The credit language for this Option says "provide a separate control zone for each solar exposure and interior space."
The proposed design is pretty typical VAV. Groups of private offices are served by a VAV box, with one of the offices having a thermostat. Exterior offices which are grouped share the same solar exposure. Interior offices are zoned in groups of 4.
We received a review comment which says:
- Interior private offices (such as Office 1032) do not appear to have individual thermal controls.
Provide documentation to demonstrate that all interior private offices have been provided with a separate thermal control. Refer to the LEED ID+C v4 Reference Guide, Further Explanation Section for additional guidance regarding specialty occupancy spaces and the controls requirement.
In reviewing the "Further Explanation Section" it says "Interior Private offices or interior non-densely occupied specialty use spaces. A separate thermal control for each space is sufficient.."
Must I provide a thermal control for each private office to achieve this credit?
The credit requirements seem to say a zone for the entire interior is sufficient, but the Further Explanation Section uses the term "space", suggesting a room by room control. Providing a Thermostat in each interior office would be quite extraordinary.
Marcus Sheffer
LEED Fellow7group / Energy Opportunities
LEEDuser Expert
5909 thumbs up
June 7, 2018 - 10:51 am
I don't think that is what the requirements state. The credit language states that you need a control for each interior space and the Reference Guide confirms this.
For the tenant fit-out of spaces, provide a separate control zone for each solar exposure and interior space. Provide controls capable of sensing space conditions and modulating the HVAC system in response to space demand for all private offices and other enclosed spaces (e.g., conference rooms, classrooms).
Aaron Wintersmith
Senior Energy AnalystCapital Engineering Consultants
June 7, 2018 - 1:49 pm
Thanks for the reply Marcus, a couple follow up questions.
1) Is there anywhere it officially says the requirements are what is in force, and the "further explanation" is explanation are not enforceable. In other words, how do I respond to the reviewer who directed me to read the Further Explanation section?
2) For interior space - are you agreeing that "every" interior space must have a thermal control? Meaning each and every interior office? A VRF system might attain this, but it is just not done for a VAV system, every interior office would need a VAV box.
Marcus Sheffer
LEED Fellow7group / Energy Opportunities
LEEDuser Expert
5909 thumbs up
June 8, 2018 - 10:51 am
1. Both the credit/prerequisite requirements and the Reference Guide are in force and therefore enforceable. If you see some sort of conflict you can try to make your point with the reviewer. I don't see a conflict.
2. Yes the language says each interior space based on the sentence structure of the requirement. The word "each" applies to both parts of the "and". So it sounds like you do not meet the credit requirements.