This CIR is in reference to FTE calculations for a multi-floor hotel in a high-density urban setting. FTE calculation for full-time and part-time employees of the hotel can be calculated using actual numbers. Transients as defined by the USGBC are visitors to a building for less than 7 hours. However, this does not always apply to the variable number of guests or the variable amount of time guests will stay in a hotel on a daily basis. The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA) is the sole national representing body of all sectors in the lodging industry. The AH&LA has lodging occupancy tracked on a weekly basis (research performed by Smith Travel Research). The AH&LA 2006 annual report calculates the year-end lodging occupancy at 63.4%. In a CIR request dated 10/27/2005 (ruling dated 12/9/2005), occupancy for residential projects allows for FTE calculations based on number of bedrooms: 2 regular occupants for a one-bedroom unit, 3 for a two-bedroom unit, and so on. Therefore, since occupancy rates are highly variable for hotels, can FTE be calculated based on the number of rooms x average occupancy/room (e.g. 2) in a hotel multiplied by an average lodging occupancy percent (per the AH&LA) to obtain the transient occupant calculation? For example: 200 units x 2 guests/unit = 400 total guests; 400 guests x 60% (average of the AH&LA information) = 240 calculated transient occupants. This number would then be the transient occupant count added to the calculated FTE of employees for the occupant value for LEED calculations.
Your FTE approach seems reasonable based on the variable transient occupancy of a hotel, and you are encouraged to utilize it. Please note that previous CIRs have ruled that certain transient populations can be excluded from the calculations in determining the number of required bike storage spaces and showers for this credit. Please refer to NCv2.1 SSc4.2 CIR ruling dated 9/14/2006 for additional guidance. Applicable Internationally.