Our current project places the main staircase in view of the main lobby and corridor. It is more than 25 feet away from the entry however there is no other vertical circulation between the point of entry and the main staircase. Would there ever be an exception to the 25 feet?
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Joanna Switzer
Sustainability Project ManagerAtkins
59 thumbs up
November 9, 2015 - 3:17 pm
Hi Kelsey,
I certainly cannot answer this inquiry with authority- however, it appears the core intent is for key stairwell(s) and/or ramps to be equally convenient, or ideally even more convenient, to locate and use in comparison to the conventional electrified modes of vertical travel (elevator/escalator). If this can be strongly supported by the project's design layout then it may be a strong candidate for "alternative compliance" with this strategy. Otherwise, it may be safer to rely on another strategy in meeting the overall quota for credit compliance (or perhaps not rely on this credit if overall compliance seems risky.)
As an example, a project I am currently working on has a central lobby running through the center of the building. The "active" stairwell is both physically adjacent to this "spine" lobby and directly next to (only a few feet away from) the elevator in a highly visible and central location. Therefore, we can readily justify that the stair's location is equal in convenience. Furthermore, the additional wait time for the elevator will make stair use even more enticing and a much more attainable operations initiative.