Safety concerns are not typically a valid excuse for higher exterior lighting allowances. Despite a perception of better safety with brighter lighting, floodlights can often create areas of deep shadow, and the high contrast can be difficult for the human eye to navigate. Use good design, downlights, and work with the owner to address any concerns.
Healthcare projects are not permitted to include exam room sinks within their WEp1 and WEc3 calculations. These sinks would be considered "process water" and thus should not be included; in addition they are commonly regulated by different standards, and three uses per day would not capture their water use levels.
Project teams are permitted to include classroom sinks within their WEp1 and WEc3 calculations provided the flow fixtures installed have a similar usage pattern and are of a similar fixture type as for a regulated fixture type. For example, classroom handwash sinks would be similar to a standard lavatory sink.
LEED project boundary considerations: The master plan can encompass future development which is outside the current LEED boundary, but isn’t required to—the decision is up to the project team. If the project team chooses to use their LEED boundary the site must have future development plans. If the boundary is made larger it must be clearly defined and the project must be able to achieve credits within the larger zone that it is already meeting for the smaller LEED project boundary.
The baseline exterior lighting power allowance (ELPA) may not take credit for any category which does not have any lighting fixtures in the proposed building, or for any area or width within any category which is not lit in the proposed building, even within the tradable categories. In addition, the lighting for a single building component cannot be counted within two separate categories in the baseline ELPA calculations.
Different building types call for different calculations under this credit—make sure you’re using the proper variables for your building type. Residential project teams should also keep in mind that bike storage facilities must be covered—which is not part of the credit requirements for other building types—and that this will impact building design.
Schedule the installation of carpet systems so that they are protected from construction air contaminants. This is required if your project is pursuing EQc3.1: Construction Indoor Air Quality Management Plan—During Construction. For example, carpet tiles installed before walls are painted will absorb VOCs from the paint, and then off-gas over a longer period.
The GC should be aware of any warranty issues that may exist if alternative adhesives are used. For example, a carpet company’s warranty may insist that a specific carpet adhesive that doesn’t meet the credit requirements.
