The survey must measure thermal comfort conditions and satisfaction based on ASHRAE 55-2004 thermal comfort criteria, and is to be measured by a 7-point scale format (+3 = very satisfied, 0 = neutral, -3 = very dissatisfied). Although USGBC does not require a specific means to administer the survey, there are a few options out there that can be easy for the project team to implement. Surveys can be done by phone, networked computer, website or a paper questionnaire. Web–based surveys can compile data readily and generate results that can be helpful in evaluating responses.

USGBC has not made clear the exact requirements for a permanent monitoring system. One contributing approach, however, is to administer a survey, as this is often easy and cheap to implement. Additional approaches could be a building automation system if sensor locations are adequately distributed throughout occupied spaces, and air speed and radiant temperature testing with the use of handheld meters or other monitoring equipment. See LEED-EBOM IEQc2.3 for additional ideas on permanent monitoring systems.

If you can show a campus-wide high performance green cleaning program that complies with the credit requirements then there shouldn’t be any issues. Make sure that plan addresses any sub-sets of green cleaning habits specific to your project building. See the LEED Application Guide for Multiple Buildings and On‐Campus Building Projects.

This credit doesn’t require that projects purchase chemical dilution control equipment. But the intent of the credit is to minimize the use of all chemicals, including those that meet sustainability criteria listed under IEQc3.3, by introducing appropriate dilution systems into the plan. Proper use of concentrates reduces overuse of cleaning chemicals, saves money, reduces waste from packaging and minimizes the risk of improper storage and spills.

 According to the IEQ Space Matrix, spaces can be excluded from this credit if they’re non-regularly occupied and not normally comfort conditioned. For example, the storage area of a warehouse that’s accessed only intermittently is a good candidate for exclusion. However, any space that building occupants are expected to spend fifteen minutes or more at a time can’t be exempted.

Areas with a metabolic rate outside of 1.0-1.3 need to use a different tool to show compliance with ASHRAE-55 for that space. For spaces with metabolic rates below 1.0, utilize a tool like this one from UC–Berkeley rather than following the graphical method. 

ASHRAE-55 was designed to accommodate activities up to 2.0 MET, but it’s possible to have higher MET levels in your project if you have a kitchen, fitness center, gymnasium, or warehouse. If this is the case, refer to LEED interpretation #10279 for guidance. 

You can establish compliance based on an alternative method to ASHRAE-55 by identifying an equivalent source of thermal comfort recommendations (from an industry group or a specialized ASHRAE design guide). 

Supply air volume (CFM) is different from linear air speed measured in feet per minute (FPM). Linear air speed in FPM is relevant to comfort requirements. This information can be derived from the diffuser throw value.

No. A project can only earn up to 5 points. Exemplary performance can count for one of the 5 points for Path 4, 5, 10 and 11, or some other strategy, but that goes under Path 12, Other Quantifiable Environmental Performance.

No. But, if the schedule allows, you could stall your submittal until the building is certified. Or, if you are in a LEED registered building, the building will likely meet some of the individual paths under Option 2 that can be documented and submitted without having to wait for the whole building’s certification.