In a multi-family project, we have 2 of 3 stairwells that meet the daylighting requirement. Would we still be able to claim credit for the daylighting option, as 1 of our 7 features? I'm assuming we would need to identify a 7th feature for that stairwell, but wanted to know if anyone has managed a similar situation. Does the credit language suggest that only one staircase must comply with 7 of 11 features?
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Lee Altman
NYC Department of Design and Construction18 thumbs up
October 16, 2014 - 1:51 pm
Hi Steve,
I haven't come across a similar situation in any of our projects, but my interpretation would be that each staircase would need to meet 7 features, but they wouldn't necessarily have to be the same ones.
For example, if we're talking about one multi-family building, I doubt more than one staircase would be visible from the main lobby and within 25 feet or it, but other staircases should be able to employ other features like natural light, signage, and artwork, thus still providing an inviting circulation environment.
Mihnea Dobre
3 thumbs up
November 24, 2014 - 3:35 pm
Hi Steve,
We are pursuing this credit on a residential project and have a similar consideration: two stairs, not equally compliant. We were reading the credit differently: we identified "one main stair" as asked in the first requirement and then showed how that met seven or more of the features. The language is: "Include seven or more of the following features within the project for the PRIMARY STAIRCASE(S) identified above." Hope this helps.
Erica Suarino
Sustainability ConsultantSteven Winter Associates
3 thumbs up
January 23, 2015 - 10:28 am
I agree with Mihnea. We're pursuing this credit on a retail project that has three staircases- one main architectural stair and two egress stairs. While all floors may be accessed by at least one of the three stairs, our documentation focuses predominantly on the "primary staircase." I'll report back on the outcome after the review has been completed.
Becky Dix
Christner Architects7 thumbs up
April 27, 2015 - 3:19 pm
Steve,
We had a similar question when documenting this credit for our project. We submitted the question to USGBC through the website contact page. Here is the response that we received that I believe you will also find helpful...
"Yes, your strategy to meet the pilot credit requirements using two (2) main staircases, where one staircase meets some requirements and another staircase meets different requirements, is appropriate.
This distinction was clarified in the 11/1/2013 addenda to the pilot credit requirements. If you visit this link, http://www.usgbc.org/node/2648813?return=/pilotcredits, there is a clarification box at the bottom of the page that states, "stair requirements can be met using multiple "main stairs" and do not need to be met for auxiliary (non-main) stairs."