Hello
As part of a residential project aimed at LEEDv4 BD+C certification, we are studying the different possibilities to meet the "Enhanced Indoor Air Quality Strategies" credit with the strategy 7. Operable Windows which requires to have opening windows for 75% of the spaces regularly occupied. However, by consulting section 6.4.1.2 of ASHRAE 62.1-2016 with addendum l, we understand that it is required to have windows in two opposite places of the same space, so in a case of residential project, to have crossing apartment. Do we understand the requirement of this strategy or would there be an error in the LEED credit and it would be section 6.4.1.
Have any of you used this strategy for a residential project with non-crossing apartment or is it the only way to be able to meet the requirements of this point?
Thanks in advance!
Panagiotis Paliouras
Senior Sustainability Consultant3 thumbs up
May 5, 2022 - 5:17 am
Hi Maude,
I have exaclty the same question. Judging from the credit wording "The windows must meet the opening size and location...", i think that the part would 6.4.2 Location and Size of Openings would be more applicable. I will submit a querry to GBCI. Please let us know if you resolve this issue.
Regards,
Paloma Arias
May 11, 2023 - 6:30 am
Hi, we have the same question for a project. Did you receive any feedback on this strategy?
Paul Erlichman
May 30, 2023 - 11:05 am
Hi all, we are working on a condo project and I came upon this discussion with similar questions. I'm curious if anyone has resolved this issue? Our reading of addendum l, section 6.4.1.2 is not that it requires double-sided openings, but that it just provides guidance on opening size (and ventilation area, though not pertinent to this credit) if you have a single-side opening, corner opening, or double-sided opening. I may be wrong about this, but I feel like if you could only achieve this strategy with double-sided openings on opposite sides, then it would make the strategy unavailable for a large number of buildings.
If anyone has any feedback on this it would be appreciated!
Luisa Tonelli
October 20, 2023 - 7:38 am
Hi all, did anyone have a feedback on this topic?
Dave Hubka
Practice Leader - SustainabilityEUA
LEEDuser Expert
495 thumbs up
October 20, 2023 - 10:54 am
It is my understanding that single-sided openings are allowed per section 6.4.1.1 of ASHRAE 62.1-2016.
more current versions of ASHRAE are allowed per LI #10416.
Table 6-5 of 62.1-2019 allows single sided openings.
Luisa Tonelli
October 23, 2023 - 10:51 am
so, if I have an office building with single-sided openings, can I apply the strategy 7. Operable Windows even if ASHRAE 62.1-2016 6.4.1.2 Double Side Opening is not applicable?
Thank you
Dave Hubka
Practice Leader - SustainabilityEUA
LEEDuser Expert
495 thumbs up
October 24, 2023 - 9:21 am
I would say "yes, single-sided openings can contribute to achievement of strategy 7".
It is recommended that you provide an expanation within the LEED application; the explanation is outlined in my previous post.
Good Luck!
Michael Philp
December 8, 2023 - 8:04 pm
This interpretation still appears to be in "Limbo." Any updates/resolutions yet on this issue? Can we use single sided or is double sided required?
Michael Philp
December 8, 2023 - 8:10 pm
Answer to single side is found in the V4.1 Beta Guide as follows:
If pursuing strategy 7. Operable Windows
Identify all regularly occupied spaces and collect the following information for each space:
Location of openings (on one side, two opposite sides, or two adjacent sides),
Size of the opening (openable area).
Review section 6.4.1.2 in ASHRAE 62.1-2015 addendum l for window size and location requirements and compare the results with the design. Revise if necessary, to ensure that all regularly occupied spaces meet the requirements.
Appears that single sided is allowed.