What does IAQ stand for in the context of assessment credits?

In the context of assessment credits, IAQ stands for Indoor Air Quality. This term is critical in sustainable building practices and LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) standards, as it focuses on the quality of the air inside buildings. Improving Indoor Air Quality can significantly enhance the health and comfort of the building's occupants.

The importance of Indoor Air Quality in the LEED rating system is emphasized through various credits and requirements aimed at minimizing harmful airborne pollutants and maximizing ventilation. These measures include strategies like selecting low-emitting materials, ensuring adequate ventilation, and implementing effective filtration systems.

The other options do not accurately describe IAQ as it pertains to LEED:

• Integrated Air Quality implies a broader approach that doesn't specifically refer to the ambient conditions of indoor spaces.

• Improved Air Quality, while related, is too vague and does not specifically address the indoor environment's context.

• Independent Air Quality suggests a disconnect from buildings and their systems, which doesn't fit with the established terminology used in LEED guidelines.

Thus, Indoor Air Quality is the valid and recognized term that encapsulates the goals and measures associated with creating healthier indoor environments in LEED-certified projects.