Evaluate each space in the building separately in order to determine air requirements. Metabolic rate of the space activities and the occupant density are factors that determine the amount of fresh air needed in a space.  For example, exercise rooms and conference room require more fresh air than other spaces. Explore whether individual spaces should be ventilated mechanically, naturally or mixed-mode.

Commissioning generates an average savings of 28 percent of predicted annual energy use, according to the 2004 study, “The Cost-Effectiveness of Commissioning New and Existing Commercial Buildings: Lessons from 224 Buildings.” (See Resources.)

Naturally ventilated buildings may find this credit relatively difficult to achieve. If considered early in design, it’s possible to achieve the credit, but may take a concerted effort to increase the amount of outdoor air intake using larger and more numerous operable windows, and more sophisticated designs such as wind chimneys.

The project will benefit from the Owner’s active role in developing the OPR with specific goals for energy efficiency and other systems. Owners often find it helpful to state goals in terms of a minimum acceptable level and a specified payback period, for example, “The building is aimed to save 20% energy as compared to a code compliant building with a total payback of less than 5 years. Our goal is to provide a comfortable space with user controlled lighting and ventilation to minimize waste and maximize comfort.

Evaluate and select ventilation strategies—natural, mechanical, or mixed-mode—during the pre-design phase

Owners' Project Requirements (OPR) are developed and signed off on by the owner with assistance from the CxA, or developed by the CxA for owner approval. The OPR works as the guideline to develop a design that meets the owner’s requirements. See the Documentation Toolkit for a template and sample OPR

The school may provide training for the teachers and school staff on the acoustical properties of learning spaces. This will allow teachers to arrange their classrooms in a way to best address acoustics.

Facilities personnel should monitor and respond to any complaints about acoustics. This could include periodically metering decibel levels during the school day.

Inform facilities personnel of any activities that might affect the acoustics of the classrooms and core learning spaces, such as painting sound-absorptive material and replacing ceiling tiles. Provide a list of compliant products to verify that any future renovations, additions or repairs will comply with the acoustical goals.

All calculations should be kept on file for easy accessibility if detailed calculations are required during project review.