2 Bedroom Dormitory

HI Jason,

From my experience this path is usually not accepted. But I'd be open to other LEEDuser feedback on it here. I think you would have to make a really clear case that each student would have their own controllability that directly applied to their needs. For instance, one light switch or setting that controlled the light around their bed and desk and another light switch that did something similar for the other student. The reviewer will want to know that each student can really control their lighting independently.

Do you have other "workstations" in the project could aid in getting you to the 90% threshold even if your dorm rooms were only reaching 50%? Just another thought or approach...

Anyone else have thoughts on this?

My dorm had an 8" deep metal shelf in each room. The shelf was heavy duty and vandal proof. (They could hold up a corner of the loft) The underside of the shelf had a cavity for permanant task lighting. The loose desks could slide under the shelf and have task lighting. Just an idea.

I have a similar situation at my project. In case of a double occupancy dorm bedroom, would providing a dedicated outlet for students to bring/ plug in their own task lighting/ desk lamp meet the requirements for this credit?

Hi Vinsu,

Dedicated outlets are not sufficient to comply. You have to provide the lighting controls themselves.

Hey Lauren,

Thanks for responding. I felt that this might be the case. At this point the building has already been occupied and students are using their own desk lamps. Do you think its worth attempting "providing an outlet for desk lamp" as an alternative compliance? or has LEED specifically rejected this path before?

Hi Vinsu,

You could always give it a shot though, unfortunately, I don't think you'll have much success with this route.

Here's a more detailed response I was able to get from the GBCI too:

"While it is acceptable to use switched receptacles to meet the credit requirements, the proposed lighting fixture must be included within the scope of work of the project in order to qualify for credit. As stated on page 522 of the Reference Guide, switched receptacles are appropriate to provide a variety of lighting options within the space; however, the corresponding lighting fixture must also be provided if the control is included in the count of controls for individual workstations or multi-occupant spaces. Additionally, per the Reference Guide, task lighting does not need to be hardwired; however, it must be included in the scope of work if the control is included in the count of controls for individual workstations or multi-occupant spaces. Further, residential spaces are required to have switched receptacles per ASHRAE 90.1, so providing switched receptacles would not be an improvement beyond standard practice."