Volatile organic compounds (VOC) are present in every building in the world.  Some people have severe reactions to them while others may only experience dry eyes, scratchy throat or no apparent symptoms at all.  A good LEED project reduces the quantity of VOCs that are “potentially irritating and/or harmful to the comfort and well-being of installers and occupants”.  While Indoor Environmental Quality (EQ) credit 4 focuses on reducing VOC’s it is impossible to eradicate them completely.  Proper ventilation of the interior space is paramount to the sustainability of a healthy indoor air quality that leads to the safety, comfort and well-being of the building occupants.  Studies have proven that reduced VOC’s and proper ventilation increase productivity by as much as 16%.

As we are all aware, there is an energy dollar trade for proper ventilation.  Bringing in too little or too much ventilation can impact your LEED score.  LEED’s Minimum Energy Performance, as well as Measurement and Verification are two of 17 EA points that relate to this important balance in ventilation design.  It is interesting to note that an independent laboratory study (Lawrence Berkeley National Labs) revealed that two of Ruskin’s air flow measuring products produced the most accurate airflow measurement when compared to other products commercially available in the market today.  With LEED stressing the importance of conserving energy and the requirement for proper ventilation, having the most accurate products for flow verification and sustainability is essential.           

When working toward LEED certification, it is good to know that Ruskin model IAQ50 is the most comprehensive, turnkey, indoor air product on the market today.  In a space of only eleven inches the air flow is straightened, measured and controlled to a job-specific cfm set point.  Every unit sold is placed on an AMCA wind tunnel and calibrated for the exact cfm range required by the application.  Right out of the box the IAQ50 will control to the specified low limit without any need for additional controls.  For more flexibility, the microprocessor-based controller accepts input from C02 sensors, building automation systems, 0-10 volt power supplies and enthalpy sensors.  The controller has night set-back, purge and economizer functionality options to meet the specific application and to contribute toward meeting more LEED points and prerequisites.   

For more information on Ruskin's complete line of air measuring products visit Air Measuring.