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Easy credit for most buildings
Buildings that provide views to the outdoors have proven to enhance productivity, testing performance, and overall occupant comfort and well-being. This credit is easy to achieve if you also plan to design for open space planning, placing occupied spacesOccupied Spaces are defined as enclosed spaces that can accommodate human activities. Occupied spaces are further classified as regularly occupied or non-regularly occupied spaces based on the duration of the occupancy, individual or multi-occupant based on the quantity of occupants, and densely or non-densely occupied spaces based upon the concentration of occupants in the space. near exterior windows with large glazing areas. and design spaces to use furniture that does not block views from a seated position, such as low or transparent partitions between workstations. If there is a standard design for every floor or standard spaces that are repeated throughout the design, this credit calculation may be relatively easier as calculations can be duplicated for each floor. Designing for compliance with this credit will likely be complementary with IEQc8.1: Daylight and Views—Daylight. Expect some tradeoffs associated with increasing window area, such as heat loss and gain through larger windows, increased glare, and privacy issues with open space planning and low furniture partitions.
Documentation can be time-consuming
The documentation for this credit does not involve complicated formulas. You are simply figuring out the floor area that has access to views and comparing it with the floor areas that do not have access to views. However, the larger the project the more time-consuming the documentation will be, especially if spaces are varied.
FAQs for IEQc8.2
For Exemplary Performance, what is a View Factor?
View Factor has been determined per the Heschone Mahone Group Study "Windows and Offices: A Study of Office Worker Performance and the Indoor Environment," page 47 (see Resources). A component to achieving Exemplary Performance for IEQc8.2 is having 90% of project's regularly occupied spacesRegularly occupied spaces are areas where one or more individuals normally spend time (more than one hour per person per day on average) seated or standing as they work, study, or perform other focused activities inside a building. achieve a View Factor of 3+. View Factors are assigned 1–5 and are based on Primary View and Break View. See the study for further detail, including a visual depiction of View Factors 1–5.
Does furniture need to be included in floor plan when completing views calculations?
No. According to a 5/9/2011 addendum, movable furnitureMovable furniture and partitions are those that can be moved to provide access to the view by the user without the need for tools or assistance from special trades and facilities management. and partitions are not included in the scope of this credit calculation. Movable furniture and partitions are those that can be moved to provide access to the view by the user without the need for tools or assistance from special trades and facilities management.
If views are accessible from a seated position, yet above 42”, can these contribute to the views calculations?
Yes. LEED InterpretationLEED Interpretations are official answers to technical inquiries about implementing LEED on a project. They help people understand how their projects can meet LEED requirements and provide clarity on existing options. LEED Interpretations are to be used by any project certifying under an applicable rating system. All project teams are required to adhere to all LEED Interpretations posted before their registration date. This also applies to other addenda. Adherence to rulings posted after a project registers is optional, but strongly encouraged. LEED Interpretations are published in a searchable database at usgbc.org. 10254, made on 10/1/2012, allows sloped view lines starting at 42 inches in IEQc8.2 and specifically states that the view line is not required to be horizontal: "To determine direct lines of sight in section, provide one or more representative sight lines from a point at eye height (42 inches) in the regularly occupied space to perimeter vision glazing between 30 inches and 90 inches above the finished floor of the building. The direct line of sight may be slope from 42 inches at the seated area to any unobstructed area of the vision glazing. The direct line of sight is not required to be horizontal at 42 inches only."
Why does the LEED Reference Guide call for vision glazing between 30 and 90 inches, but I have to show compliance at 42 inches?
The standard eye height for an adult while seated is 42". Depending on the use of the space, the eye height may be at 5’9” or lower. The idea is that the occupant should not have to move their head significantly to view outside. Also, with having access to view at this height, the peripheral vision is not affected. Occupants still receive glimpses of the outside.
What is considered a regularly occupied space?
The latest definition for a regularly occupied space (per a 2011 addendum) is “an area where one or more individuals normally spend time (more than one hour per person per day on average) seated or standing as they work, study, or perform other focused activities inside a building."
What can I do if my prescriptive method calculation results in a value less than 0.150?
Recalculate zone floor area (ZFA) = (WA xVLT)/0.150. So if, for example, you have a window area of 120 ft2 and a VLT of 0.4, ZFA = (WA xVLT)/0.150 = (120 x 0.4)/0.150 = 320. There is one caveat and that is that your ZFA must be equal to or greater than your zone width. Otherwise you must enter 0 for this ZFA.
What can I do if my prescriptive method calculation results in a value greater than 0.180?
None of this area qualifies. You should take is as a cue that your area is likely to have glare issues, and consider either lowering your glazing visual light transmittance, or reducing your window size.
