Our current project is approximately a 75,000 sf student dormitory. The alternate compliance path (Option 2)states that light fixtures are to be automatically controlled and programmed to turn off following regular business hours. Since this a dormitory, regular business hours would not apply. The current design calls for digital timers and occupancy sensors in spaces accessible to students which include lounges, studies, corridors, and trash rooms. Digital timers have a on/off manual override, and the occ sensors have a switch upstream for manual override off, occ sensor on. Additionally, each floor will have a RA for "lights out." Please indicate if the current design scope would comply with Option 2 with these considerations.
The Approach and Implementation section of the SSc8 Reference Guide credit description allows for the following lighting control strategies to meet the intent of the second compliance path: "Controls may be automatic sweep timers, occupancy sensors, or programmed master lighting control panels. Manual override capabilities that enable lights to be turned on for after-hours use must be included in the design." As described, the lighting control for student accessible spaces sounds appropriate, as it is based on occupancy sensors with over-ride switches. Obviously in a dormitory setting there is a certain baseline-level amount of lighting that is required at all times for security purposes. If a light fixture is to remain on through the entire night, it should meet the requirements of the first compliance path, namely the angle of maximum candela should not pass through transparent or translucent building surfaces. Defensible exceptions can be made at entrances and exits to the building where required for safety. Please note that you would also have to address credit compliance for those spaces that have not been mentioned in this CIR (such as areas off-limits to students, which do not require 24 hour lighting). Applicable Internationally.