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LEED v4
Existing Buildings
Indoor Environmental Quality

Thermal comfort

LEED CREDIT

EBOM-v4 EQc3: Thermal comfort 1 point

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SPECIAL REPORT

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David Scheer

RA, M.Arch., CFII

RetroEta, Inc
Director

SPECIAL REPORT

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Requirements

Establishment

Option 1. ASHRAE 55–2010 [India ACP: Thermal Comfort NBC]
Have a permanent monitoring system to ensure ongoing building performance to the desired comfort criteria, as specified by ASHRAE Standard 55–2010, Thermal Comfort Conditions for Human Occupancy, Section 5.2 or 5.3, with errata, or a local equivalent. [India ACP: Thermal Comfort NBC]

OR

Option 2. ISO and CEN Standards
Have a permanent monitoring system to ensure ongoing building performance of the desired comfort criteria, as specified by the applicable standard:
  • ISO 7730:2005 Ergonomics of the Thermal Environment, analytical determination and interpretation of thermal comfort using calculation of the PMV and PPD indices and local thermal comfort criteria; and
  • CEN Standard EN 15251:2007, Indoor Environmental Input Parameters for Design and Assessment of Energy Performance of Buildings, addressing indoor air quality, thermal environment, lighting, and acoustics, Section A2.

Performance

The monitoring system must meet the following requirements.
  • Continuous monitoring. Monitor at least air temperature and humidity in occupied spaces, at sampling intervals of 15 minutes or less.
  • Periodic testing. Monitor air speed and radiant temperature in occupied spaces. Using handheld meters is permitted.
  • Alarms. An alarm must indicate conditions that require system adjustment or repair.
  • Prompt repair. Specify procedures for adjustments or repairs to be made in response to problems identified.
  • Calibration. All monitoring devices must be calibrated within the manufacturer’s recommended interval.

Alternative Compliance Paths (ACPs)

India ACP: Thermal Comfort NBC
OPTION 1. ASHRAE 55–2010 OR THE NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF INDIA 2005 (NBC 2005) Projects in India may meet the desired comfort criteria specified in the following as a local equivalent to ASHRAE 55-2010:
  • For mechanically conditioned buildings, NBC 2005 Part 8, Section 3 - Table 2
  • For naturally conditioned buildings, NBC 2005 Part 8, Section 1 - Table 9
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Cost estimates for this credit

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Frequently asked questions

The LEED Reference Guide states that we need to have at least one temperature sensor in each thermal zone with occupied spaces. What defines a thermal zone for this credit?

The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial »

(If you're already a premium member, log in here.)

Where should I place humidity sensors?

The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial »

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Our building is served by both mechanical and natural ventilation systems. How does that impact our approach to this credit?

The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial »

(If you're already a premium member, log in here.)

My project is a hotel. Can we get credit for guest room thermostats?

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The credit form shows checkboxes for trend graphs (air temperature and humidity) and periodic measurements (air speed and radiant temperature). Do I need to provide supporting documentation for these items?

The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial »

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What’s up with the ISO and CEN standards? Is the credit implementation easier using one of these standards?

The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial »

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Rating System correction ID# 100002197 removes language about thermal comfort design and thermal comfort control from the Requirements section. How does this impact my project?

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What happened to the IEQ Space Matrix that was available to version 2009 projects? What should I reference to determine how spaces in my building should be categorized for this credit?

The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial »

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What type of measurement instrument do we need to use to monitor radiant temperature in occupied spaces?

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See all forum discussions about this credit »

Addenda

4/1/2015 – Updated: 3/29/2018
Regional ACP
Description of change:
Append to Option 1 heading the following:

"Or The National Building Code of India 2005 (NBC 2005)"
After first paragraph add the following: "Projects in India may meet the desired comfort criteria specified in the following as a local equivalent to ASHRAE 55-2010:
- For mechanically conditioned buildings, NBC 2005 Part 8, Section 3 - Table 2
- For naturally conditioned buildings, NBC 2005 Part 8, Section 1 - Table 9"
Campus Applicable
No
Internationally Applicable:
Yes
1/5/2018 – Updated: 1/11/2018
Rating System Correction
Description of change:
Under Requirements, delete "Meet the requirements for both thermal comfort design and thermal comfort control."
Campus Applicable
No
Internationally Applicable:
No
4/1/2015 – Updated: 4/16/2015
Form Update
Description of change:
Revised form to include India ACP under Option 1.
Campus Applicable
No
Internationally Applicable:
Yes
7/1/2015
LEED Interpretation
Inquiry:

May we use a more current version of ASHRAE 62.1 and ASHRAE 55?