Legend
- Best Practices
- Gotcha
- Action Steps
- Cost Tip
Pre-Design
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Analyze building orientation and site selection for opportunities to provide access to views to the outside.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Schematic Design
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Determine which spaces in a project are “regularly occupied” (per LEED definition) and need to be included in the views calculations.
Some spaces can be exempt from being considered “regularly occupied” due to the nature of their use. Previously published CIR’s offer some guidance. Provide a narrative explanation of why a given space should be exempt based on use of the space as views and daylight may negatively affect the use of the space, not the frequency or time that the space is actually used. For example, museum gallery spaces, high security and privacy areas, dark rooms for photo development, and others can all be exempt from the calculation.
The calculation of regularly occupied space can be fine-tuned as decisions for “fixed” (attached to a wall) counters with overhead cabinets and equipment are integrated into the design. The square footage where the cabinets and equipment are located is not considered occupiable space, and therefore is not included as part of the view or the daylight calculation. For example, if an office is 500 ft2 in total, but fixed counters and cabinets occupy 100 ft2, the regularly occupied space of the room is only 400 ft2.
Ensure that the spaces identified as “regularly occupied” are consistent across credits, especially for IEQc8.1: Daylighting and Views—Daylighting.
Enter the names of the regularly occupied spaces in the LEED credit form along with the total floor area for each regularly occupied space.
Hold an integrated design meeting with the architect, interior designers, mechanical engineer, lighting designer, contractor, cost estimator and the end user to explore and resolve possible benefits and tradeoffs that increased glazing and access to views strategies could have on daylight, glare, heat gain and loss, furniture design and layout, and other design decisions.
Place regularly occupied spaces such as offices, classrooms and conference rooms near exterior glazing and perimeter windows to increase opportunity for access to views and daylight.
When considering office space layout and workstations, consider partitions and moveable furniture that are equal to or less than 42 inches high on all sides or incorporate transparent surfaces in upper sections to allow access to views while seated.
Window-to-wall ratios may be fixed if your project is pursuing a prescriptive compliance path for EAp2: Minimum Energy Performance and EAc1: Optimize Energy Performance. These fixed ratios will impact access to views and glazing areas. Check the ASHRAE Advanced Energy Design Guide and the Advanced Buildings Core Performance Guide for required window-to-wall ratios. If a building envelope window-to-wall ratio is over 40% there will be a penalty in the energy model for EAc1. The same is true if skylight-to-roof ratio is more than 5%. These requirements are based on ASHRAE 90.1.
Design Development
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Explore a combination of strategies that increase views such as low-partition furniture, space-planning techniques, and interior glazing.
Identify available products and furniture that combine glazing and building elements for optimum access to views while maintaining privacy—for example, workstations with low partition heights and interior perimeter glazing.
By increasing glazing and designing for natural light, projects can reduce the number of ambient light fixtures or the frequency with which they are used, reducing the cost of electric lighting both upfront and for ongoing operations.
Ensure that glare controls are factored into the design of daylighting and views.
Construction Documents
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Plan View Direct Line of Sight to Perimeter Glazing Calculations:
Calculate the floor area with direct-line-of-sight to perimeter vision glazing for each regularly occupied space. Moveable partitions must be included in your calculations.
Direct-line-of-sight is determined by visibility between the vision glazing (between 2’6” and 7’6” inches above the floor) without obstructions such as full-height partitions or solid doorways.
Direct-line-of-sight can pass through two interior glazing surfaces before reaching exterior glazing, but not through solid doors, walls, or partitions taller than 42”.
Create a floor plan showing areas with access to views as distinct from areas with no access to views.
Include more than one sight line if necessary to meet the requirement for all spaces.
Total the square footage with access to views and enter it in the LEED credit form.
Section View Direct Line of Sight Height Confirmation:
Create a representative building section for each type of area included in the calculation.
For each section, draw a line originating from 42” above the floor (typical eye height) to the perimeter glazing demonstrating access to vision glazing and views to the outside.
Show typical furniture heights in the sections if applicable.
Total the areas of regularly occupied spaces that have both direct-line-of-sight to perimeter glazing and access to views while seated (at 42”). Divide this value by the total area of regularly occupied spaces to confirm if the design provides greater than 90% of occupied areas with access to views. This is done in the LEED credit form. Upload plans to LEED Online.
Private offices where more than 75% of the floor area has a direct-line-of-sight to views can include the entire square footage in the calculations.
Include columns as obstructions when calculating the access to views in open floor plans.
Include columns as obstructions when calculating the access to views in open floor plans.
