for environmental tobacco smoke and other indoor air pollutants between units by sealing penetrations in walls, ceilings, and floors and by sealing vertical chases (including utility chases, garbage chutes, mail drops, and elevator shafts) adjacent to the units.

Weather-strip all doors in the residential units leading to common hallways to minimize air leakage into the hallway. Weather-strip all exterior doors and operable windows to minimize leakage from outdoors.

Demonstrate acceptable sealing of residential units by a blower door test. Follow the procedure described by RESNET or the ENERGY STAR Multifamily High Rise Program Testing and Verification Protocols, Version 1.0, with an allowable maximum leakage of 0.23 cfm50 per square foot (0.07 cmm50 per square meter) of enclosure (i.e., all surfaces enclosing the apartment, including exterior and party walls, floors, and ceiling).