Overview

The Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) category of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) rating system for new construction version 2.2 (LEED-NC 2.2) consists of two prerequisite subcategories and eight credit subcategories that together may earn a possible 15 points (credits) maximum, not including exemplary performance (EP) points. The notation format for the prerequisites and credits is, for example, EQp1 for Indoor Environmental Quality prerequisite 1 and EQc1 for Indoor Environmental Quality credit 1. To facilitate cross-referencing between this text and the USGBC rating system, the second digit in a section heading, equation, table, or figure number represents the credit subcategory number for sections that deal directly with a USGBC LEED-NC 2.2 credit subcategory.

The Indoor Environmental Quality (EQ) portion deals with materials and systems inside the building that affect the health and comfort of the occupants and construction workers.

The two prerequisite subcategories are EQ Prerequisite 1: Minimum IAQ Performance (EQp1) and EQ Prerequisite 2: Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS) Control (EQp2). As is typical for prerequisites, there are no points associated with EQp1 and EQp2.

The points for the credits in the Indoor Environmental Quality category are individually related to a specific credit under a subcategory as was previously done in the Sustainable Sites and Water Efficiency categories. There are eight credit subcategories, five of which have multiple credits and three of which have just one credit and associated point. The eight credit subcategories are EQ Credit Subcategory 1: Outdoor Air Delivery Monitoring, EQ Credit Subcategory 2: Increased Ventilation,...