Hello all - We are working on a juvenile detention center and are trying to find a way to comply with EQc6.2. The project is attempting certification under v4 which requires not only lighting controls but also that they be multi-level (on/off/mid). We are wondering if instead of installing controls in the cell (for safety reasons), the inmates are provided with the option of requesting lighting change from the guard. The guard would have a control panel and be able to adjust the lighting to multiple levels. I know some credits just aren't applicable to all projects but I'm wondering if anyone has an opinion or experience with this sort of situation.
Thanks!
Tristan Roberts
RepresentativeVermont House of Representatives
LEEDuser Expert
11475 thumbs up
March 7, 2014 - 11:33 am
Michelle, to me this sounds like a good idea, to provide more humane conditions for the inmates, but does not meet LEED requirements.A middle ground might be to provide the inmates with the controls, but the guards have an override in case of a need to bring all lights to full power right away.
James Weiner
PrincipalCollaborative Project Consulting
52 thumbs up
October 19, 2015 - 6:40 pm
Interesting question! I would consider pursuing this. It seems to me that the intent of the credit would be met - that is, the occupants can control the lighting in their space to "suit their individual tasks and preferences". The particular program considerations associated with this special occupancy require that this control be intermediated by a guard. As long as there is a clearly established protocol to readily facilitate the required level of control at the request of an occupant, I don't see why this should be considered non-compliant. An analogous situation is found with interpreting equivalent facilitation accommodations in ADA for example.