The Indoor Air Quality Program’s purpose is to outline procedures for response to various indoor air quality concerns and to prevent potentially unhealthy conditions from occurring at the University by providing guidance/recommendations to administrators who are responsible for the day to day as well as construction related activities in University buildings.
Many of the IAQ issues are related to HVAC, building envelope (roofs and facades) and plumbing issues. For example:
- mold – in wet areas not immediately addressed as a result of water pipe, convector unit, roof leak.
- ii. inadequate air flow from HVAC units not routinely serviced (e.g., filter inspection/changing, outside air dampers not in proper position, ducts not cleaned periodically)
Construction projects commonly bring about various issues:
- Dust – from demolition as well as build-back
- Odors – from cutting, application of paint, roofing materials
- Noise – from demolition as well as build-back
- Mold – most buildings are old, with history of leaks, water infiltration
- Thermal conditions – an office space can be affected if construction involves work on the building’s system(s)
- Design of space – space has to be designed to accommodate the number of people and the office equipment necessary for that office. For example, if the space is for the computer center, then additional ventilation for the amount of machines in the space may be needed.
Title V
To insure the University complies with emission requirements for stationary combustion units. Current Title V Permit ID: 2-6205-00246/00005 for the CHP is in the process of renewal (expired 1/21/06) with the DEC. Reporting and permitting is being performed by NYU with the assistance of an outside consultant. This permits NYU to continue to operate. Also included in the program, but not part of the Title V Permit, are any boilers or combination of boilers greater than 14 MMBtu (various Real Estate properties, student residences and academic buildings).