USGBC
Excerpted from LEED 2009 for Schools New Construction and Major Renovations
COPYRIGHT © 2009 BY THE U.S. GREEN BUILDING COUNCIL, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVEDIEQ Credit 8.2: Daylight and views - views
1 Point
Intent
To provide building occupants a connection to the outdoors through the introduction of daylight and views into the regularly occupied areas of the building.
Requirements
Achieve a direct line of sight to the outdoor environment via vision glazing between 30 inches and 90 inches (between 0.8 meters and 2.3 meters) above the finish floor for building occupants in 90% of all regularly occupied areas. Determine the area with a direct line of sight by totaling the regularly occupied floor area that meets the following criteria:
- In plan view, the area is within sight lines drawn from perimeter vision glazing.
- In section view, a direct sight line can be drawn from the area to perimeter vision glazing.
The line of sight may be drawn through interior glazing. For private offices, the entire floor area of the office may be counted if 75% or more of the area has a direct line of sight to perimeter vision glazingThe approach used to determine the calculated area of regularly occupied areas with direct line of sight to perimeter vision glazing. The area determination includes full height partitions and other fixed construction prior to installation of furniture.. For multi-occupant spacesConference rooms, classrooms and other indoor spaces used as a place of congregation for presentations, trainings, etc. Individuals using these spaces share the lighting and temperature controls and they should have, at a minimum, a separate zone with accessible thermostat and an air-flow control. Group multi-occupant spaces do not include open office plans that contain individual workstations., the actual floor area with a direct line of sight to perimeter vision glazing is counted.
Potential Technologies & Strategies
Design the space to maximize daylighting and view opportunities. Strategies to consider include lower partition heights, interior shading devices, interior glazing and automatic photocell-based controls. See the LEED Reference Guide for Green Design & Construction, 2009 Edition for more information on which spaces are applicable for this point.
Articles
Analysis of the Performance of Students on Daylit Schools
This website details Innovative Design researchers Michael Nicklas and Gary Bailey’s 1996 study of 3 daylight schools in North Carolina.
The Art of Daylighting
This Environmental Design + Construction article provides a solid introduction to daylighting.
Fatal Light Awareness Program (FLAP)
Initiated the Bird-Friendly Building Development Program for the City of Toronto, FLAP monitors and promotes bird-friendly design.
New York City Audubon
This Audubon chapter takes a leadership role in reducing bird collisions with buildings. The chapter publishes Bird-Safe Building Guidelines, conducts monitoring, and, through its Project Safe Flight, promotes bird-friendly design.
Web Tools
Radiance Software
This site offers free daylighting simulation software from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.
Sight Line Simulator
Technologists at LMN architects have created a tool to calculate sightlines and views in a performing arts theater.
Organizations
Fatal Light Awareness Program
Initiated the Bird-Friendly Building Development Program for the City of Toronto, FLAP monitors and promotes bird-friendly design.
Technical Guides
IEQ Space Matrix
This spreadsheet categories dozens of specific space types according to how they should be applied under various IEQ credits. This document is essential if you have questions about how various unique space types should be treated.
Views Documentation
These samples of views documentation demonstrate how to sucessfully document access to views via plan drawing, section drawing, and spreadsheet. Depending on the rating system and version, not all of these may be required. Samples generously provided by LEEDuser guest expert Allison Beer McKenzie.
LEED Online Forms: Schools-2009 IEQ
The following links take you to the public, informational versions of the dynamic LEED Online forms for each Schools-2009 IEQ credit. You'll need to fill out the live versions of these forms on LEED Online for each credit you hope to earn.
Version 4 forms (newest):
- IEQp1: Minimum IAQ Performance
- IEQp2: ETS Control
- IEQc1: Outdoor Air Delivery Monitoring
- IEQc2: Increased Ventilation
- IEQc5: Indoor Chem. & Pollutant Source Control
- IEQc7.1: Thermal Comfort—Design
- IEQc8.1: Daylight & Views—Daylight
- IEQc8.2: Daylight & Views—Views
Version 3 forms:
- IEQp1: Minimum IAQ Performance
- IEQp2: ETS Control
- IEQp3: Minimum Acoustical Performance
- IEQc1: Outdoor Air Delivery Monitoring
- IEQc2: Increased Ventilation
- IEQc3.1: Const. IAQ Mngt.—During Const.
