Page 320 - The Engineering Guide to LEED-New Construction Sustainable Construction for Engineers

282 Cha pte r S i x

Very Dissatisfied Dissatisfied Somewhat Dissatisfied Neutral Somewhat Satisfied Satisfied Very Satisfied

Are you satisfied with −3 −2 −1 0 1 2 3
the thermal comfort
of your workspace?

TABLE 6.7.1 Thermal Comfort Questionnaire

Calculations and Considerations
The survey requirement of this credit is well described in the LEED write-up, but little
guidance is given for the permanent monitoring system requirements. The survey
should be based on a variation of a seven-point Likert-type scale where the lowest is −3,
representing very dissatisfied, and the highest is +3, representing very satisfied. A
typical question may look like the one in Table 6.7.1.
Anyone responding with a number less than zero (neutral) should be included in the
dissatisfied category. Additional questions should allow the respondents to explain how
they are dissatisfied (or satisfied) so that ideas for corrective action can be developed. Since
any answer less than neutral is included in the rating, why even have seven distinct rating
levels? This is to help in the determination of corrective action. For instance, a person who
is only mildly dissatisfied, perhaps on hot summer days, may become satisfied with a
simple policy change, such as a more casual clothing requirement during heat waves or the
use of a personal fan. Similarly, corrective action for a very dissatisfied individual may
require installing additional controls or items in the main HVAC system. Additional
questions may be asked about factors such as humidity ratings and lighting levels, etc., to
aid in designing means for improved satisfaction with the workspace.

Special Circumstances and Exemplary Performance
As mentioned in IEQc6.2 and IEQc7.1, many of the features for thermal comfort relate
to windows and the HVAC systems, so this credit has been labeled with an EB from the
USGBC. It may be more difficult to take corrective action in an existing building. There
is no exemplary performance point for this credit for either LEED version 2.2 or 2009.

6.8 IEQ Credit Subcategory 8: Daylighting and Views
The intentions of these two credits are to allow for more natural lighting during the
day, known as daylighting, and for more views of the outside for the occupants in
the regularly used areas in a building. Wall surfaces which are part of the inside of an
exterior wall that are less than 2.5 ft from the floor surface are not usually included in
view or daylighting calculations. These same wall surfaces from 2.5 ft above the floor
to 7.5 ft above the floor are considered to be “view” surfaces and can also count toward
daylighting. Any glazed wall or ceiling surface (sky or toplights, light tubes, etc.)