902 Pollutant Control – Above Green

902 - Intent

Pollutants generated in the building are controlled.

902.1 - Spot Ventilation

902.1.1

Spot ventilation is in accordance with the following:

Bathrooms are vented to the outdoors. The minimum ventilation rate is 50 cfm (23.6 L/s) for intermittent operation or 20 cfm (9.4 L/s) for continuous operation in bathrooms. (MANDATORY)
1. A window complying with IRC Section R303.3 is provided in addition to mechanical ventilation. (1 point)
  1. Required Documentation:
    
    Manufacturer’s literature/specifications for the fan showing cfm.
Clothes dryers (except listed and labeled condensing ductless dryers) are vented to the outdoors. (MANDATORY)
Kitchen exhaust units and/or range hoods are ducted to the outdoors and have a minimum ventilation rate of 100 cfm (47.2 L/s) for intermittent operation or 25 cfm (11.8 L/s) for continuous operation. (8 points)
1. Required Documentation:
  Manufacturer’s literature/specifications showing cfm.

902.1.2

Bathroom and/or laundry exhaust fan is provided with an automatic timer and/or humidistat (11 points MAX):

for first device (5 points)
for each additional device (2 points)

902.1.3

Kitchen range, bathroom, and laundry exhaust are verified to air flow specification. Ventilation airflow at the point of exhaust is tested to a minimum of (8 points):

100 cfm (47.2 L/s) intermittent or 25 cfm (11.8 L/s) continuous for kitchens, and
50 cfm (23.6 L/s) intermittent or 20 cfm (9.4 L/s) continuous for bathrooms and/or laundry

Required Documentation

3rd party test report showing compliance as installed.

902.1.4

Exhaust fans are ENERGY STAR, as applicable. (12 points max)

ENERGY STAR, or equivalent, fans operating above 1 sone (2 points awarded per fan)
ENERGY STAR, or equivalent, fans operating at or below 1 sone (3 points awarded per fan)

Required Documentation

ENERGY STAR label or literature for basic fans or fans below 1 sone. For products to comply, it is not enough to have an ENERGY STAR label. The product must meet the ENERGY STAR product specifications in Chapter 14. Verifiers must ensure that the products/appliances installed meet these eligibility criteria.

902.1.5

Fenestration in spaces other than those identified in 902.1.1 through 902.1.4 are designed for stack effect or cross-ventilation in accordance with all of the following (3 points):

exhaust or supply fan(s) ready for continuous operation and with appropriately labeled controls (3 points)
balanced exhaust and supply fans with supply intakes located in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines so as to not introduce polluted air back into the building (6 points)
heat-recovery ventilator (7 points)
energy-recovery ventilator (8 points)
Ventilation air is preconditioned by a system not specified above (10 points)

Required Documentation

Statement from qualified professional indicating system complies with Appendix B. Confirm that relevant building manual includes explanation of the operation and importance of the ventilation system.

902.2.2

Ventilation airflow is tested to achieve the design fan airflow in accordance with ANSI/RESNET/ICC 380 and Section 902.2.1 (4 points)

Required Documentation

Test report by qualified professional showing compliance as installed.

902.2.3

MERV filters 8 to 13 are installed on central forced air systems and are accessible. Designer or installer is to verify that the HVAC equipment is able to accommodate the greater pressure drop of MERV 8 to 13 filters. (2 points)

Required Documentation

Designer/installer certification of system capability for installed MERV filters.

902.2.4

MERV filters 14 or greater are installed on central forced air systems and are accessible. Designer or installer is to verify that the HVAC equipment is able to accommodate the greater pressure drop of the filter used. (3 points)

Required Documentation

Designer/installer certification of system capability for installed MERV filters.

902.3 - Radon Reduction Measures

Radon reduction measures are in accordance with ICC IRC Appendix F or 902.3.1. Radon Zones as identified by the AHJ or, if the zone is not identified by the AHJ, as defined in Figure 9(1). (MANDATORY)

Buildings located in Zone 1
1. a passive radon system is installed
2. an active radon system is installed (12 points)
Buildings located in Zone 2 or Zone 3
1. a passive radon system is installed (6 points)
2. an active radon system is installed (12 points)

Required Documentation

None for passive system. Plans/specifications for active systems.

