Pre-Design

In Commercial Interiors projects, tenants should work with the base building to determine whether efficient water fixtures are already provided, or if water fixture upgrades can be added to the scope of work.

Check local codes and incentives for water-saving opportunities and restrictions. Rebates are common, as are plumbing codes restricting some water-savings technologies such as waterless urinals, graywater

While LEED does not dictate the quality of the view outside the window, considering this can help a project achieve exemplary performance. Also, occupants will likely prefer view of interesting objects, views with movement (though not too busy), and views of nature. In other words, a view of a brick wall may meet the letter of the LEED requirement, but not the spirit.

When selecting windows for maximizing views, consider also using operable windows for natural ventilation. This can contribute to credits IEQp1: Minimum Indoor Air Quality Performance and IEQc2: Increased Ventilation.

High performance glazing and increased glazing area may add additional costs unless they can be offset by integrated design solutions like right sizing of mechanical equipment, or in some cases the elimination of perimeter heating.

Too much glazing, particularly east- and west-facing glazing exposed to low-angle morning and afternoon sun, may cause glare and overheating. Use overhangs, energy-efficient glazing, and daylighting designs that control glare, such as interior shades or lightshelves.

Analyze building orientation and site selection for opportunities to provide access to views to the outside.

Consider the cost implications of natural ventilation. Passive strategies may reduce or eliminate the need for fans and HVAC equipment, but they may also require high quantities of operable windows and a floor plan that is conducive to passive ventilation.  Natural ventilation often requires the cooperation of occupants, to open and close windows when appropriate, for example, be sure that your project is likely to succeed in this respect.

Naturally ventilated core and shell projects must provide the potential for tenant build-out to meet requirements of this credit.  When documenting the credit, you can provide an assumed tenant layout and default occupancy assumptions based on the LEED Reference Guide Appendix 1 to confirm that tenant spaces meet ASHRAE 62.1 requirements.

Airflow modeling early in the design process can help teams by evaluating which space planning and envelope design strategies will create effective natural ventilation. An airflow modeling professional may add some upfront costs, while likely improving system efficiency.

 Airflow modeling can also help to determine compliance for an engineered natural ventilation system outside the prescriptive measures of ASHRAE 62.1-2007.