The Requirements section should read as follows: "Design heating, ventilating and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems to meet the requirements of one of the options below."
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RA, LEED Fellow, Living Future Accredited, EcoDistricts AP, ActiveScore AP
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Principal, Director of Sustainability
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© Copyright U.S. Green Building Council, Inc. All rights reserved.
Requirements
Design heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems and the building envelope to meet the requirements of one of the options below:
Option 1. ASHRAE standard 55-2004 or non-U.S. equivalent
Meet the requirements of ASHRAE Standard 55-2004, Thermal Comfort Conditions for Human Occupancy (with errata but without addenda1). Demonstrate design compliance in accordance with the Section 6.1.1 documentation. Projects outside the U.S. may use a local equivalent to ASHRAE Standard 55-2004 Thermal Comfort Conditions for Human Occupancy Section 6.1.1. [India ACP: Thermal Comfort]Option 2. ISO 7730: 2005 & CEN standard EN 15251: 2007
Projects outside the U.S. may earn this credit by designing heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems and the building envelope to meet the requirements of International Organization for Standardization (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.1 Project teams wishing to use ASHRAE approved addenda for the purposes of this prerequisite may do so at their discretion. Addenda must be applied consistently across all LEED credits.
Alternative Compliance Paths (ACPs)
India ACP: ASHRAE 55-2004 Equivalent
Projects in India may meet the desired comfort criteria specified in the following as a local equivalent to ASHRAE 55-2004:- For mechanically conditioned buildings, NBC 2005 Part 8, Section 3 - Table 2
- For naturally conditioned buildings, NBC 2005 Part 8, Section 1 - Table 9 [view:embed_resource=page_1=10039154][view:embed_resource=page_1=10039154]
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Cost estimates for this credit
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Learn more about The Cost of LEED v4 »Frequently asked questions
ASHRAE-55 comfort criteria ask for space air speed. Is this the same as the supply air volume measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM)?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 should I do about a warehouse space?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.) |
How can thermal conditions for areas with metabolic rates outside of 1.0–1.3 be determined? (Per ASHRAE Standard 55-2004 Section 5.2.1.1, Figure 5.2.1.1 can be used for areas with metabolic rates between 1.0 and 1.3).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.) |
There are a few spaces in my project that can’t meet these requirements. Can’t I just exclude them?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.) |
Addenda
10/1/2012 – Updated: 2/14/2015
Global ACP
Description of change:
Campus Applicable
No
Internationally Applicable:
Yes
11/1/2011 – Updated: 2/14/2015
Reference Guide Correction
Description of change:
In alphabetical order, add the following definition for nonoccupied spaces, "Nonoccupied spaces are defined as spaces designed for equipment and machinery or storage with no human occupancy except for maintenance, repairs, and equipment retrieval."
Campus Applicable
No
Internationally Applicable:
No
10/1/2012 – Updated: 2/14/2015
Global ACP
Description of change:
Add a new option that reads: "OPTION 1. ASHRAE Standard 55-2004 or Non-U.S. Equivalent Meet the requirements of ASHRAE Standard 55-2004, Thermal Comfort Conditions for Human Occupancy (with errata but without addenda). Demonstrate design compliance in accordance with the Section 6.1.1 documentation. Projects outside the U.S. may use a local equivalent to ASHRAE Standard 55-2004 Thermal Comfort Conditions for Human Occupancy Section 6.1.1."
Campus Applicable
No
Internationally Applicable:
Yes
10/1/2012 – Updated: 2/14/2015
Global ACP
Description of change:
Add a new option that reads: "OPTION 2. ISO 7730: 2005 & CEN Standard EN 15251: 2007 Projects outside the U.S. may earn this credit by designing heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems and the building envelope to meet the requirements of International Organization for Standardization (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."
Campus Applicable
No
Internationally Applicable:
Yes
11/1/2011 – Updated: 2/14/2015
Reference Guide Correction
Description of change:
In alphabetical order, add the following definition for nonoccupied spaces, "Nonoccupied spaces are defined as spaces designed for equipment and machinery or storage with no human occupancy except for maintenance, repairs, and equipment retrieval."
