A09: Pollution Infiltration Management

(1 point)

INTENT

Minimize the introduction of pollutants into indoor air through the building envelope and at building entrances.

SUMMARY

This WELL feature requires projects to reduce transmission of air and pollutants from outdoors to indoors through the building envelope and entrance.

ISSUE

Research shows that approximately 65% of outdoor air particle inhalation occurs while indoors. Exposure to high levels of coarse and fine particulate matter inadvertently introduced into the space can lead to respiratory irritation and has been associated with increases in lung cancer, cardiovascular disease and mortality. 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 from an energy point of view but can also lead to conditions conducive to mold growth and to the infiltration of pests or polluted air. In addition, building users can introduce particulate matter indoors through their clothes and shoes, including harmful coliforms and Escherichia coli, among other toxins.

SOLUTIONS

In addition to building envelope commissioning, there is a need for measures that minimize or prevent the introduction of potentially harmful substances into indoor spaces. An example of such interventions is the installation of entryway walk-off systems and/or entryway air seals at all main building entrances.

IMPACT

When outdoor air quality is poor, delivery of high-performance building enclosures can improve indoor air quality, which is an important intervention for creating indoor built environments with maximum levels of air quality.

REQUIREMENTS

Part 1

Design Healthy Envelope and Entryways (1 point)

Verified by Owner, Commissioning Report, Photographic evidence

For All Spaces

Building envelope and entry:

At least two of the following requirements are met:

1. The below is performed after substantial completion of construction and prior to occupancy:

   1. Envelope commissioning in accordance with ASHRAE Guideline 0-2013 and the National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS) Guideline 3-2012 (for new construction or structural renovation).
   2. The commissioning process is performed by an independent professional who is not a member or subcontractor of the building envelope design and construction team.

2. All regularly used entrances that have pedestrian traffic to the building surroundings (not including balconies or terraces) use an entryway system composed of grilles, grates, slots or rollout mats that are at least the width of the entrance and 3 m [10 ft] long in the primary direction of travel (sum of indoor and outdoor length). These are cleaned as per below:

   1. Walk-off mats, indoor and outdoor, are wet-cleaned at least once every two days and fully dry before use.
   2. Underside of entry mats are cleaned at least once a day.
   3. Entry mats are vacuumed using a vacuum with a beater bar in both directions at least once a day.

3. At regularly used entrances that have pedestrian traffic to the building surroundings (not including balconies or terraces), one of the below is in place to slow the movement of air from outdoors to indoors:

   1. Building entry vestibule with two typically closed doorways.
   2. Revolving entrance doors.

Outdoor sport areas:

The following requirement is met:

1. All facilities adjacent to an outdoor sports field have a staging area that separates the playing field from other internal areas to capture moisture and debris.

© International WELL Building Institute