Daylight control in Kitchen

If it is considered daylit, then yes. You say "small" windows so is the implication that it is not truly daylit? In that case perhaps it can be excluded. I suppose a more clear definition this would be to check whether it meet the requirements of IEQc8.

Tristan,
Our kitchen designer (daylit kitchen) claims it's not safe to have lighting controls (occupancy, daylight sensors) due to dangerous tasks (like cutting, etc). Would it be possible to exclude those spaces? Based on ASHRAE yes: per section 9.4.1.1 "Exceptions: Lighting in spaces where an automatic shutoff would endanger the safety or security of the room or building occupant".The kitchen is classified as regularly occupied and is a workplace for full time kitchen staff.
thank you

Hi Agnes,
I spoke with our lighting designer and she confirmed that if well designed and commissioned, safety should not be a concern. Here is what she said, "The fixtures in a daylight zone will only dim if there is adequate illuminance from daylight contribution. The photosensors can be calibrated for a high illuminance level. For example, if they require 50 footcandles for the task, the photosensor can be set for a minimum of 40fc of contribution before the fixtures even begin to dim (just an example). Multiple zones are recommended to be sure that only fixtures within the area of contributing daylight are dimmed.
"As for occupancy sensors, a combination of PIR (heat), ultrasonic (sound waves) and microphonics (noise) can be specified to be sure that occupancy is detected and there are no false-offs."

Jatuwat,
If your small windows are not providing much daylight, you would only be installing the daylight sensors to get a LEED point. If you are not getting enough daylight in this space, you should write a narrative describing why you have excluded this space.

Since you are submitting under Commercial Interiors, you should be able to visit the space and take daylight measurements. If the measured daylight is insufficient, you should include these in your narrative. If daylight is providing a significant contribution, then you should probably include it in the credit.

Regarding occupancy sensors, Amy's comment above is good, and may be useful. But you need to be sure that your client agrees. If your client does not agree, then I think you have a good case to make about safety. Also, you only need 75% of the total installed lighting load to be controlled by occupancy sensors to get the point.

I hope this helps.

Amy and Dane - thank you both so much!!!