Ruling:

Yes, for ASHRAE 62.1, LEED v4.1 projects may use ASHRAE 62.1-2019 or ASHRAE 62.1-2020 in lieu of ASHRAE 62.1-2016 for EQ Prerequisite Minimum Indoor Air Quality Performance and EQ Credit Enhanced Indoor Air Quality Strategies. The same standard must be used for both credits.

LEED v4 projects may use ASHRAE 62.1-2013, ASHRAE 62.1-2016, ASHRAE 62.1-2019, or ASHRAE 62.1-2020 in lieu of ASHRAE 62.1-2010 for EQ Prerequisite Minimum Indoor Air Quality Performance and EQ Credit Enhanced Indoor Air Quality Strategies. The same standard must be used for both credits.

LEED 2009 projects may use ASHRAE 62.1-2010, ASHRAE 62.1-2013, or ASHRAE 62.1-2016, ASHRAE 62.1-2019, or ASHRAE 62.1-2020 in lieu of ASHRAE 62.1-2007 for EQ Prerequisite Minimum Indoor Air Quality Performance and EQ Credit Increased Ventilation. The same standard must be used for both credits.

For ASHRAE 55, LEED v4.1 projects may use ASHRAE 55-2020 in lieu of ASHRAE 55-2017 for EQ Credit Thermal Comfort. 

LEED v4 projects may use ASHRAE 55-2013 in lieu of ASHRAE 55-2010 for EQ Credit Thermal Comfort. 

LEED 2009 projects may use ASHRAE 55-2010 or ASHRAE 55-2013 in lieu of ASHRAE 55-2004 for EQ Credit Thermal Comfort- Design.

**Updated 7/10/2020 to include ASHRAE 62.1-2016 and ASHRAE 62.1-2019 as applicable standards.**

**Updated 7/25/2023 to update to include LEED v4.1 and ASHRAE 2022/2020 standards**

Campus Applicable
No
Internationally Applicable:
No
See all forum discussions about this credit »

Documentation toolkit

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LEEDuser expert

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David Scheer

RA, M.Arch., CFII

RetroEta, Inc
Director

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© Copyright U.S. Green Building Council, Inc. All rights reserved.

Requirements

Establishment

Option 1. ASHRAE 55–2010 [India ACP: Thermal Comfort NBC]
Have a permanent monitoring system to ensure ongoing building performance to the desired comfort criteria, as specified by ASHRAE Standard 55–2010, Thermal Comfort Conditions for Human Occupancy, Section 5.2 or 5.3, with errata, or a local equivalent. [India ACP: Thermal Comfort NBC]

OR

Option 2. ISO and CEN Standards
Have a permanent monitoring system to ensure ongoing building performance of the desired comfort criteria, as specified by the applicable standard:
  • ISO 7730:2005 Ergonomics of the Thermal Environment, analytical determination and interpretation of thermal comfort using calculation of the PMV and PPD indices and local thermal comfort criteria; and
  • CEN Standard EN 15251:2007, Indoor Environmental Input Parameters for Design and Assessment of Energy Performance of Buildings, addressing indoor air quality, thermal environment, lighting, and acoustics, Section A2.

Performance

The monitoring system must meet the following requirements.
  • Continuous monitoring. Monitor at least air temperature and humidity in occupied spaces, at sampling intervals of 15 minutes or less.
  • Periodic testing. Monitor air speed and radiant temperature in occupied spaces. Using handheld meters is permitted.
  • Alarms. An alarm must indicate conditions that require system adjustment or repair.
  • Prompt repair. Specify procedures for adjustments or repairs to be made in response to problems identified.
  • Calibration. All monitoring devices must be calibrated within the manufacturer’s recommended interval.

Alternative Compliance Paths (ACPs)

India ACP: Thermal Comfort NBC
OPTION 1. ASHRAE 55–2010 OR THE NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF INDIA 2005 (NBC 2005) Projects in India may meet the desired comfort criteria specified in the following as a local equivalent to ASHRAE 55-2010:
  • For mechanically conditioned buildings, NBC 2005 Part 8, Section 3 - Table 2
  • For naturally conditioned buildings, NBC 2005 Part 8, Section 1 - Table 9

In the end, LEED is all about documentation. LEEDuser’s Documentation Toolkit, for premium members only, saves you time and helps you avoid mistakes with:

  • Calculators to help assess credit compliance.
  • Tracking spreadsheets for materials purchases.
  • Spreadsheets and forms to give to subs and other team members.
  • Guidance documents on arcane LEED issues.
  • Sample templates to help guide your narratives and LEED Online submissions.
  • Examples of actual submissions from certified LEED projects.