- IEQc3.2: Const. IAQ Mngt.—Before Occupancy
- IEQc4.1: Low-Emitting Mats.—Paints & Coatings
- IEQc4.2: Low-Emitting Mats.—Adhesives & Sealants
- IEQc4.3: Low-Emitting Mats.—Flooring
- IEQc4.4: Low-Emitting Mats.—Composite Wood
- IEQc4.5: Low-Emitting Mats.—Systems Furniture
- IEQc4.6: Low-Emitting Mats.—Ceilings & Walls
- IEQc5: Indoor Chem. & Pollutant Source Control
- IEQc6.1: Control. of Systems—Lighting
- IEQc6.2: Control. of Systems—Thermal Comfort
- IEQc7.1: Thermal Comfort—Design
- IEQc7.2: Thermal Comfort—Verification
- IEQc8.1: Daylight & Views—Daylight
- IEQc8.2: Daylight & Views—Views
- IEQc9: Enhanced Acoustical Performance
- IEQc10: Mold Prevention
These links are posted by LEEDuser with USGBC's permission. USGBC has certain usage restrictions for these forms; for more information, visit LEED Online and click "Sample Forms Download."
Design Submittal
Documentation for this credit can be part of a Design Phase submittal.



55 Comments
regularly occupied space
The default total regularly occupied gross area seems to be taken from our total gross area--which is not the same, and makes it difficult to meet the 90% when restrooms and utility closets etc are counted toward that total. Any suggestions on how to get around this?
In table PIF3-1, you will need to separate out your usage types. For each type you have gross and then regularly occupied gross. The values in the regularly occupied gross are the values that are connected to 8.1 and 8.2.
In a building in which you have many usage types, it takes some time to group spaces together and ensure you have the correct regularly occupied. Coordination between the individual doing the calcs for 8.1 and 8.2 and the person creating the table is crucial. Typically, the person doing the calcs define what is and is not regularly occupied, especially if the sim option is being used.
Hope that helps.
Spaces that need to be dark
What about spaces like a stage that would be negatively impacted by having windows in them? Is there any way to exclude them from the calculation?
According to the Regularly Occupied Space Matrix dated July 2012, Stages and the backstage area may be excluded from both EQc8.1 & 8.2
EQ 8.2 Calculator
The calculator table comes with only one page of classroom spaces to list however I have more than one page. How can I add more classroom pages so it all calculates properly?
You should be able to add regularly occupied spacesRegularly occupied spaces are areas where one or more individuals normally spend time (more than one hour per person per day on average) seated or standing as they work, study, or perform other focused activities inside a building. by hitting the add space button. Ensure the macros are enabled. If this does not work, i create my own spreadsheet with the same information. This way i don;t have mess with all those things that can go wrong in the downloaded calculator.
Regularly Occupied Gross Area
Does anyone know how we are to calculate 'regularly occupied gross area'? If I am using 1/2 of the interior walls and all of the exterior walls as part of my gross area, but then I calculate the views based on the area where views are possible - the floor - that is net sf. You can't be standing in the wall and see a view out the window. Actually, you can't even be standing in th wall in the first place. This doesn't seem like an apples - to - apples ratio. Why don't they use net sf??? Comments? Solutions?
Hi Dana,
This is sort of a grey area, but we usually exclude the wall widths in this calculation.
You do not need to consider wall thickness or other structural elements, or spaces that are not being included in the calculations. The calculations are based on the total regular occupied area and not the overall sq footage.
If you exclude the wall widths, how do you complete PIf3?? The form asks for the gross area of the building and all the gross areas of separate occupancy types need to add up to the total gross area. Gross area includes all the wall thicknesses. Am I supposed to use net area for this form?? Have you?
Then, when we calculate the floor area that has views, it is definitely net area. It just doesn't correspond.
PLF 3 table PLf 3-1 is linked to the EQc 8.1 and 8.2. This is the square footage of regularly occupied areas that is only used in those credits. The other information i believe goes into PLF 2 which is the gross area, etc.
I see your confusion on this and you are trying to follow the definitions. Here is the example that will better explain how i complete this table.
You have an open office space, i measure the space within the walls, minus any permanent partitions. This is what i place in the gross area. Now within that space there are areas that are considered corridors, or walkways, along with an area that surrounds the copies, maybe some storage space for flat files. I take those areas that i am not considering, subtract them from what i put into gross area, and this is what i use for regularly occupied area.
You can measure the wall thickness if you want for the gross area, what counts is your regularly occupied area ( I believe using net area is not helping your understanding of this). The other tables with gross area and other columns are overall, not individual space. Make it easy on yourself, measure within the walls for gross, minus all the other areas that can be excluded from the calculations for regularly occupied.
Occupancy for Physical Therapy Rooms for LEED for Schools
I'm working on an early childhood education center that has a tenant that provides occupational and physical therapy to children on a one-hour appointment basis. Would these rooms be classified as regularly occupied spacesRegularly occupied spaces are areas where one or more individuals normally spend time (more than one hour per person per day on average) seated or standing as they work, study, or perform other focused activities inside a building. or other regularly occupied spaces? OR, are they non-regularly occupied spaces like exam rooms would be for LEED NC?? I have on other LEED projects successfully called clinic exam rooms non-regularly occupied.
