Hello All,
An unfortunate error was made when “multi-occupant space” was assumed by a team member to include a shared office space, and construction is complete. The electrical engineer has proposed providing individual control via a software platform, and plans to offer the following explanation to the LEED review team; we are anxious to hear your thoughts regarding the proposed solution and response. Thank you
“The lighting and lighting control system specified includes a fully-programmable control system with data network interface via a software system/program. The full lighting system, which is based on demand-control ballasts driven by a web controller with input from a combination sensor/photocell unit with wall switch on/off, also allows manual light-level control via data input from a computer workstation or smart phone. An individual can manually control the light levels and on/off within the room from any source with network access allowing the occupant to set the light level.”
Kathryn West
LEED AP BD+C, O+M, Green Globes ProfessionalJLL
154 thumbs up
April 18, 2014 - 10:06 am
I remember reading somewhere that the "controls" cannot require "tools" so it might not help to describe that "manual light-level control via data input from a computer workstation or smart phone." I'd consider the phone or computer a tool. I don't have time to look it up at the moment but if I find where I read that I will certainly post it.
Julia Weatherby
PresidentWeatherby Design & Co. Engineers
94 thumbs up
April 18, 2014 - 10:22 am
Hi-
I would think the "tools" objection could be overcome by making it clear that the occupants all have computer work stations and/or smart phones and are trained in how to use the software control system for the lighting.
However, from the description it sounds as though one would be changing the lighting level in the entire room -- which would not meet the intent of the credit. The lighting adjustments have to be made at the individual work station level in order to meet the intent of the credit.
One work around to meet the credit would be to provide each desk with an inexpensive LED desk lamp.
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Eti-12-in-Black-LED-Desk-Lamp-540412/20459105...
In this case, the desk lamps should be included in the energy model.