Per a NCv2.2 CIR ruling (copied below), multi-level overhead lighting is sufficient to meet the EQc6.1 individual control requirement in enclosed offices, in lieu of task lights. The credit requirement has not changed in the 2009 rating systems, but of course the CIR ruling no longer applies. Any word on whether multi-level overhead lighting is an acceptable form of individual control in private offices for 2009 projects?
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6/11/2007 - Credit Interpretation Request
Our facility is a college science building with personal office spaces, lecture rooms, and laboratories. The question is in reference to the requirement to provide individual lighting controls for 90% (minimum) of the building occupants. For individual office spaces, does overhead, locally-controlled, multi-level lighting in each individual office meet the requirement to enable adjustment to suit the task needs and preferences?
7/2/2007 - Ruling
The overhead, locally-controlled, multi-level lighting in each individual office meets the definition of individual lighting control as long as the lighting designer declares that this design enables adjustment to suit task needs and preferences.
Lauren Sparandara
Sustainability ManagerGoogle
LEEDuser Expert
997 thumbs up
September 29, 2010 - 11:59 am
Hi Megan,
Yes, multi-level overhead lighting is sufficient to meet the requirements of EQc6.1 for individual offices. Any form of a light control in an individual office would be sufficient; often this is achieved with just one light switch for one office space. It gets a little more tricky if you have a couple employees per office or in an open office work enviornment.
But, one light switch and one office space results in 100% controllability for that space.
Lauren
Todd Sears
Sr. Estimator / EngineerEvergreen Power Systems
4 thumbs up
January 24, 2011 - 5:02 pm
In the past we have not had issues with enclosed offices being considered meeting this credit. However, I believe you will see increased emphasis on the fixture light output being adjustable. If the overhead fixtures are simply on/off, that does not appear to meet the intent of the requirement to adjust lighting to meet needs.