Spaces with no light requirement

Hello Donna, Situating a regularly-occupied space in a basement is not an acceptable reason for exemption. You are much better off documenting the reasons that daylight would be a hindrance to the use of the space. You are right in that they seem to be strict on exemptions due to programmatic requirements, so make sure that they are true requirements and not just wishes of the personnel. Try to anticipate any questions the reviewer might have as to why daylighting cannot be used and address them, rather than hoping that the reviewer doesn't think of ways to get around the exemption on their own. Clerestory windows are not an acceptable window type for the views credit because views must be at eye level. It is my understanding though that window wells will work for this credit, as there is no stipulation for what the view is as long as it is outdoors (even under a grate for example). Maybe think of a few strategically-placed deep window wells with landscaping in them - a nice gesture to the basement dwellers! If you don't think you have reason enough for an exemption, and can't get the views, you are going to have to give up on this credit and move on to others. As the reviewers always say - they are not in the business of creating exemptions, they are in the business of rewarding good design, this is why they have provided many options for receiving credits. Good luck!

This question makes me wonder... the credit calculates percentage of regularly occupied spaces. In the lab example, I suspect that there is a large room with a very small population using it. (I think back to the nuclear lab in our physics building in college... HUGE room, 3 to 4 people, and yes 100% underground). The remainder of the spaces are heavily occupied and can easily have access to views (daylight). Can an approach be made that 90% of the estimated population has access the views to the outdoors?