Upon reading Reference Guide, it is my understanding that a private office can achieve this credit simply by having an a single light fixture and control within the space. Only when there are multiple workstations within a single space would task lights need to be incorporated.
This understanding seems to be in opposition to the guidance provided by LEED User above, which states "task lighting at each work station (private office and cubicles."
Is task lighting required in a single person occupied private office, to meet credit intent?
Thank You
Abena Darden
Senior AssociateThornton Tomasetti
273 thumbs up
December 2, 2010 - 6:19 pm
In past projects, where there is a single occupancy office or workstation, if a hard-wired light switch is provided, then a task light is not necessary. The way I interpret the LEED User guidance above is that it's assumed that ambient lighting is not controllable by each individual. An open office with only centrally controlled ambient lighting and without task lighting would thus not comply. Adding task lighting to each workstation in an open office would allow that space to comply, as each individual has control over their own lighting. Do others agree?
Tristan Roberts
RepresentativeVermont House of Representatives
LEEDuser Expert
11477 thumbs up
December 7, 2010 - 11:19 pm
Yes, this is how our guidance is intended to be read. Sorry for any confusion.
breeze glazer
Research Knowledge Manager: Healthcare Sustainabilitypw
59 thumbs up
December 8, 2010 - 9:21 am
Great, thanks Tristan and Marian!
AMY VAN DAM
Sustainable Design CoordinatorBOULDER ASSOCIATES
20 thumbs up
October 26, 2011 - 1:16 pm
Any further insight on individual offices (one occupant)? We have received a ruling in the past (2008 - CI 2.0 project) that a single on/off switch in an individual office does not meet the credit requirements. We would consider an on/off switch the ambient lighting and have since required projects to also include a task light or dual level lighting capability in private individual offices. Has anyone successfully earned this point with just on/off switches recently?
Lauren Sparandara
Sustainability ManagerGoogle
LEEDuser Expert
997 thumbs up
January 23, 2012 - 4:04 pm
Amy, on many projects I have had no trouble with providing one light switch for one private office. The key is making it clear to the reviewer that there is really only one occupant planned for that individual office. Furniture layout can help to solidify this claim.