Without knowing what type of therapy will be provided, my bet is that they are regularly occupied because it sounds like the therapist will work with the patient for an hour at a time. You'll have to make the case that the type of therapy would be undermined if you introduce views. You may have the ability to argue seating height if the therapist is standing while performing their work. Outside of that, you will need to address patient privacty.
Quality View credit for K-5 school - line of sight for children
School with Pre-kindergarten thru Grade 5 children:
Can direct line of sight at 42" to be applicable to little children in Pre-kindergarten classroom or to Kindergarten classroom?
Technically it only has to be provided at 42" and is not determined based on the height of the occupants. So 42" is used for every classroom.
In reality, views should be provided according to the activity and the occupants. So it makes sense to have lower sill heights for the little people in the world.
In my LEED BD+C Reference Guide (2009 Edition, Update 2010), on page 566, under Section 4. Implementation, it states "The line of sight used...is assumed to be 42 inches for the average seated adult, but is lower for students." This seems to conflict with the statement above?
I recently received comments on a service station where I had provided views for a standing height as that is how the room is used. The comment was that it "looked like" people could "sometimes" be seated in there and that I should provide a seated height view (42") as well. I am going to try to argue #1, that no, there are not people seated in there and #2 that there is nothing in the requirement that states that you must provide views for ALL possible view heights and that providing a view for the most common use of the space should be sufficient. I'll let you know how it goes.
I have always assumed that the text expects us to provide views for the dominant use and occupant type of the space, so in my opinion, providing a seated height for the appropriate size and age of the kids in the classroom would be required in lieu of 42".
Jill, I think the reviewer was fishing. If a narrative is provided and it states that the occupants will be standing, then the review should take the project team member's professional word. If no narrative was provided and only the standing height vision line, then i can see how this is questioned. Usually a narrative response is sufficient to clarify the issue. The reviewer has no basis to deny it if you state they will be standing. It would be like a reviewer basically saying that you are lying and don;t know your project. Won;t happen.
Floor Square footages
I am trying to find out if the kichenette areas in our classrooms count as part of the floor area that is needed for this credit. Can anyone help me with this?
It's a judgement call, but I would begin by including them, since this wet area may get a fair bit of use. Residential projects do include the kitchen, but there's obviously more cooking going on there. If you determine the area only gets occasional use mainly for cleanup or serving snacks, you might make a case for excluding them.
Either way, you'll need to justify your choice.
Agree, residential projects require the kitchen to be included and it seems the kitchenette would also need to be included as regularly occupied space where occupants are seated or standing while working in the classroom and can benefit from views.
Per CIRCredit Interpretation Ruling. Used by design team members experiencing difficulties in the application of a LEED prerequisite or credit to a project. Typically, difficulties arise when specific issues are not directly addressed by LEED information/guide 5907 dated 9/8/2004, finishing kitchens are considered support areas and do not have to be included in calculations for EQ 8.1. I would imagine this would translate to 8.2 as well. Granted this is an older system NC-V2.0/2.1, but it looks like old CIRs are holding up as long as they haven't been overruled in subsequent rulings. This CIR was for an elementary school, not a residence.
LEED InterpretationLEED Interpretations are official answers to technical inquiries about implementing LEED on a project. They help people understand how their projects can meet LEED requirements and provide clarity on existing options. LEED Interpretations are to be used by any project certifying under an applicable rating system. All project teams are required to adhere to all LEED Interpretations posted before their registration date. This also applies to other addenda. Adherence to rulings posted after a project registers is optional, but strongly encouraged. LEED Interpretations are published in a searchable database at usgbc.org. 5907 is not applicable to schools 2009. With the revisions of the Interps you have to see if they are applicable to your version.
Exemplary Performance for Views
The reference guide (and the supplemental calculation spreadsheet) are very thin on explanation for earning exemplary performanceIn LEED, certain credits have established thresholds beyond basic credit achievement. Meeting these thresholds can earn additional points through Innovation in Design (ID) or Innovation in Operations (IO) points. As a general rule of thumb, ID credits for exemplary performance are awarded for doubling the credit requirements and/or achieving the next incremental percentage threshold. However, this rule varies on a case by case basis, so check the credit requirements.. Of the four pathways, the 3rd has me confused. It states, "90% or more of regularly occupied spacesRegularly occupied spaces are areas where one or more individuals normally spend time (more than one hour per person per day on average) seated or standing as they work, study, or perform other focused activities inside a building. have access to unobstructed views located within the distance of 3 times the head height of the vision glazing."