The LEED Reference Guide states that we need to have at least one temperature sensor in each thermal zone with occupied spaces. What defines a thermal zone for this credit?

The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial »

(If you're already a premium member, log in here.)

Where should I place humidity sensors?

The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial »

(If you're already a premium member, log in here.)

Our building is served by both mechanical and natural ventilation systems. How does that impact our approach to this credit?

The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial »

(If you're already a premium member, log in here.)

My project is a hotel. Can we get credit for guest room thermostats?

The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial »

(If you're already a premium member, log in here.)

The credit form shows checkboxes for trend graphs (air temperature and humidity) and periodic measurements (air speed and radiant temperature). Do I need to provide supporting documentation for these items?

The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial »

(If you're already a premium member, log in here.)

What’s up with the ISO and CEN standards? Is the credit implementation easier using one of these standards?

The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial »

(If you're already a premium member, log in here.)

Rating System correction ID# 100002197 removes language about thermal comfort design and thermal comfort control from the Requirements section. How does this impact my project?

The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial »

(If you're already a premium member, log in here.)

What happened to the IEQ Space Matrix that was available to version 2009 projects? What should I reference to determine how spaces in my building should be categorized for this credit?

The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial »

(If you're already a premium member, log in here.)

What type of measurement instrument do we need to use to monitor radiant temperature in occupied spaces?

The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial »

(If you're already a premium member, log in here.)
4/1/2015 – Updated: 3/29/2018
Regional ACP
Description of change:
Append to Option 1 heading the following:

"Or The National Building Code of India 2005 (NBC 2005)"
After first paragraph add the following: "Projects in India may meet the desired comfort criteria specified in the following as a local equivalent to ASHRAE 55-2010:
- For mechanically conditioned buildings, NBC 2005 Part 8, Section 3 - Table 2
- For naturally conditioned buildings, NBC 2005 Part 8, Section 1 - Table 9"
Campus Applicable
No
Internationally Applicable:
Yes
1/5/2018 – Updated: 1/11/2018
Rating System Correction
Description of change:
Under Requirements, delete "Meet the requirements for both thermal comfort design and thermal comfort control."
Campus Applicable
No
Internationally Applicable:
No
4/1/2015 – Updated: 4/16/2015
Form Update
Description of change:
Revised form to include India ACP under Option 1.
Campus Applicable
No
Internationally Applicable:
Yes
7/1/2015
LEED Interpretation
Inquiry:

May we use a more current version of ASHRAE 62.1 and ASHRAE 55?

Ruling:

Yes, for ASHRAE 62.1, LEED v4.1 projects may use ASHRAE 62.1-2019 or ASHRAE 62.1-2020 in lieu of ASHRAE 62.1-2016 for EQ Prerequisite Minimum Indoor Air Quality Performance and EQ Credit Enhanced Indoor Air Quality Strategies. The same standard must be used for both credits.

LEED v4 projects may use ASHRAE 62.1-2013, ASHRAE 62.1-2016, ASHRAE 62.1-2019, or ASHRAE 62.1-2020 in lieu of ASHRAE 62.1-2010 for EQ Prerequisite Minimum Indoor Air Quality Performance and EQ Credit Enhanced Indoor Air Quality Strategies. The same standard must be used for both credits.

LEED 2009 projects may use ASHRAE 62.1-2010, ASHRAE 62.1-2013, or ASHRAE 62.1-2016, ASHRAE 62.1-2019, or ASHRAE 62.1-2020 in lieu of ASHRAE 62.1-2007 for EQ Prerequisite Minimum Indoor Air Quality Performance and EQ Credit Increased Ventilation. The same standard must be used for both credits.

For ASHRAE 55, LEED v4.1 projects may use ASHRAE 55-2020 in lieu of ASHRAE 55-2017 for EQ Credit Thermal Comfort. 

LEED v4 projects may use ASHRAE 55-2013 in lieu of ASHRAE 55-2010 for EQ Credit Thermal Comfort. 

LEED 2009 projects may use ASHRAE 55-2010 or ASHRAE 55-2013 in lieu of ASHRAE 55-2004 for EQ Credit Thermal Comfort- Design.

**Updated 7/10/2020 to include ASHRAE 62.1-2016 and ASHRAE 62.1-2019 as applicable standards.**

**Updated 7/25/2023 to update to include LEED v4.1 and ASHRAE 2022/2020 standards**

Campus Applicable
No
Internationally Applicable:
No

LEEDuser expert

headshot

David Scheer

RA, M.Arch., CFII

RetroEta, Inc
Director

See all LEEDuser forum discussions about this credit » Subscribe to new discussions about EBOM-v4 EQc3