Energy Efficiency & Indoor Air Quality

Adopted by the MIAQC Board of Directors on February 6, 2003
Reviewed, Updated and Readopted: October 20, 2009

  • The Maine Indoor Air Quality Council supports efforts to increase energy efficiency in the operation and maintenance of buildings.
  • Energy efficiency and indoor air quality are not mutually exclusive goals.
  • Energy conservation efforts can compromise both the quality of indoor environments as well as the mechanical systems and building structure, leading to the risk of adverse health effects and reduced productivity.
  • Energy efficiency efforts must take the following into consideration:
    • Pre-project evaluation of the building for conditions that could negatively impact indoor air quality, specifically moisture, radon, and ventilation
    • Sufficient ventilation for fresh air and dilution of pollutants to maintain health and safety of occupants
    • Moisture control to prevent water intrusion or excessive humidity
    • Technical ability of energy contractors to address both indoor air quality and energy efficiency
    • Technical ability of building operators to maintain the systems
  • A proper balance between energy efficiency and indoor air quality can be achieved if designers, contractors, building owners and facility managers make well-reasoned decisions based on existing best practice guidance, specifically ASHRAE 90.1-2007 (Energy Standard for Buildings) and ASHRAE 62.1 – 2007 (Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality) And ASHRAE 62.2-2007 with supplements (Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality in Low-Rise Residential Buildings)