BOC 1005

Credits: 1
Lecture: 6 hrs
Project: 3 hrs
Class Exercise: 1 hr
Total: 10 hrs

Prerequisites: None

Class Description: Participants will learn about the causes of indoor environmental quality (IEQ) problems and the relationships between cause, control, occupant sensitivity, and ventilation in order to develop a reliable method of diagnosis and remediation.

PROJECT: Develop an Occupancy Schedule

Learning Objectives:
At the completion of Indoor Environmental Quality a participant will be able to:

  1. Describe the key factors that determine indoor environmental quality in commercial buildings.
  2. Identify basic air handling equipment and implications for thermal comfort and indoor air quality.
  3. List the elements of a basic indoor environmental quality program and assist in creating one.
  4. Describe the relationship between moisture, mold, and ventilation.
  5. List the procedures to effectively manage indoor air quality concerns and complaints.
  6. Communicate effectively with occupants about IEQ issues.
  7. Identify a minimum of two information resources for managing IEQ.

Textbook:
BOC 1005 – Indoor Environmental Quality Handbook, NEEC

Recommended Readings:  
Building Air Quality Manual, EPA
Building Air Quality Action Plan, EPA
Tools for Schools Kit, EPA

Special Equipment for Instructors:

  • Chemical smoke tubes
  • Pressure measurement devices
  • Temperature and relative humidity instrumentation
  • Moisture meters
  • Carbon Dioxide meters
  • Carbon Monoxide detectors

Evaluation:

a. Application project 50%
b. Test 50%

Class Outline

1. Indoor Environmental Quality Overview

1.1. Human Activity Pattern
1.2. Creating an IEQ Program
1.3. Costs and Benefits of an IEQ Program

2. Fundamentals of Indoor Environmental Quality

2.1. Causes and Risks of IEQ Problems
2.2. Human Comfort Factors and Relevant Standards
2.3. Pollutants, Pathways and Driving Forces
2.4. Control Strategies

3. Preventing IEQ Problems

3.1. Good Practices
3.2. Elements of an IEQ Program
3.3. Resources

4. Effective Communication

4.1. Protocols for Effective Communication
4.2. Responding to Complaints
4.3. Solving Problems
4.4. Documentation and Useful Forms

5. Course Project
Observe major areas or zones within the building and develop daily, weekly and annual occupancy profiles for each zone. Interview several building occupants, operators, and custodial staff to determine actual number of occupants and working hours as well as an estimate of customers, students or other visitors using the area.