Definition of Building Occupants

Lauren, the LEED EBOM rating system has a similar credit (EQc2.1) and provides some more detailed direction about who should be included in the occupant survey. The EBOM v2009 reference guide states on page 393 that "for commercial buildings, regular building occupants are defined as workers who either have a permanent office or workstation or typically spend a minimum of 10 hours per week in the project building." This implies to me that your team should consider including at least some of the longer term patients. The EBOM credit also requires collecting responses from at least 30% of the total regular building occupants so that might be a starting point for a representative sample. However, this credit doesn't have a performance requirement attached and is more about the process. Finally, we have generally not seen a large cost associated with the corrective action component.

Right, However for NC projects, no minimum sample size is noted and the reference guide (under "Implementation") states that, "Providing a systematic process and mechanism for all occupants to provide feedback about their thermal comfort will help building operators adjust and maintain thermal comfort in their buildings." My understanding has always been that the intent is for all regular building occupants to be included, or to at least to have the opportunity to provide feedback.