A10: Combustion Minimization – Above Green

(1 point)

INTENT

Reduce human exposure to combustion-related air pollution from heating and transportation sources.

SUMMARY

This WELL feature requires projects to utilize low-emission combustion products or eliminate combustion-based products entirely.

ISSUE

Combustion-related emissions, mostly from space heating, cooking and nearby transportation, are often a major and overlooked source of indoor air pollution. Inefficient heating practices, cooking or other combustion activities produce high levels of indoor air pollution that include a range of health-damaging pollutants such as fine particles, nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide. Inhalation of elevated levels of carbon monoxide is linked to headaches, visual impairment, reduced cognitive functioning and ability and reduced ability to perform complex tasks. Carbon monoxide has 210 times the binding affinity for hemoglobin compared to oxygen and thus prevents oxygen from being delivered to the body, leading to hypoxia, which is a lack of oxygen delivery to body tissues that can cause nausea, loss of consciousness and death.

SOLUTIONS

Opting for non-combustion or low-emission combustion products is an important first step toward the reduction of carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, small particles and other combustion byproducts in the air.

IMPACT

Eliminating or reducing indoor sources of pollution is a key step toward achieving high indoor air quality.

REQUIREMENTS

Part 1

Manage Combustion (1 point)

Verified by Owner & MEP, Photographic evidence

For All Spaces except Commercial Kitchen Spaces

Appliance and heater combustion ban:

The following requirement is met:

Combustion-based fireplaces, stoves, space heaters, ranges and ovens are not used in regularly occupied spaces.

Low-emission combustion sources:

The following equipment used by the project for heating, cooling, water heating, process heating or power generation (including back-up if used for more than 200 hours per year) meet California’s South Coast Air Quality Management District rules, or approved equivalent, for pollution:

Internal combustion engines.
Furnaces.
Boilers, steam generators and process heaters.
Water heaters.

Engine exhaust reduction:

The following requirement is met:

Vehicle engine idling for more than 30 seconds is prohibited in all pick-up, drop-off and parking areas. "No idling" signage is present at these locations indicating this rule.

Note: Projects should consider primary language(s) spoken by the local population when creating signage.