Proving compliance for a C&S project

Hi George,

You are correct in noticing that this credit is fairly easy to achieve in a LEED-CS applciation as it is fairly easy to design the space to ensure compliance. I know you mentioned that you don't have a furniture layout yet but I believe that you'll need to put together a sample layout for at least part of your space to aide in outlining how you'll comply. LEEDv2009 requires you to upload a representative drawing/floorplan(s) that identifies thermal comfort controls declared in the Credit Form's table. LEEDv2 does not require a floorplan upload.

Make sure to note the possible locations of individual workstations as well as the possible locations of multi-occupant spaces in conjunction with noting their controls.

It sounds like you're on track with your explanation provided.

Lauren

George,

Just to confirm: is your project registered under LEEDv3? If so, I am terribly sorry but I stand corrected. This morning I found specific language in the LEEDv3 Reference Guide (page 527) which states that "Core and Shell projects that do not purchase and or/install the mechanical system or operable windows (or a combination of both) have not met the intent of this credit."

To me, this indicates that it will be a stretch to achieve this credit in your case by stating that the system is designed to allow for the installation of thermostats.

In LEEDv2 it was possible to take this approach but not in LEEDv3. I am curious if others have experienced an approach that was acceptable.

I'm sorry to lead you astray originally.

Lauren

We have a similar situation, we have a C&S office project. The HVAC system provided at the project will only reach the core and not any further, this means only cold water will be provided at each office level so the tenant will connect to it with whatever system he desires too.

It does allow the tenant to use a system that will fulfill the requirements for LEED-CI but we are not 100% sure the tenant will implement such.

I just want to double check if we are not achieving this credit by the way we are designing the HVAC system.

We have done several LEED CS V3 projects and achieve this credit in different ways. First of you will always have to provide a potential tenant layout, which is consistent throughout the credits. Keep that in mind especially if you also attempted daylight and views. You have to figure out the FTE per your space then. Keep in mind, that you will also have to account for supporting spaces like storage in the basement, which belong to the space, but usually don't have any occupied spaces there. So that increases your number of FTE.
One of the projects had operable windows and radiators with thermostats all along the perimeter spaces. So we layed out the space so that as many FTE's as possible have a thermostat. In another project we have radiant slabs, which are design to allow for private offices every 2 axis along the windows. So 2 windows equal one zone. Even thought the tenants didn't always design that way, they have the possibility to do so and install the thermostats for each room. It's my understanding, that you have to have a system installed in the tenant space, which allows the tenant to have the thermal comfort control. But you don't have to have the actual thermostat in place. So David my guess would be a NO, or you have to have a lease agreement requiring that.
Also for retail, please keep in mind that there are separate guidelines for retail spaces in regards to this credit. So even thought this is a Core & Shell project I would apply the specifics of the retail certification for those areas. I actually just did for one of my LEED CS projects and it was excepted, but we also had 75%. So no need for the reviewer to get down to the details.

Thank you Sussan, it was really helpful. I will get back in case I have more questions.

We have a c&s industrial project, 1/F-21/F are warehouse area, only 23/F-25/F are office area. I

We have a c&s industrial project, 1/F-21/F are warehouse area, only 23/F-25/F are office area. Ventilation system in warehouse area is divided into 3 typies:FCU will be provided in 1&2/F, 3-15/F will be nature ventilation, and mechanical ventilation in 17-21/F to be installed by tenant. FCU will be installed in 23-25/F. And thermosate will be provided for at least 50% of occupant for the area with FCU(1-2/F AND 23-25/F). However, for 3-21/F, do i need to demonstrate the compliance? and how, if yes.

Thanks for any advice!

We have a c&s mixed use building with a small restaurant and retail spaces on the first floor. Mechanical system is installed under c&s for all tenant spaces (LEEDv2009).
Can doors to outside be counted instead of operable windows for providing thermal comfort?
Or can one thermostat control the temperature in the sales/ dining area for both customers and employees?
Appreciate any advice.

Lauren and Susann, please clarify... it sounds like you do NOT need to provide ("purchase and install") the mech system for the tenant spaces, but DO need to provide the whole building mech system capable of serving those spaces per the intent and requirements of this credit. Susann suggests demonstrating this with a hypothetical tenant layout. Even if this approach is acceptable, it is unclear how to complete the online form (still in beta), which offers two options for tenant spaces: "In Scope" or via "Tenant Sales or Lease."

The "In Scope" option specifically says that "Data shall be based entirely on design and construction elements that are included in the LEED Core & Shell project scope." So I'm guessing the hypothetical tenant plans would be submitted under the "Tenant Sales or Lease" option?

Example: I have a 4 story core and shell building with two stories occupied by the owner, and two stories occupied by tenants. There was no provision written in our client's tenant lease agreement for thermal comfort, so the "tenant lease" option is out. We did, however, also design the tenant spaces (under a separate contract / not in the CS project scope). So we do know what their thermal comfort controls are, and there's a chance these controls will also meet IEQc6.

My question is: Can we include the tenant spaces as "In Scope" for IEQc6, or will the reviewers expect to see tenant spaces handled consistently across all other credits (such as WEp1)?

Any thoughts on this are greatly appreciated!

Hi Anya,

I received some clarification from the GBCI on the matter. Please see their response below and let me know if you have any additional questions.

"Per the LEED v2009 RG, Core and Shell projects that do not purchase and/or install the mechanical system or operable windows (or a combination of both) have not met the intent of this credit. If the mechanical system is installed but not completely fit-out for the tenant space, the project can still attempt this credit and it would be 'in-scope'. The building HVAC system must be capable of being expanded to allow for a high degree of occupant control. Buildings that use an overhead VAV system will have to demonstrate that it is possible for the system to provide enough control points for 50% of the occupants. However, the VAV boxes do not have to actually be installed as part of the C&S scope.

The requirements of WEp1 and IEQc6 are vastly different in regard to in-scope or TSLA, therefore consistency due to this issue would not be required between these two credits.

If the project team is using a beta form, it is strongly recommended they upgrade to the new version of the form, which is v4.0."

Thanks Lauren! That helps.

I'm wondering if the comment "to demonstrate that it is possible for the system to provide enough control points for 50% of the occupants." requires a representative floor plan. Or can we demonstrate this with a narrative about the system capacity and controls adaptability?

If we have to provide a representative tenant floor plan, what would that look like? Do we just mark up a plan with a hypothetical office layout, showing T-stat locations and VAV boxes? Is there any further complexity to this that I'm missing?

Much thanks...

Hi Anya,

I would encourage your team to create a representative floor plan. And the ones I have created are just as you have described.

Happy Friday!