Excluded Spaces

Hi Nicole,

Since this credit requires you to provide controllability for occupants non-occupied spaces are generally excluded.

Hi Nicole,

I have a better and more concrete answer. Check out this recently issued (last November and then updated this July) IEQ Guidance document: http://www.usgbc.org/ShowFile.aspx?DocumentID=10539

The document lists out applicability across use types.

I think that this document will answer many questions listed on this forum, so let's try to spread the word!

Lauren

Does anyone have concerns with this spreadsheet? We had a reviewer reference it in our clarification comments but it is not found under credit resources and it seems to contradict the forms for this credit. For example, traditionally in an office application, individual spaces are considered private offices, individual cubicles and reception stations. Multi-occupant spaces are typically conference rooms and meeting rooms. This is in keeping with the form itself. If I am reading this spreadsheet correctly, it is now requiring that traditionally non-regularly occupied spaces such as lobbies, corridors and restrooms be included in credit calcuations. Even more disturbing to me is that pretty much all spaces in healthcare applications (exam rooms, surgical suites, labor&delivery, etc.) have been identified as multi-occupant spaces, which substantially affects the amount of controls as multioccupant spaces require 100% compliance. While it is great to have a more concrete definition of spaces that must comply, I find this list does not appear to be aligned with the form or the way we have traditionally approached this credit.

Hi Ellen,

Please check out this discussion as it relates to your comments above: http://www.leeduser.com/credit/NC-2009/IEQc6.2?page=0#comment-28488

The credit always related to "building occupants" and not explicitly to regularly and non-regularly occupied spaces. However, I see your frustration and confusion around the spreadsheet.

Wow, good to know it is not just me. Seriously though, can I interpret this to mean that in order to achieve this credit in an office building, i need to have separate controls in places like hallways and restrooms since they are identified as "multi-occupied"? Really?

Truthfully, I am not certain. Have forum members found that reviewers are requiring hallways and restrooms to have their own controls? From a thermal comfort standpoint, it sounds super silly to me. For instance, it makes no sense that occupants passing through a hallway would need to control their temperature for that moment.
From a lighting standpoint, for EQc6.1, it seems like it would be standard practice to have a lighting switch in a bathroom to help comply with the requirements. Lighting for hallways is less apt to necessitate a light switch just for that hallway.
I think that this spreadsheet warrants more discussion and perhaps additional guidance from the USGBC.

I agree that the thermal component makes absolutely no sense in these areas. If we are just talking about on/off switches for lighting, then many of these non-regularly occupied spaces would be standard practice. However, we consistently got review comments in the last few years that multi-occupied spaces needed a "high level" of control such as dual switching or dimming in order to comply. The thought of having to put dimmers in restrooms makes me laugh out loud it is so ridiculous.

Hi Ellen and Lauren,

Thank you for bringing these issues to our attention.

We are currently working on an updated version of the IEQ Space Matrix. The updated version will:
1. Clarify how multi-occupant spaces apply to IEQc6/6.1/6.2 (for example circulation spaces and restrooms ARE excluded),
2. Update the Healthcare sections to align with the Healthcare supplement, LEED credit form, and original credit intent.

We apologize for the confusion with multi-occupant spaces and hope to have these issues updated with the next addenda release (October 1st). Currently, the IEQ Space Matrix is a reference document that is intended to provide helpful guidance. USGBC is continuously working to make the IEQ Space Matrix as available and helpful as possible and welcome the feedback. Feel free to submit future issues to https://www.usgbc.org/ContactUS/LEEDContact.aspx?CMSPageID=2433, select 'General LEED Questions' then 'LEED Resources'), and to contact GBCI regarding any issues encountered during your project review.

Hi Larissa,

Any updates available on the IEQ space matrix?

Hi Larissa,

Any updates on the IEQ space matrix?

I have heard that an update is expected for the April 2013 addenda/interpretations release.

Hi LEEDuser team members,
What kinds of things would you like clarified in the IEQ Space Matrix? Please post them here so I can make sure to try to mention them on my call with the GBCI today. Itemized lists are encouraged. Thanks.