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All multi-occupant spaces (like classrooms or auditioriums) must have at least one occupant comfort control.

For individual spaces or open-plan offices, at least 50% of occupants must be able to control their individual comfort conditions.

A lot of options

Multi-occupant spaces like classrooms need at least one comfort control. Operable windows are a common way to meet this requirement.The credit defines comfort according to the four primary comfort criteria identified by ASHRAE 55-2004:

  • Air temperature
  • Radiant temperature
  • Humidity
  • Air speed.

A comfort control meeting the credit requirements needs to only address one of these four. Common ways to meet the credit include:

  • installing heating radiators or radiant panels with individual temperature controls;
  • operable windows;
  • or adjustable local air diffusers.

Choosing your ventilation system

You can meet this credit with either naturally or mechanically ventilated buildings.

Projects using natural ventilation need to provide access to operable windows for at least 50% of occupants in individually occupied spaces. An occupant has access to an operable window if their desk is located within 20 feet of a window to the inside, and 10 feet from side to side.

It is more difficult to achieve credit compliance with mechanical systems like forced air because the controls typically serve a large area. You can provide a greater level of thermal comfort with underfloor air distribution that provide easily controlled diffusers. 

Thermal comfort controls like thermostats are a common way to earn this credit, but make sure you choose a mechanical system that allows for that level of variability.For constant-air-volume systems that do not allow individual control, you may need to add an additional unit, such as a reheating coil at the diffuser or perimeter baseboard heating, to achieve the credit’s intent. 

Heating or cooling

For mechanically ventilated spaces, previous LEED-certified projects have complied with the credit by providing occupant controls for heating or cooling only. For example, a building providing controls adjusting heat within a certain temperature range can comply with the credit, even if controls are not providing for the cooling season.

Approaching the credit by building type

One control in each classroom, and controls for 50% of offices and individual workspaces. 

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