discovered a potential oversight on a building design: some restrooms intended to be used by very small kids are equipped with light switches and no occupancy sensors.
This appears to put the project out of compliance with section 9.4.
Is there any safety exception for this? The intention was that the kids would possibly get scared if the lights go off and chaos would ensue possibly comprising safety. All the other restrooms have occupancy sensors. Additionally, sometimes adults need to help very young kids use the restroom, which is similar to rendering "patient care."
Looking for feedback: Think we need to suck it up and put in occupancy sensors or is it OK in this limited circumstance (kindergarten single-occupant restrooms)?
Marcus Sheffer
LEED Fellow7group / Energy Opportunities
LEEDuser Expert
5909 thumbs up
July 23, 2014 - 2:46 pm
I do not think it would qualify for the exception.
Are all other lights in the facility controlled by occupancy sensors and that is how you are complying with 9.4.1.1? If so then yes that should be installed. If centrally controlled then you do not need sensors in these restrooms.
Kathryn West
LEED AP BD+C, O+M, Green Globes ProfessionalJLL
154 thumbs up
July 23, 2014 - 2:54 pm
Thanks, Marcus.
Right, all the other lights are controlled by occupancy sensors. Your feedback has been extremely helpful.
Ralph Bicknese
PrincipalHellmuth & Bicknese Architects
21 thumbs up
July 23, 2014 - 3:44 pm
Occupancy sensor technology has improved dramatically in the past several years. Consider using a system with dual technology; for instance with movement detsection and infrared detection. This wil lhelp keep light sfrom going out with someone sitting still and avoid the potential panic situation you described. Your MEP engineer should be able to advise you about the range of technologies available.
CAMILLE JACKSON
July 24, 2014 - 11:11 am
Marcus,
I'm having difficulties with an EA Credit (Green Power). I'm using LEED 2009 for Core & Shell Development.
1- I've provided the Green Power Summary info which was taken from our electric provider's print out.
2- Uploaded our proof of contract with energy company
3- Selected Option 1- Whole Building Energy Simulation
This section has kWh values that were pre-loaded from another section (EAp2) but I have no idea how they're getting the"Total Electricity Use?"
Any assistance would be GREATLY appreciated!
Marcus Sheffer
LEED Fellow7group / Energy Opportunities
LEEDuser Expert
5909 thumbs up
July 29, 2014 - 3:39 pm
What version of the forms are you using?
If it is not coming from the total electricity used for the whole building you may be using v3 which had a table where you reported the breakdown of the core and tenant energy use. Maybe it is coming from there.