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Schematic Design

Underfloor air or ceiling-air plenum are common systems for allowing occupant comfort control. In addition, they can: allow for flexibility in layout and design, and ease of electrical wiring, installation of work stations, and arrangement of work sp

Underfloor air or ceiling-air plenum are common systems for allowing occupant comfort control. In addition, they can: 

  • allow for flexibility in layout and design, and ease of electrical wiring, installation of work stations, and arrangement of work spaces; 
  • realize first-cost savings in reduced duct work, lower floor height and possible an additional floor with more leasable space;
  • and enhance daylighting by creating higher floor-to-ceiling heights.

Additional controls imply higher construction costs, with additional wiring, and maintenance for uninterrupted operations. There are low-cost options, such as baseboard heating radiators and heat pumps that are easy to operate and provide good local comfo

Additional controls imply higher construction costs, with additional wiring, and maintenance for uninterrupted operations. There are low-cost options, such as baseboard heating radiators and heat pumps that are easy to operate and provide good local comfort. Compare the upfront costs of better controls to the long-term benefits of higher productivity, better test scores or hotel occupancy, plus savings in energy usage.

For example, a school has 10 classrooms with 20 students each, five private offices and one hallway reception desk. The individually occupied spaces are the offices and administration desks with total occupancy of 5 + 1 = 6 people. At least three of those

For example, a school has 10 classrooms with 20 students each, five private offices and one hallway reception desk. The individually occupied spaces are the offices and administration desks with total occupancy of 5 + 1 = 6 people. At least three of those occupants should have access to controls to meet the credit. The multi-occupant spaces are the classrooms, and each classroom needs at least one independent control. 

Providing comfort controls that allow an occupant to turn a system on only when using the space, and turn it off at other times, supports energy efficiency goals. Whether or not it can contributes to demonstrable energy reductions for EAc1: Optimize Energ

Providing comfort controls that allow an occupant to turn a system on only when using the space, and turn it off at other times, supports energy efficiency goals. Whether or not it can contributes to demonstrable energy reductions for EAc1: Optimize Energy Performance is another question. Except for operable windows, this would be difficult to demonstrate.