Our project is a university housing complex consisting of low-rise apartment buildings. None of the spaces qualify as non-perimeter spaces, per the LEED v2 definition, and we are proposing an alternate approach to achieve the intent of this credit in a student housing setting. We are installing baseboard heaters in each room of the apartments with individual thermostats controlling each room. The majority of student housing projects we are aware of are built with several living areas or bedrooms served by each thermostat, resulting in discomfort as different occupants desire different space temperatures. Our project is installing the baseboard heating system in order to provide each student control over the temperature in his/her space. Will the USGBC accept this room-by-room zoning scenario as an alternate approach to achieving this credit in residential projects?
Your project\'s approach to the heating control component of this credit is acceptable. In the scenario cited (the floor plan solely consisting of perimeter spaces), EQ Credit 6.2 will be awarded if the perimeter spaces are equipped with airflow, temperature and lighting controls per credit requirements and the additional requirements stated below. Note that LEED Version 2.0 and Version 2.1 have slightly different requirements and calculations. EQ Credits 6.1 and 6.2 will naturally overlap in this scenario, and thus the same lighting controls can count towards both credits and operable windows can be counted as airflow/ventilation control for EQc6.2. Integral thermostats installed on many inexpensive baseboard heaters are often inaccurate, lack space temperature indication, and thus provide poor occupant control or feedback