We have an upcoming international new construction project of a multi-family residential building. Due to its numbers of stories LEED NC v4 is the most appropriate rating system to use.
To achieve the prerequisite "environmental tobacco smoke control" we would appreciate it if you could give us some detailed information about its implementation. It is intended that we meet all requirements by prohibiting smoking in all common areas of the building and by compartmentalization of the private residential units.
But what about the private balconies? Do we have to prohibit smoking on all private balconies or are we allowed to designate balconies as “private” smoking areas, where smoking is permitted, if the balcony is at least 25 feet (7.5 meters) away from entries, outdoor air intakes, and operable windows opening to common areas?
What would you recommend?
Kind regards,
Andreas
Trista Brown
Project DirectorWSP USA
452 thumbs up
October 5, 2016 - 1:08 pm
Hi Andreas, the Reference Guide states "Prohibiting smoking on private residential balconies is a best practice for protecting nearby nonsmoking units and balconies from ETS infiltration. Consider prohibiting smoking on balconies in lease agreements."
Like the RG says, the big concern is that balconies are less than 25 feet from other balconies or operable windows/entries for other units. Prohibiting smoking on balconies is going to be your best option for earning the prerequisite. I recommend clearing any strategy that allows smoking on balconies with USGBC before you finalize your approach.
I'd also be curious to hear if (and how) anyone else has achieved this prerequisite in v4 and allowed smoking on balconies.
Jessica Malta
MCW Consultants LtdMay 19, 2021 - 5:18 pm
Hi all - I just wanted to check in to see if you had a status update regarding this. Thanks!