Hi Everyone,
Regarding one of the FAQ's above in the birds eye view section with regards to gender ratio. I once received a comment from GBCI on a project stating the following
"The current staffing level is not an acceptable rationale for deviating from the standard usage ratio of 50/50 M/F. The calculations require a balanced, one-to-one sex ratio unless project conditions exist (such as a male dormitory) which would affect the gender ratio for the life span of the building and warrant an alternative ratio. "
hope that helps
P Fanfulik
PE, LEED AP BD+CWMATA
8 thumbs up
February 27, 2015 - 11:51 am
We have allocated the FTE per the standard ratio of 50/50 M/F. However, due to the actual users being predominately male, we have provided additional fixtures above code requirements. Is this acceptable?
Thanks.
Michelle Robinson Schwarting
148 thumbs up
February 27, 2015 - 1:55 pm
It sounds like you could argue a different ratio than the default 50/50 and take advantage of the savings if you have urinals that are lower flow (ex. 0.5 gpf vs. 1.0 gpf default = 50% savings).
Per the "Water Use Reduction Additional Guidance" (http://www.usgbc.org/resources/water-use-reduction-additional-guidance) :
"Projects specifically designed for an alternative gender ratio: ... any project that can show that flush and flow fixtures have been distributed to account for the modified ratio. Project teams must provide documentation of the code-required plumbing fixture counts per gender, so the review team can verify that the flush-fixture ratio installed in the project supports the alternative gender ratio claimed."
However, if you want to just claim the standard 50/50 ratio, I would imagine it would go through just fine...
P Fanfulik
PE, LEED AP BD+CWMATA
8 thumbs up
February 27, 2015 - 2:20 pm
Thanks so much.