Hello I am documenting a Hotel project that is on the edge of LEED Gold. The Views credit is the last credit we need for 60 points. The hotel has some special event space (ballroom/banquet room) on the ground floor that will be used occasionally for weddings and other special events. These spaces are all centralized on the plan and do not have windows. The IEQ Space Matrix has a few pieces of language that slightly apply to this matter, however I was curious if anyone has successfully documented this credit without including them. "Allowed Exclusions: spaces where specific functional requirements exist that prohibit the incorporation of glazing for direct access views" "Non Regularly Occupied Space: spaces that occupants pass through, or spaces used in pursuit of focused activities for less than one hour per person per day" These spaces will definitely not be used daily. They will be used at most once a week, but typically only a few times a month. Do I have any grounds for argument here? Thanks.

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TODD REED

Energy Program Specialist

PA DMVA

LEEDuser Expert

626 thumbs up

Tue, 10/28/2014 - 14:38

These spaces in hotels usually can be used for a multitude of things and therefore take on the role of a multi-purpose room. Where the regularly occupied space matrix does not specifically state Ballroom/Banquet Room, you can start labeling this space via the activity, which would be a multi-purpose room/ student activity room. Therefore it would need to be included. The last hotel we submitted it was included in the calculations.

Mike Stopka

Director of Sustainability

Solomon Cordwell Buenz

LEEDuser Basic Member

14 thumbs up

Tue, 10/28/2014 - 15:18

I understand that it is possible for these spaces to be used for a multitude of things, however, it is almost guaranteed that they will not be used on a daily occurrence. Is that enough to make an argument to exclude these spaces from the worksheet calculation? Obviously if I include them, the project will not comply with the 90% requirement. I feel like by having every space in the building that will be used regularly (lobby, offices, hotel rooms, etc.) the project is complying with the intention of the credit. Ballrooms are meant to be a space that can be a controlled environment. People desire a particular atmosphere that may not be conducive to windows and views.

Jill Perry, PE

Consultant

Jill Perry, LLC

LEEDuser Expert

298 thumbs up

Tue, 10/28/2014 - 15:31

I think you will have a very hard time making this argument. There are many ballrooms which have heavy drapery to block out light and views when they are not desired. Though they may not be used daily, when they are used there will be many occasions when light and views will be quite welcome. You cannot exclude a space because it would only occasionally be using blinds or shades. Sorry, you're going to have to squeeze that last point out of another credit. And to be honest, it is always good to have a few buffer points before depending on a certification level.

Mike Stopka

Director of Sustainability

Solomon Cordwell Buenz

LEEDuser Basic Member

14 thumbs up

Wed, 10/29/2014 - 15:07

Thanks for the response. I believe we will give it a shot anyways. We always include a buffer for our target certification level. This project was always slated for Silver however after construction completed, it ended up coming in way closer to Gold than expected. Add in Green Power and all 5 ID credits, and Gold became within reach.

Sara Zoumbaris

Sustainable Design Consulting

LEEDuser Basic Member

20 thumbs up

Thu, 04/30/2015 - 13:38

Mike, what came of this credit and excluding the banquet rooms?

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