Center for the Built Environment

On May 16-18, 2008, CBE researchers working in collaboration with key personnel from Engineered Interiors Group (EIG), Opus NW Management/GPT, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), conducted air leakage tests in the EPA Region 8 Headquarters Building in Denver, CO. There were two primary objectives for this testing:

1. Determine the characteristic air flow leakage rate from the underfloor air distribution system on the 7th floor, and

2. Using alternative testing methods assess the overall accuracy and effectiveness of the GSA leak testing protocol.

We begin this report with a description of the EPA building, a background description of the basic leakage types, discussion of airflow measurement methods, and a description of the GSA protocol. This is followed with a section that documents the results of all testing accomplished and includes discussions of these results and their implications for the GSA protocol. In the Appendices, we provide a detailed documentation of the test and calibration procedures and reprint the GSA Protocol.