Campus Applicable
No
Internationally Applicable:
No
4/1/2013
LEED Interpretation
Inquiry:
Can spaces that fall outside of the scope of ASHRAE 55-2004, because the physical activity levels result in a time-averaged MET above 2.0 (such as gymnasiums or fitness centers), be excluded from the credit requirements? Also, can spaces that are not normally comfort conditioned (such as warehouse spaces, apparatus bays, vehicle repair facilities, commercial kitchens) be excluded from the credit requirements?
Ruling:
**Updated October 1, 2013 to clarify the ruling.
No, spaces with a time-averaged metabolic rate above 2.0 MET must meet the requirements for IEQc7.1 Thermal Comfort—Design/IEQc2.3 Occupant Comfort—Thermal Comfort Monitoring. For these unique spaces, an alternative to the requirements of ASHRAE 55-2004 is acceptable provided the project determines acceptable thermal comfort conditions that meet the intent of the credit, and demonstrates that those conditions will be met. Time-weighted average metabolic rates should be determined based on guidance in ASHRAE 55-2004, Normative Appendix A. Most spaces with MET levels above 2.0 would need to meet the cooling / humidity temperature set points for spaces with MET levels of 2.0 in order to meet the intent of the credit. Exceptions will be considered on a case-by-case basis and must include an explanation that justifies how the intent of the credit is met. Kitchens may pursue this option.
Spaces that are not normally comfort conditioned can only be excluded if they are non-regularly occupied. For regularly occupied spaces that are not normally comfort conditioned, and not able to meet the ASHRAE 55 thermal comfort conditions, the project team must include one or more of the following design alternatives: radiant flooring; circulating fans; passive systems, such as nighttime air, heat venting, or wind flow; localized active cooling (refrigerant or evaporative-based systems) or heating systems; or localized, hard-wired fans that provide air movement for occupants’ comfort.
Campus Applicable
No
Internationally Applicable:
Yes
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© Copyright U.S. Green Building Council, Inc. All rights reserved.
Requirements
Design heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems and the building envelope to meet the requirements of one of the options below:
Option 1. ASHRAE standard 55-2004 or non-U.S. equivalent
Meet the requirements of ASHRAE Standard 55-2004, Thermal Comfort Conditions for Human Occupancy (with errata but without addenda1). Demonstrate design compliance in accordance with the Section 6.1.1 documentation. Projects outside the U.S. may use a local equivalent to ASHRAE Standard 55-2004 Thermal Comfort Conditions for Human Occupancy Section 6.1.1. [India ACP: Thermal Comfort]Option 2. ISO 7730: 2005 & CEN standard EN 15251: 2007
Projects outside the U.S. may earn this credit by designing heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems and the building envelope to meet the requirements of International Organization for Standardization (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.1 Project teams wishing to use ASHRAE approved addenda for the purposes of this prerequisite may do so at their discretion. Addenda must be applied consistently across all LEED credits.
Alternative Compliance Paths (ACPs)
India ACP: ASHRAE 55-2004 Equivalent
Projects in India may meet the desired comfort criteria specified in the following as a local equivalent to ASHRAE 55-2004:- For mechanically conditioned buildings, NBC 2005 Part 8, Section 3 - Table 2
- For naturally conditioned buildings, NBC 2005 Part 8, Section 1 - Table 9 [view:embed_resource=page_1=10039154][view:embed_resource=page_1=10039154]
XX%
Upgrade to LEEDuser Premium to see how many projects achieved this credit. Try it free »
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- Examples of actual submissions from certified LEED projects.
ASHRAE-55 comfort criteria ask for space air speed. Is this the same as the supply air volume measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM)?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 should I do about a warehouse space?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.) |
How can thermal conditions for areas with metabolic rates outside of 1.0–1.3 be determined? (Per ASHRAE Standard 55-2004 Section 5.2.1.1, Figure 5.2.1.1 can be used for areas with metabolic rates between 1.0 and 1.3).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.) |
There are a few spaces in my project that can’t meet these requirements. Can’t I just exclude them?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.) |
10/1/2012 – Updated: 2/14/2015
Global ACP
Description of change:
The Requirements section should read as follows: "Design heating, ventilating and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems to meet the requirements of one of the options below."
