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NC-v4.1 EQc1:Enhanced Indoor Air Quality Strategies

Strategy 7. Operable Windows - ASHRAE 62.1-2016 for windows location

MAUDE PINTAL

Project manager, PA LEED BD+C , Référent certification HQE

AEDIFICA INC.

LEEDuser Basic Member

22 thumbs up

Project location :

Canada

March 24, 2022

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!

Post a reply

Panagiotis Paliouras

Senior Sustainability Consultant

LEEDuser Basic Member

3 thumbs up

Thu, 05/05/2022 - 09:17

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

LEEDuser Basic Member

0 thumbs up

Thu, 05/11/2023 - 10:30

Hi, we have the same question for a project. Did you receive any feedback on this strategy?

Paul Erlichman

LEEDuser Premium Member

0 thumbs up

Tue, 05/30/2023 - 15:05

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

LEEDuser Basic Member

0 thumbs up

Fri, 10/20/2023 - 11:38

Hi all, did anyone have a feedback on this topic?

Dave Hubka

Practice Leader - Sustainability

EUA

LEEDuser Expert

510 thumbs up

Fri, 10/20/2023 - 14:54

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

LEEDuser Basic Member

0 thumbs up

Mon, 10/23/2023 - 14:51

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 - Sustainability

EUA

LEEDuser Expert

510 thumbs up

Tue, 10/24/2023 - 13:21

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

LEEDuser Premium Member

0 thumbs up

Sat, 12/09/2023 - 01:04

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

LEEDuser Premium Member

0 thumbs up

Sat, 12/09/2023 - 01:10

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.