Hold an integrated design meeting with the architect, interior designers, mechanical engineer, lighting designer and the end users to discuss daylighting-related tradeoffs. Optimize glazing area while preventing excessive heat gain and glare; and use open space planning that allows for greater light transfer while preserving privacy.
Identify regularly occupied spaces that need to be included in the LEED daylight calculation. Locate these spaces near perimeter glazing, courtyards, or other daylight sources.
When programming, identify occupant lighting needs that could be met instead with daylight. The Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IES) has prescribed foot-candle levels for project types, occupant types, and tasks.
Focus on optimizing building orientation. Look for opportunities to optimize the glazing on each orientation while accounting for varying heat gain and lighting angles. When selecting a site, look for potential obstacles to daylight such as shading from neighboring buildings, vegetation, and topography.
Total the areas of regularly occupied spaces that have both direct-line-of-sight to perimeter glazing and access to views while seated (at 42”). Divide this value by the total area of regularly occupied spaces to confirm if the design provides greater than 90% of regularly occupied areas with access to views. This is done in the LEED Submittal Template. Upload plans and all required supporting documentation to LEED Online.
Develop an operations manual with input from the design team in collaboration with facility management and commissioning agent if pursuing EAc3: Enhanced Commissioning.
Plan for frequent site visits by the mechanical designer and architect during construction and installation to make sure construction meets the design intent and specifications.
