New requirements to ensure that the ventilation system design is implemented in buildings and then functions throughout the life of buildings have been included in the ASHRAE 2001 ventilation standard. ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 62-2001, Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality, sets minimum ventilation rates and other requirements for commercial and institutional buildings.

The 2001 standard incorporates the 1999 standard as well as seven new addenda. Addendum 62l adds a new section on construction and ventilation system start-up, recognizing that acceptable indoor air quality is impacted by more than just the design of the HVAC system.

Addendum 62m creates a new section on operation and maintenance procedures, based on the importance of these ongoing activities in order to achieve acceptable indoor air quality.

"While the design of an HVAC system affects indoor air quality, the installation, operation and maintenance of the system and the building have a significant impact as well," Andrew Persily, chair of the Standard 62 committee, said. "These specific requirements contained in the addenda constitute a major improvement in the standard."

The standard is now scheduled to be published in its entirety every three years, allowing ASHRAE to meet the deadlines for inclusion or reference in model building and energy codes, according to Persily. The cost of Standard 62-2001, Ventilation and Acceptable Indoor Air Quality, is $60 ($48, ASHRAE members).