We have a project with both perimeter and interior offices. Every office has occupancy sensing devices that are connected to VAVs so that the HVAC system can adjust when the office is not occupied. Isn't this normally sufficient for active controls? To achieve this credit, are we also required to provide thermostatic control for each office as well? We are only able to put thermostats in approx. 50% of our offices.
These questions come up for us because of our preliminary design reviewer's comments. For this credit our reviewer has advised:
"1. Perimeter private offices require a separate thermal control for each space paired with an occupant sensing or CO2 sensing device, which is used to set back the temperature setpoint or airflow to the space when the space is unoccupied. Provide documentation to demonstrate that all perimeter private offices have been provided with active controls that are capable of sensing space use and modulating the HVAC system in response to space demand, such as demand controlled ventilation or occupancy responsive HVAC controls. 2. Interior private offices require a separate thermal control for each space. Provide documentation confirming that a separate thermal control is installed for each interior private office."
So, I don't know if they just didn't see the occupancy sensors on the drawings OR if they are saying that we need to provide something beyond that... By 'thermal control' for the interior private offices are they likely referring to providing a thermostat in each office?
Theresa Schroeder
Senior Project EngineerWhitman, Requardt & Associates, LLP
10 thumbs up
October 14, 2014 - 10:03 am
LEED Interpretation 10263 has the description of control devices now required in each type of space: http://www.usgbc.org/leed-interpretations?keys=10263&=Search
Every private office, both perimeter and interior, will need its own temperature control in order to qualify for this credit. The only argument you might have is if your project was registered before LI 10263 was published, in which case make sure you also look at LI 10242 to make sure you comply with those requirements. (assuming you registered after it was published)
This credit has become very difficult to achieve due to all of the control requirements, but there aren't many other ways for a tenant fit-out to affect energy use of the base building HVAC systems.