Regardless of whether your space is being developed to meet LEED standards, there are things you can do during the construction and build-out process that will make any office space safer and healthier. 

Control VOCs

Look for materials that emit low or no Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and that have no added formaldehyde, in all of the following categories:

• Adhesives and Sealants
• Paints and Coatings
• Carpet, carpet pads, and carpet installation materials Wood cabinets, flooring and other things made of wood, plywood or medium density fiberboard (MDF)
• Furniture
• Salvage and Recycle

Limit the amount of material that winds up in landfill by salvaging or recycling construction, demolition and packaging debris.

Manage Construction for Clean Air

Improve indoor air quality by following these construction management procedures:

During construction, protect all HVAC equipment from dust and seal all ducts

• During construction, protect all HVAC equipment from dust and seal all ducts
• Isolate work areas from the rest of the building and keep job sites clean.
• Protect porous building materials from moisture and store them in a clean area so they don’t absorb odors.
• Install new, high efficiency HVAC filters immediately prior to occupancy.
• Consider performing a “flush out” procedure in which the building's ventilation system is used to eliminate contaminants and air filters are changed before occupancy.