Assuming a head height of 7', does this mean that occupants should have an unobstructed view from the window to 21' outside the building? Or does it mean that inside the room, you have to have unobstructed views 21' from the window back into the interior of the room?
Hi Amanda,
The latter part of your question is correct. If the head height of the vision glazing is 7 feet tall, the area with views that can be included in the EP calculation are regularly occupied spacesRegularly occupied spaces are areas where one or more individuals normally spend time (more than one hour per person per day on average) seated or standing as they work, study, or perform other focused activities inside a building. within 21 feet of the window.
Hi Carlie, I'm also trying to understand this 3rd pathway.
How can the head height be 7 feet tall if vision glazing is from 30" to 90"?
What exactly is the "head height"?
Thank you.
I also need to know how to calculate the "view factor".
Thanks Carlie!
Hi Ruben,
The head height is measured from the finished floor to the top of the window. In the scenario described above the top of the window (or head height) goes up to 7 feet tall, which falls within the vision glazing area is between 2'-6" and 7'-6"
The "view factor" is defined in the Heschong Mahone Group study, as described on page 571 of the BD+C Reference Guide - also check out the LEEDuser discussion on this subject under LEED-NC 2009 IEQc8.1 dated 10/09/2009 and 7/09/2010.
Hope helpful!
Views in Gymnasium
Similar to previous comment threads, this involves a gym. There are many windows around the gym, but they are all 18'-0" above finish floor for practical reasons. Basketballs hitting lower windows, grand stands in the way and glare. I would like to be able to include this 8,000 square foot area in my calculation for obvious reasons and it is definately true that whereever you are in this gym, you will be able to see outdoors, albeit your view will be somewhat "skyward"...can I include this gym as qualifying even though my windows are above 90" high?
I think Carlie summed it up perfectly above. What you're saying certainly sounds reasonable and if I were you I would probably attempt it. However, it doesn't meet the LEED requirements so be prepared for it to not fly.
Excluding Kitchens in Regularly Occupied Spaces
Has anyone had success in excluding kitchens from IEQ 8.2 Views? It's listed on page 404 as an "Other Regularly Occupied Space", but with all the equipment, etc in that space, there aren't any under-utilized walls to put in a window for vision (we do have some minimal clerestory windowsPronounced and sometimes spelled "clear-story," these are vertical, or close-to-vertical, windows high in the wall of a building that bring daylight deeply into the building and, if operable, can help ventilate the space.) and we are held to a very tight square footage. Including the kitchen and gym in the count (with no vision glass) completely kills the credit.
Yes, as outlined on page 404 of the 'LEED Green Building Design and Construction Reference Guide, 2009 Edition' both gyms and kitchens/cafeterias are considered Regularly Occupied Core Learning SpacesCore learning spaces are spaces for educational activities where the primary functions are teaching and learning and where good speech communication is critical to a student's academic achievement. These spaces include, but are not limited to, classrooms, enclosed or open plan), instructional pods or activity areas, group instruction rooms, conference rooms, libraries, offices, speech clinics, offices used for educational purposes and music rooms for instruction, practice and performance. (gym) and Regularly Occupied nonlearning spaces that are used by occupants for 1 or more hours per day to perform work-related activities (kitchen/cafeteria).
It appears exceptions would be evaluated on a case-by-case basis only for "spaces with atypical uses or those in which the strategies required for compliance may compromise the function of the space."
Including Gyms in Regularly Occupied Spaces
Dear all,
LEED defines Regularly Occupied SpacesRegularly occupied spaces are areas where one or more individuals normally spend time (more than one hour per person per day on average) seated or standing as they work, study, or perform other focused activities inside a building. for schools as:
"areas where students, teachers, or administrators are seated or standing as they work or study inside a building."
Should I include Gymnasiums?
Many thanks,
I think that they may be considered regularly occupied but may be excluded from the calculations if properly explained. The official rulings are below
Per CIRCredit Interpretation Ruling. Used by design team members experiencing difficulties in the application of a LEED prerequisite or credit to a project. Typically, difficulties arise when specific issues are not directly addressed by LEED information/guide for NC 2.1
9/8/2004 - Ruling: ...Regarding the gym space, many projects have utilized daylight strategies which can limit glare problems in gyms. For instance, diffuse skylights and diffuse windows are often used to mitigate the negative effects of direct sunlight. However it is possible that some gym activities could be hindered by daylighting. Therefore, to exclude the gym space from the calculations, please provide a narrative describing gym activities and how daylighting will hinder these activities.
and
11/27/2002 - CIR: ...Therefore, we are proposing that certain areas, such as the field house and the competition gym, be excluded from the baseline calculations of regularly occupied spacesRegularly occupied spaces are areas where one or more individuals normally spend time (more than one hour per person per day on average) seated or standing as they work, study, or perform other focused activities inside a building.. ...