Campus Applicable
No
Internationally Applicable:
Yes
11/1/2011 – Updated: 2/14/2015
Reference Guide Correction
Description of change:
In alphabetical order, add the following definition for nonoccupied spaces, "Nonoccupied spaces are defined as spaces designed for equipment and machinery or storage with no human occupancy except for maintenance, repairs, and equipment retrieval."
Campus Applicable
No
Internationally Applicable:
No
10/1/2012 – Updated: 2/14/2015
Global ACP
Description of change:
Add a new option that reads: "OPTION 1. ASHRAE Standard 55-2004 or Non-U.S. Equivalent Meet the requirements of ASHRAE Standard 55-2004, Thermal Comfort Conditions for Human Occupancy (with errata but without addenda). Demonstrate design compliance in accordance with the Section 6.1.1 documentation. Projects outside the U.S. may use a local equivalent to ASHRAE Standard 55-2004 Thermal Comfort Conditions for Human Occupancy Section 6.1.1."
Campus Applicable
No
Internationally Applicable:
Yes
10/1/2012 – Updated: 2/14/2015
Global ACP
Description of change:
Add a new option that reads: "OPTION 2. ISO 7730: 2005 & CEN Standard EN 15251: 2007 Projects outside the U.S. may earn this credit by designing heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems and the building envelope to meet the requirements of International Organization for Standardization (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."
Campus Applicable
No
Internationally Applicable:
Yes
11/1/2011 – Updated: 2/14/2015
Reference Guide Correction
Description of change:
In alphabetical order, add the following definition for nonoccupied spaces, "Nonoccupied spaces are defined as spaces designed for equipment and machinery or storage with no human occupancy except for maintenance, repairs, and equipment retrieval."
Campus Applicable
No
Internationally Applicable:
No
4/1/2013
LEED Interpretation
Inquiry:
Can spaces that fall outside of the scope of ASHRAE 55-2004, because the physical activity levels result in a time-averaged MET above 2.0 (such as gymnasiums or fitness centers), be excluded from the credit requirements? Also, can spaces that are not normally comfort conditioned (such as warehouse spaces, apparatus bays, vehicle repair facilities, commercial kitchens) be excluded from the credit requirements?
Ruling:
**Updated October 1, 2013 to clarify the ruling.
No, spaces with a time-averaged metabolic rate above 2.0 MET must meet the requirements for IEQc7.1 Thermal Comfort—Design/IEQc2.3 Occupant Comfort—Thermal Comfort Monitoring. For these unique spaces, an alternative to the requirements of ASHRAE 55-2004 is acceptable provided the project determines acceptable thermal comfort conditions that meet the intent of the credit, and demonstrates that those conditions will be met. Time-weighted average metabolic rates should be determined based on guidance in ASHRAE 55-2004, Normative Appendix A. Most spaces with MET levels above 2.0 would need to meet the cooling / humidity temperature set points for spaces with MET levels of 2.0 in order to meet the intent of the credit. Exceptions will be considered on a case-by-case basis and must include an explanation that justifies how the intent of the credit is met. Kitchens may pursue this option.
Spaces that are not normally comfort conditioned can only be excluded if they are non-regularly occupied. For regularly occupied spaces that are not normally comfort conditioned, and not able to meet the ASHRAE 55 thermal comfort conditions, the project team must include one or more of the following design alternatives: radiant flooring; circulating fans; passive systems, such as nighttime air, heat venting, or wind flow; localized active cooling (refrigerant or evaporative-based systems) or heating systems; or localized, hard-wired fans that provide air movement for occupants’ comfort.
Campus Applicable
No
Internationally Applicable:
Yes
LEEDuser expert
Eric Corey Freed
RA, LEED Fellow, Living Future Accredited, EcoDistricts AP, ActiveScore AP
CannonDesign
Principal, Director of Sustainability
