Our project is a new dining hall and welcoming center to replace the old dining hall for an existing retreat center. In regards to the EQ Credit 5, we have the following concerns: First, we would like to verify the accurate number of required entryway systems for our project, since there is no quantifiable method that we know of to determine a "high volume" entryway. At present, we will be equipping the four main high volume entryways with exterior, weather protected (by overhangs), permanent walk-off mats. In addition, there are five secondary doors. Three of these are designed for egress only, and would be seldom used for entrance by the staff members only. The fourth is a back entry door, entered only by staff. The fifth is an entry door that goes to the service and kitchen areas, also only entered by staff. Since the staff makes up only 5% of the building\'s occupants, and we assume that 5% or less of occupants is not considered high volume, these entryways will not be outfitted with walk-off mats. Have we accurately interpreted this requirement? Our second question regards the requirement for chemical segregation and ventilation in housekeeping areas. If the chemicals and detergents are acceptable for sink disposal and approved by the local water treatment plants, do the ventilation requirements still apply? Also, do we still need the drains plumbed separately?
In evaluating the requirements of this credit, you should focus on the frequency of use of each building entry point rather than the percentage of building occupants served. Any door that is intended to be used regularly and frequently by building occupants should be considered high volume for the purposes of this credit. Thus from the description of the entryways in this project, the staff entries would appear to qualify as high volume. If the door is egress-only or is used infrequently, it may be excluded. The ventilation requirements of this credit apply to all areas where chemical mixing and/or preparation occur, regardless of their disposal. Please see page 280 of the LEED-NC v2.1 Reference Guide or further explanation. The goal of the design should be to isolate any areas where chemicals are being stored or mixed and to provide sinks and/or drains in appropriate locations to ensure those chemicals are disposed of properly and not dumped into restroom facilities. Separate drain lines for chemical waste disposal would only be necessary if they are required by local codes or building authorities. Applicable internationally.