3/4/2003 - Ruling: ...(1) the spaces described are not regularly occupied; and (2) the use of daylight in the space could have detrimental effects on the people using the facilities. As such, these spaces can be excluded from the daylighting calculations. ...
Thanks Bill !
Has anyone had success excluding gymnasiums from daylight and/or views for LEED 2009 for schools? They are included in the list of 'Regularly occupied SpacesRegularly occupied spaces are areas where one or more individuals normally spend time (more than one hour per person per day on average) seated or standing as they work, study, or perform other focused activities inside a building.: Classroom and Core Learning' so I assumed they were more strict about it for the 2009 version. Are the CIRs from previous LEED for Schools still being accepted for EQc8?
Technically v2 CIRs do not apply to v2009 projects. Additionally, the 'LEED Green Building Design and Construction Reference Guide, 2009 Edition' notes the following:
- Page 404 list gymnasiums as Regularly Occupied Core Learning SpacesCore learning spaces are spaces for educational activities where the primary functions are teaching and learning and where good speech communication is critical to a student's academic achievement. These spaces include, but are not limited to, classrooms, enclosed or open plan), instructional pods or activity areas, group instruction rooms, conference rooms, libraries, offices, speech clinics, offices used for educational purposes and music rooms for instruction, practice and performance..
- Page 556 (5th bullet down) "Because some activities in
these spaces may be hindered by daylight, effective shades and lighting controls should be included in the design."
Right, but since CIRs can still be submitted on a case-by-case basis I was just curious to see if anyone has had success with excluding gymnasiums for a 2009 Schools project. Based on the conversations above, it sounded like people might be attempting it for the new version - it would be great to hear GBCI responses people have received
Based on my experience on a school project that was certified LEED Gold under the LEED for Schools 2009 rating system I learned one very important detail. Your schedule of spaces for both Daylighting and Views must be identical. I tried to exclude the gymnasium from Views but wanted to include it in Daylighting because we were toplighting with solar tubes. I ended up letting go of the Views credit when the reviewer denied it for this reason. I think excluding the gym from daylighting might be difficult because you could use either solar tubes or Kalwall to mitigate the glare concern and achieve the desired level of daylighting.
This is an extension of the gym/views issue. I understand that the gym is listed as a reg. occupied space. I also understand that the schedules for IEQc8.1 and 8.2 should match, unless there is a special circumstance that is acceptable by the reviewers. My question: has anyone successfully justifed why you would not include the gym for Views? I would think that the issue of basketballs + low glass would not be a good combination, but wondered if anyone has been able to get the omission approved?
John, did you try to justify exculding the gym from views based on the use of the space? We are trying to exclude the gym from views and include it in daylighting for the same reason - use of solatubes.
There was a CIRCredit Interpretation Ruling. Used by design team members experiencing difficulties in the application of a LEED prerequisite or credit to a project. Typically, difficulties arise when specific issues are not directly addressed by LEED information/guide regarding this issue in LEED V2.2, on 3/22/2007:
"Since the gymnasium and auditorium would be hindered by the inclusion of vision glazing between the heights of 2'6" and 7'6", the project may exclude these areas from the EQc8.2 calculations. Please clearly delineate the areas of the project being excluded from the calculations and provide a narrative describing the rationale and assumptions made for each excluded area in the certification documentation for this credit."
This was based on the use of the gym for indoor soccer.
I was under the assumption that you could exclude it from views and include in on daylighting. Do the lists really have to match? What did the reviewer say?
Sonrisa, were you successful in having the gym excluded for the Views calc (but keeping it in for the Daylighting clac)? We have a similar situation, and wondered how you (or anyone else with similar scenario) faired with attempting this situation in LEED v3/2009.
I don't know if this issue has been resolved, but I want to let you know that we just got comments back for a project where we are using the Gym for the Daylight credit but excluding it from Views, arguing safety and privacy reasons. We argued that low windows may be impacted and broken by balls and that owner would not like general public to have visual access to kid's gym classes.
This is LEED for schools 2009; they accepted our arguments and anticipate awards of credits (both daylight and views). I hope this information is useful...
Thanks for sharing, Eri. We love feedback from user experience!
Glazing in Doors
Can someone confirm that we are allowed to count glazing in doors for this credit? I realize that the door glazing will have to meet the same criteria as the windows. Thanks for your help.