902.3.1 - Radon Reduction Option

Soil-gas barriers and base course.
A base course in accordance with Section 506.2.2 of the IRC shall be installed below slabs and foundations. There shall be a continuous gas-permeable base course under each soil-gas retarder that is separated by foundation walls or footings. Between slabs and the base course, damp proofing or water proofing shall be installed in accordance with Section 406 of the IRC. Punctures, tears and gaps around penetrations of the soil-gas retarder shall be repaired or covered with an additional soil-gas retarder. The soil-gas retarder shall be a continuous6-mil (0.15 mm) polyethylene or an approved equivalent.
Soil gas collection.
There shall be an unobstructed path for soil gas flow between the void space installed in the base course and the vent through the roof. Soil gases below the foundation shall be collected by a perforated pipe with a diameter of not less than 4 inches (10 cm) and not less than 5 feet (1.5 m) in total length. A tee fitting or equivalent method shall provide two horizontal openings to the radon collection. The tee fitting shall be designed to prevent clogging of the radon collection path. Alternately the soil gas collection shall be by approved radon collection mats or an equivalent approved method.
Soil gas entry routes.
Openings in slabs, soil-gas retarders, and joints such as, but not limited to, plumbing, ground water control systems, soil-gas vent pipes, piping and structural supports, shall be sealed against air leakage at the penetrations. The sealant shall be a polyurethane caulk, expanding foam or other approved method. Foundation walls shall comply with Section 103.2.3 of the IRC. Sumps shall be sealed in accordance with Section 103.2.2 of the IRC. Sump pits and sump lids intended for ground water control shall not be connected to the sub-slab soil-gas exhaust system.
Soil gas vent.
A gas-tight pipe vent shall extend from the soil gas permeable layer though the roof. The vent pipe size shall not be reduced at any location as it goes from gas collection to the roof. Exposed and visible interior vent pipes shall be identified with not less than one label reading “Radon Reduction System” on each floor and in habitable attics.
Vent pipe diameter.
The minimum vent pipe diameter shall be as specified in Table 902.3.2.5.
Multiple vented areas.
In dwellings where interior footings or other barriers separate the soil-gas permeable layer, each area shall be fitted with an individual vent pipe. Vent pipes shall connect to a single vent that terminates above the roof or each individual vent pipe shall terminate separately above the roof.
Fan.
Each sub-slab soil-gas exhaust system shall include a fan, or dedicated space for the post-construction installation of a fan. The electrical supply for the fan shall be located within 6 feet (1.8 m) of the fan. Fan is not required to be on a dedicated circuit.

902.3.2 - Radon Testing

Radon testing is mandatory for Zone 1

2 Exceptions: Testing is not mandatory where the occupied space is located above an unenclosed open space.

Testing specifications. Testing is performance as specified in (1) through (10). (8 points)
1. Testing is performed after the residence passes its airtightness test.
2. Testing is performed after the radon control system installation is complete. If the system has an active fan, the residence shall be tested with the fan operating.
3. Testing is performed at the lowest level within a dwelling unit which will be occupied, even if the space is not finished.
4. Testing is not performed in a closet, hallway, stairway, laundry room, furnace room, kitchen or bathroom.
5. Testing is performed with a commercially available test kit or with a continuous radon monitor that can be calibrated. Testing shall be in accordance with the testing device manufacturer’s instructions.
6. Testing shall be performed by the builder, a registered design professional, or an approved third party.
7. Testing shall extend at least 48 hours or to the minimum specified by the manufacturer, which ever is longer.
8. Written radon test results shall be provided by the test lab or testing party. Written test results shall be included with construction documents.
9. An additional pre-paid test kit shall be provided for the homeowner to use when they choose. The test kit shall include mailing or emailing the results from the testing lab to the homeowner.
10. Where the radon test result is 4 pCi/L or greater, the fan for the radon vent pipe shall be installed.
Testing results. A radon test done in accordance with 902.3.1 and completed before occupancy receives a results of 2 pCi/L or less. (6 points)

Required Documentation

Review completed radon test results and ensure that the result is included with the construction documents in the building manual. Verifier must confirm that radon test complies with all requirements of practice.

902.4 - HVAC System Protection

One of the following HVAC system protection measures is performed. (3 points)

HVAC supply registers (boots), return grilles, and rough-ins are covered during construction activities to prevent dust and other pollutants from entering the system.
Prior to owner occupancy, HVAC supply registers (boots), return grilles, and duct terminations are inspected and vacuumed. In addition, the coils are inspected and cleaned and the filter is replaced if necessary.
- Required Documentation:
  Invoice from cleaning contractor showing cleaning and coil inspection.
If HVAC systems are to be operated, during construction, all return grilles have a temporary MERV 8 or higher filter installed in a manner ensuring no leakage around the filter.

902.5 - Central Vacuum Systems

Central vacuum system is installed and vented to the outside. (3 points)

902.6 - Living Space Contaminants

The living space is sealed in accordance with Section 701.4.3.1 to prevent unwanted contaminants. (MANDATORY)