Assessment of indoor environmental quality for leed certification in developing countries

Abstract

Indoor air quality and thermal comfort are important considerations in green building design because they are related to users' health, comfort, environmental satisfaction, and productivity. In the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification system, the "indoor environmental quality" category covers air quality and thermal comfort and accounts for approximately 15% of the points that a building can receive for LEED certification; it constitutes the third biggest category among the seven major categories in LEED 2009 for New Construction and Major Renovation. LEED is used in some countries as is, and is modified in some other countries to fit the local conditions. In this study, the "indoor environmental quality" category of LEED is reviewed with respect to its adaptation to local conditions in developing countries. The status of the codes, standards, and regulations in "indoor environment quality" in developing countries are investigated. Suggestions are made for an easier implementation of LEED requirements in developing countries. Copyright © 2013 by Research Publishing Services.