Yes, glazing in doors is fine as long as it provides the required line of sight.
Creating the Floor Plan to show direct access to views
I still don't quite understand how those lines are determined on the floor plan? Do i take a line at a 45 degree angle from the center point of each window? Where they intersect I'm assuming is NOT the access to view so that area will be deducted from my room area.
I have seen many examples of the floor plan - but nowhere does it explain HOW to show the direct access.
Thanks,
Kim
What we have done to determine the access to views is to start your line on the outside edge of the window and take it to the opposite inside edge of the window. And then just extend those lines until they hit a wall. So in most cases, your angle is much greater than 45% from the center point.
Direct Line of Sight @ 42" w/ glazing starting at 46"?
Josh,
Thanks for your insight. It does make sense that the glazing wouldn't need to be contiguous but I had a GBCI reviewer make a remark that made me think that it needed to be. Now I only need to understand the direct line of sight at 42", and whether glazing beginning at 46" and going up to 90" would hinder meeting this portion of the requirement. When I am reading the requirement they refer to "obstruction to the perimeter glazing". Looking at Figure 1 on page 567 of the BD+C reference manual they show the glazing beginning below 42" but the intent of the credit is to be able to see over obstructions and have a view to the outside. I would love to hear from anyone who pursued this credit with glazing beginning above 42" and either did or did not achieve this credit.
Thanks,
John Drigot
John,
You might refer to page 568 that explains "horizontal viewThe approach used to confirm that the direct line of sight to perimeter vision glazing remains available from a seated position. It uses section drawings that include the installed furniture to make the determination. at appropriate eye height".
You may allow using higher eye height level if you can provide narrative that your typical eye height for your room is higher than 42" (typical seated eye height). For example, you can use higher number for car showroom if you can explain that majority occupants will do their activities by standing up. For school application example, it may apply to dance classroom.
As I remember, there was a CIRCredit Interpretation Ruling. Used by design team members experiencing difficulties in the application of a LEED prerequisite or credit to a project. Typically, difficulties arise when specific issues are not directly addressed by LEED information/guide regarding this one.
Question Regarding Requirements
I am trying to understand the requirements of this credit as it relates to the vision glazing and direct line of sight requirement. The requirement states, "Achieve a direct line of sight to the outdoor environment via vision glazing between 30 inches and 90 inches above the finish floor.....". Does this mean the glazing must be continuous between 30 and 90 inches or can it occupy an area between 30 and 90 inches? And, if the glazing need not be continuous, in regards to the direct line of sight at 42", if the glazing started at 46" would this window meet the requirements of this credit?
Thanks so much for your thoughts on this matter.
John,
The glazing doesn't have to be contiguous. And it can be anywhere in the hight range (2.5" to 7.5"). The idea is that an occupant, sitting down, can see outside in some fashion or another without obstruction. But they want you to be able to orient yourself to the outside, so looking up to the sky through a skylight or above 7.5" doesn't give the same visual cues (the way looking out the window at an airplane can be disorienting).
That said, I've worked on a LEED prison project, and we were advocating for views for the inmates, and it was never clear how much area would be required to see out of. Would a tiny slit (which is all they were providing) be sufficient? We thought not and didn't submit for the credit, but I wonder if anyone knows of a lower limit here.
Thanks,
Josh
I'm currently working on a prison and finding some unique challenges with LEED credits because of the nature of a detention type project (esp. regularly occupied spacesRegularly occupied spaces are areas where one or more individuals normally spend time (more than one hour per person per day on average) seated or standing as they work, study, or perform other focused activities inside a building....). When are they coming out with LEED-J (for Jails)? ;)
In terms of views. I think as long as they have a direct line of sight to/through vision glazing, it counts, no matter how small of a sliver... Our windows are 8" wide, but horizontal and above 7'6. If I could get the architect to turn them vertically and lower the window, we might get this one (and the inmates will be able to see outside, instead of just looking up at the sky). The question is: under the circumstances, does that meet the credit intent? I think so, but I'm not the reviewer...
I am also working on a jail and we are not pursuing this credit because very few rooms are on the perimeter. However, I have a question related to what you were saying, Josh, "The glazing doesn't have to be contiguous. And it can be anywhere in the hight range (2.5" to 7.5"). "
Have you had success with acheiving views that were not a horizontal line of sight from the seated or standing working position, but within the 2'-6" to 7'-6" range? I have always thought it strange that you can include glazing from 2'-6" to 7'-6" in the plan review and even draw a line of sight to any window 2'-6" to 7'-6" in height, but only a view at 42" (or other working height) would count. Why include the range at all if only glazing at 42" or the working height counts in the end?
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