I have two questions that may seem nitpicky, but are relevant to achieving this credit. This is for a project with workstations that have 48" high panels, so I'm trying to determine the area that complies using the sloped line approach. 1) Can workstations count as private offices? More specifically, if 75% of the square footage complies, the entire workstation area complies? I saw another comment along these lines that never got answered. 2) If not, does that area encumbered by workstation tops also have to be counted? No one can actually sit there and have that line of sight, and that is the area that s most problematic with 48" high panels. Any guidance here? Thanks so much!

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TODD REED

Energy Program Specialist

PA DMVA

LEEDuser Expert

626 thumbs up

Fri, 08/23/2013 - 19:32

Andrew, what's the slope line approach and are do these panel's meet the definition of moveable partitions? 1.No, if it cannot be labeled, considered, or defined as individual private office, then it cannot be considered one. A private office is one in the space is completely separated from other spaces by floor to ceiling partitions and has individual controls. 2.This is why i asked about the movable partition definition. If its permanent, then you cannot occupy it, its considered a counter. So only the area in which the occupant can sit or stand is considered regularly occupied.

Andrew Ellsworth

Ellsworth Building Portfolio Services

LEEDuser Basic Member

3 thumbs up

Mon, 08/26/2013 - 00:35

Thanks for the prompt reply, Todd. See the FAQ section on this page for a description, look for "If views are accessible from a seated position, yet above 42”, can these contribute to the views calculations?". The panels are moveable in the sense that everything is moveable, but i would guess they wouldn't be moved for at least 10 years. I'm not clear why there is a distinction between private offices and workstations, but I was just exploring that idea and won't press it further. I would agree that you definitely can't occupy a countertop (not comfortably, anyway), but worry that it becomes a slippery slope. I would imagine I would also have to exclude all manner of circulation from the calculation as well. What's your sense?

TODD REED

Energy Program Specialist

PA DMVA

LEEDuser Expert

626 thumbs up

Mon, 08/26/2013 - 13:22

Andrew, A "workstation" can be defined, designed, and built a couple different ways. Some workstations you stand, other you sit, etc, etc. An in most cases is within an open space. The boundary is more defined by an edge more so than an actual plane. You can continue with either trying to justify it should be counted or not. So that is why is it clearly states an individual office. An office can easily be defined. You can exclude circulation areas from your calculation.

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