Indoor air quality, and in a broader sense and perhaps more accurately, indoor environmental quality, IEQ, has risen to the top of the list of worker complaints over the last decade. IEQ encompasses many different parameters from temperature to odors, lighting, and even ergonomics in addition to potential contaminates. IEQ has received the most attention stemming from mold concerns—the media baby of the twenty first century. Nonetheless, research and, unfortunately, major health disasters during the last few decades have increased our knowledge and understanding of the indoor environment.

The construction IAQ management plan (LEED EQ Credit 3.2) is basically a simple protocol for ensuring the indoor air quality is acceptable following construction and prior to occupancy. We all know how dusty construction can be. In addition to the heavy particulate loads from all the normal construction activity other potential contaminates can accumulate during the project. These include chemical pollutants or volatile organic compounds (VOC) given off by building materials and biologicals such as mold spores, pollens, etc. that enter from outside. The goal of the construction IAQ management plan is to reduce potential indoor air quality problems resulting from the construction or renovation process. Under the LEED rating system this is achieved by one of two methods—a building flush out or air testing.²