The overall intent of this credit is that all multi-occupant spaces (like meeting spaces) must have at least one occupant comfort control. For individual spaces or open-plan offices, at least 50% of occupants must be able to control their individual comfort conditions.

This prerequisite is very easy for most projects to achieve. It simply requires that you evaluate your site for potential contamination by performing a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA).

The Phase I ESA involves a site visit by a trained professional, who will conduct interviews and examine historical uses of the property. While this kind of assessment is not standard practice everywhere, it’s becoming more common—some commercial real estate lenders may even require it.

Earning this credit is easy for most projects. Make sure you have 10 feet worth of entryway system at main building entrances and keep them clean.

Entryway systems may be mats, grilles, or grates. Most buildings that don’t already have entryway systems purchase mats because that’s typically far easier than installing grilles or grates retroactively.

Regular building carpeting does not count under this credit. Entryway mats are specially designed to capture and hold dirt and particulates, which standard carpeting is unable to do.