Conference Room (Multi-Occupant) Light Level Controls

Hi Shaun, It is not the case that all multi-occupant spaces need multiple controls. The requirement states: "Provide lighting system controls for all shared multi-occupant spaces to enable adjustments that meet group needs and preferences." If you have a conference room that would only need one set of lighting requirements then it is possible that one fixture could work. Preferably one switch would have different settings for different needs. The key isn't just in adding lighting controls but instead looking to meet the needs of the occupants of that space. Will they have presentations in that space where they will need dimmed lighting? If so, perhaps a dimmer switch would be preferable to include in addition to a full on switch? Will there be any possible moveable partitions in the space that might divide the room for two different sessions? If so, the reviewer will look for two different lighting setting for these spaces. That being said, I have achieved the credit on many occasions with one light switch for one conference room. It all is determined by your specific case.

Be careful here. As Ellen stated below we consistently get review comments that multi-occupant spaces needed a "high level" of control such as dual switching or dimming in order to comply and meet the intent. In our experience, the reviewers have not cared what the use of the space is or what the owners want for the space and only dimming or dual switching will get credit approval.

Laura, I will bring this up on my call today with the GBCI because I have not experienced reviewer comments requiring a "high level" of control. When I last checked in with the GBCI about the level of control needed for a private office (relating to a similar LEEDuser thread about "high level" control) I got the following response: "Regarding EQc6.1, I agree with you, for private offices an on/off switch is sufficient means of control. Just an occupancy sensor with no override wouldn’t be acceptable. My understanding is there was some confusion on this issue a few years ago…and this review comment in the thread you mention below may have been really old. I’d be curious to know when this review comment was received."

It sounds like reviewer consistency around the issue would be one point of valuable feedback to the GBCI.

Lauren, Just to confirm, when you had projects approved with only one light switch in a meeting/conference room, was that an on/off switch or a switch with more levels of control?

Hi Erin, When I had projects approved with one light switch it was just an on/off control. I should clarify, though, by saying that this was a few years ago. My understanding that an on/off was sufficient but I have heard otherwise from others on this forum. Good luck!