The intent of this credit is to provide a comfortable thermal environment to improve occupant productivity and comfort.

Requirements for Certification:

Design HVAC systems and building envelope such that the requirements of ASHRAE 55-2004 are met.

Successful Strategies:

• Consider active, passive, and mixed-mode conditioning for ventilation design.

Helpful Hints:

1. Psychrometric analysis or output from a building energy model can be used to demonstrate that a building meets ASHRAE Standard 55 for 98% of the time the building is occupied.
2. Demonstrate credit compliance through the documentation of the following: outdoor ambient design conditions, indoor design conditions, assumptions for thermal comfort (climate, activity level, clothing, etc.), and air movement ranges for each air handler.

Historical Data (updated June 2006):

• 76% of all California LEED Certified projects achieved this credit for LEED v2.1.

Additional EDR Resources

Design Briefs: Integrated Building Design

Design Briefs: Underfloor Air Distribution and Access Floors

Design Briefs: Integrated Design for Small Commercial HVAC

Design Briefs: Design Review

Design Briefs: Design For Your Climate

Design Briefs: Improving Mechanical System Energy Efficiency