LEED Innovation Point Awarded for UVC Lights in Air Handlers

Sammamish Commons in Sammamish, WA, has become the first project to earn a LEED® point for the use of germicidal ultraviolet (UVC) lights in the air-handling units. Seattle-based Notkin Mechanical Engineers, mechanical engineer for the project, applied for and received the Innovation in Design LEED credit from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). The project utilizes UVC technology downstream of the cooling coils to improve indoor air quality and reduce energy and maintenance costs.

According to Notkin project engineer Darren Schwend, PE, "Several studies have shown UVC light systems to be an effective and cost-efficient way to address both IAQ and operational issues. Sammamish Commons incorporates a city hall, police station, and other office and public space, so it was very important to reduce the risk of human exposure to microorganisms that can potentially occur in public buildings."

According to the USGBC, "Innovation in Design points are awarded to LEED projects that develop new solutions, employ new technologies, educate, or realize exemplary performance in another area." In addition to the Innovation in Design point for UVC, the project earned overall LEED Silver certification. The architect for Sammamish Commons is Seattle-based ARC Architects.