For multi-occupant spaces, a compliant option mentioned in the Bird's Eye View is to have an "on/off switch combined with blinds for a window." Is the same true for individual workspaces?
If overall lighting levels are determined by overhead area-wide lighting, but the individual workstations each have a daylight window with blinds, can these workstations count toward achieving this credit?
Thank you.
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Ben Stanley
Senior Sustainability ManagerWSP - Built Ecology
LEEDuser Expert
250 thumbs up
March 8, 2013 - 12:37 pm
I've never seen that approach attempted but I don't think that it would be accepted. The reference guide speaks to task lighting for individual workstations and so I think a reviewer would key in on that. Also, the blinds option for multi-occupant spaces requires control over an on/off switch too, which it sounds like the individual workstations in your case wouldn't have.
Lyle Axelarris
Building Enclosure Specialist, BECxP, PEDesign Alaska Inc.
51 thumbs up
March 8, 2013 - 1:39 pm
Thank you, Ben. I understand your point, but just to take the discussion further - we want daylighting to replace electrical lighting, so what is wrong with considering an individual daylighting device (i.e. window, Solatube, etc.) as a form of "task lighting"? If you agree with this, then wouldn't a control for this daylighting device (i.e. blinds, Solatube "daylight dimmer control", etc.) count towards this credit?
My understanding is that only one individual lighting control for an individual workstation is required for a workspace to count toward achieving this credit (vs. the two lighting controls required for multi-occupant spaces). Is this correct?
If all of the above statements are correct (indiv. daylight device = "task lighting"; indiv. daylight control = "indiv. lighting control"; only one indiv. lighting control is needed for compliance), then would a set of blinds for a window at each individual workstation count towards meeting the requirements of this credit?
Thank you for insight.
Ben Stanley
Senior Sustainability ManagerWSP - Built Ecology
LEEDuser Expert
250 thumbs up
March 8, 2013 - 4:21 pm
It seems possible but my guess is that you would need to submit a project specific CIR to have a chance at earning the credit with that type of strategy. Another consideration for the strategy that you've lined out is what type/level of control do individuals have when there's insufficient daylight available for normal tasks (early morning, evening, seasonally short daylight days, overcast days, etc.)? That makes it seem like a challenging approach with respect to earning this credit as well.
Lyle Axelarris
Building Enclosure Specialist, BECxP, PEDesign Alaska Inc.
51 thumbs up
March 8, 2013 - 5:08 pm
Thanks for talking it through with me, Ben.
American University
SustainabilityAmerican University
56 thumbs up
November 20, 2013 - 10:59 am
Quick clarification on this: Does a private office with an overhead light switch and adjustable blinds comply with the requirements? I could see why cubicle work spaces need task lighting, but for private offices, does the switch and blind offer enough control?
Dan Ackerstein
PrincipalAckerstein Sustainability, LLC
LEEDuser Expert
819 thumbs up
November 20, 2013 - 4:10 pm
The private office you've described does indeed comply Emily. I think you've got the logic down exactly.
Hope that helps,
Dan