Does the wayfinding signage need to say “Area of Respite”?
No, the signage can be more general and say something to the effect of “Meditation Garden,” “Healing Garden,” or “Contemplation Space.”
If the hospital campus has designated smoking areas, are there considerations to be aware of for this credit?
Ensure that no places of respite are within 25 feet (7.6 m) of a designated smoking area, and provide clear signage indicating that smoking is not allowed in the place of respite.
Can interior spaces like atria or greenhouses count towards qualifying spaces?
Yes. Interior atriums, greenhouses, solaria, or conditioned spaces can be counted towards up to 30% of the qualifying spaces, if 90% of the gross floor area achieves a direct line of sight to unobstructed views of nature and meets the shading and accessibility requirements.
How do you calculate the outdoor space requirement for inpatients and outpatients?
Use this calculation to calculate the outdoor space requirement:
5 ft2 x (0.75) peak inpatients + 5 ft2 x (0.75) qualifying outpatients = required outdoor area
Do LED lamps qualify automatically for this credit, regardless of rated lifetime?
Yes, LED lamps are mercury-free and therefore qualify regardless of rated life.
Is there a specific height restriction for furniture (such as in an open office area) that items should be under in order to allow the space to count towards credit compliance? In LEED 2009 it was 42".
When evaluating regularly occupied spaces for Quality Views, permanent interior obstructions must be taken into account. Movable furniture and partitions may be excluded. However, according to GBCI, there is not a specific height restriction for furniture. This allows project teams flexibility when determining how quality views will be provided. To maximize views, consider using transparent partitions, and in open-plan offices, select low partitions or incorporate glazed panels.
Can views be counted through multiple clear workstation partitions?
Clear interior glazing is acceptable, and the LEED Reference Guide does not include a limit on the number of glazing panels that can be between the user and the perimeter (exterior) glazing.
For your LEED documentation, you’ll need to provide sections or interior elevations with glazing elements and sight lines demonstrating that sight lines do not encounter permanent interior obstructions.
Should we test the demand response plan during commissioning?
Yes. The requirements under both Case 1 and Case 2 state: “Include the DR processes in the scope of work for the commissioning authority, including participation in at least one full test of the DR plan.”
Our project is outside the U.S. and MERV filters are not available. We want to run the HVAC system during construction – what should we do?
In countries where filters with MERV ratings are not available, filtration media must be Class F5 or higher, as defined by CEN Standard EN 779–2002. Filtration media with a minimum dust spot efficiency of 30% or higher and greater than 90% arrestance on a particle size of 3–10 μg are also acceptable.
Should we install furniture and furnishings before IAQ testing or flush-out?
Yes, all finishes, furniture, and furnishings must be installed before testing or beginning a flush-out.