In Behind the Intent, add the following paragraph at the end.
For multifamily projects, this credit focuses on controllability of four indoor comfort conditions: temperature, solar radiation, air speed, and humidity. Occupants who are able to modify their thermal environment through thermal controls will perceive more comfort regardless of the conditioning strategy, and they may exhibit additional satisfaction and productivity. While humidity is a primary factor for thermal comfort, regardless of where you are located, controllability of humidity is only required in high-humidity areas. For this credit, high-humidity areas are those where the outdoor average humidity ratio is greater than 0.012 lb H2O/ lb dry air (0.012 kg H20/kg dry air), or average annual dew point is greater than 62.2 degrees F (16.8 degrees C).
In Step-by-Step, add subheading above Step 1: "EBOM, SCHOOLS, RETAIL, DATA CENTERS, HOSPITALITY, WAREHOUSES & DISTRIBUTION CENTERS"
In Step-by-Step, after Step 8, add a new subheading for "Multifamily" with the following three steps:
STEP 1. COLLECT BASELINE INFORMATION
Work with the owner to understand expectations for the indoor thermal environment, the level of control that occupants should have, characteristics of the occupant population, and existing comfort controls in the building.
• Walk through the building and talk with occupants about their thermal comfort expectations.
• Determine how temperature and humidity are currently controlled in the residential units.
• Determine whether the bedrooms and living spaces have a control for solar radiant energy, such as blinds, shades, or other shading devices.
• Determine whether the bedrooms and living spaces have a control for air speed, such as an operable window, ceiling fan, or other device.
• Determine whether the building is located where the outdoor average humidity ratio is greater than 0.012 lb H2O/ lb dry air (0.012 kg H20/kg dry air), or average annual dew point is greater than 62.2 degrees F (16.8 degrees C). Average annual dew point can be calculated directly from a local weather file. Outdoor average humidity ratio can be calculated from data in a local weather file and a psychometric chart.
STEP 2. DESIGN AND INSTALL COMFORT CONTROLS
Evaluate the baseline information and determine whether additional thermal comfort controls are needed. Determine the best thermal comfort controls for the conditioning system(s), the owner, and the occupant’s activities. In hot/humid climates, mechanical air-conditioning systems will need to be provided, but in milder climates operable windows and more passive systems will meet the requirements
STEP 3. EDUCATE RESIDENTS
While not required for credit compliance, consider educating the residents on the comfort controls in their unit and how the controllability will impact their energy consumption.
In Required Documentation Table,
Add a column to the right of "All projects" for Multifamily. Rename All projects column to "All projects, except Multifamily". Add two rows for Multifamily: (1) E, Description how the annual average humidity ratio and/or annual average dew point were calculated for the project location. (2) Description of the comfort control devices provided in each residential unit to control for temperature, solar radiation, air speed, and if applicable, humidity.