California State University, Channel Islands
OP-5: Indoor Air Quality

California State University Channel Islands (CI) uses Publication EPA 402-K-98-001 as a basis for CI’s Indoor Air Quality Action Plan. With Demand Control Ventilation, the buildings control system, CI can ensure a learning environment that requires the CO2 levels for the classrooms and offices to be maintained at less than 1000 PPM. When CI’s CO2 levels rise from the set 800 PPM, the controls automatically open the outside air dampers to introduce more fresh air and remove the CO2 content. To keep the conditions comfortable and ensure a proper flushing of contaminates, CI has adopted an ASHRAE (The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers) standards of a minimum of four air changes per hour. In addition, CI performs annual checks of CO2 sensors that provide the primary input for controlling the concentration of CO2. Another key element in ensuring the proper CO2 levels and particulate filtration, CI has a preventative maintenance (PM) program in place to ensure correct equipment and filtering operation. The dust efficiency ratings for the HVAC air filters are high efficiency filters (85%). They are changed during the normal scheduled PM process or if the system detects a high differential pressure across the filter. To ensure the reliability of the filtration all filter bank seals are inspected during PM’s. CI, as well, takes complaints very seriously. Complaints are logged into our work order system, CMMS, for proper tracking and resolution. Actions would include meeting with the complainant, identifying possible causes and steps that may include verifications of air flows, a recheck on control sensors, and physical checks on all equipment. Adjustments or actions are made as needed at that time and verified for mitigation of the issue.