Description

• Mold and excessive moisture control are key priorities for maintaining the health and wellbeing of residents and ensuring the longevity of the building. Elimination of mold and indoor air pollutants is critical for resident health and covers several applications utilizing both passive and active ventilation and requiring thoughtful and science-based approaches to reduce moisture build-up on surfaces in kitchens, bathrooms, and other areas subject to moisture. 
• Reduction of mold growth for exterior walls is achieved through the elimination of moisture transfer from the façade and openings into the interior of the building.  Waterproofing, managing water through drainage, and integrating vapor and water barriers are the primary means of eliminating water transfer into the building envelope and building wall and roof assemblies.  Implementation of these techniques is required to eliminate mold and improve indoor air quality for residents.  

Baseline

• Use materials that have durable, cleanable surfaces throughout bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms. Materials installed in these rooms should not be prone to deterioration due to moisture intrusion nor should they encourage the growth of mold.
• Walls and ceilings in apartment kitchens and bathrooms shall use mold-blocking primer. [COMPMOD]
• Implement an informational campaign for residents on mold awareness; mitigating actions like leaving bathroom windows open, not utilizing ventilation fans, and leaving water running will help in the reduction of mold growth.  [SA]

Stretch

• Upgrade mechanical and ventilation systems for mold prevention. [SA]
• Perform gut rehabs to address mold and lead comprehensively. [SA] 
• Implement a standard procedure for leaks to reduce mold growth by preventing and reducing leaks, excessive moisture, and associated water damage. Refer to developments in the first pilot program (Brevoort, Low Houses, Roosevelt I/II). [SA] 
• Stop and prevent building plumbing systems leakage to improve water management and reduce instances of mold. Technologies such as cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) can be used to rehabilitate existing pipes to reduce holes, breaks, and joint failures. [SA]
• Identify and remedy laundry facility “deserts” which lead residents to purchase their own in-unit washer and dryer appliances, which, when not properly installed, can result in burdens to the sanitary and energy infrastructure, cause leaks and mold growth. [SA]

Strategies

Optimize Performance, Operation & Maintenance of Buildings, Systems & Assets

Utilize Healthy Materials & Health-Promoting Building Systems

Prioritize Sustainable Materials, Technologies & Practices

Sustainability AgendaCommercial BathroomsCommunity CentersCommercial KitchensEntryways

Last Updated on January 10, 2026 at 5:35 am

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Specifications

PACT Mold Procedures_revised Nov 2022