LEED v2009
Retail – New construction
Indoor Environmental Quality
Daylight and views - daylight

Retail-NC-v2009 IEQc8.1: Daylight and views - daylight

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Credit language

USGBC logo

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

Intent

To provide for the building occupants with a connection between indoor spaces and the outdoors through the introduction of daylight and views into the regularly occupied areas1 of the building.

Requirements

Through 1 of the 4 options, achieve daylighting in at least the following spaces2:

Regularly Occupied Spaces

Points

75%

1

Option 1. Simulation
Demonstrate through computer simulation that the applicable spaces achieve daylight illuminance levels of a minimum of 10 footcandles (fc) (108 lux) and a maximum of 500 fc (5,400 lux) in a clear sky condition on September 21 at 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Provide glare control devices to avoid high-contrast situations that could impede visual tasks. However, designs that incorporate view-preserving automated shades for glare control may demonstrate compliance for only the minimum 10 fc (108 lux) illuminance level.

OR

Option 2. Prescriptive
For sidelighting zones:
  • Achieve a value, calculated as the product of the visible light transmittance (VLT) and window-to-floor area ratio (WFR) between 0.150 and 0.180.
  • 0.150

    VLT

    x

    WFR

    0.180

  • The window area included in the calculation must be at least 30 inches (0.8 meters) above the floor.
  • In section, the ceiling must not obstruct a line that extends from the window-head to a point on the floor that is located twice the height of the window-head from the exterior wall as measured perpendicular to the glass (see diagram on the next page).
  • Provide glare control devices to avoid high-contrast situations that could impede visual tasks. However, designs that incorporate view-preserving automated shades for glare control may demonstrate compliance for only the minimum 0.150 value.
For toplighting zones:
  • The toplighting zone under a skylight is the outline of the opening beneath the skylight, plus in each direction the lesser of (see diagram below):
    • 70% of the ceiling height
    • 1/2 the distance to the edge of the nearest skylight
    • The distance to any permanent partition that is closer than 70% of the distance between the top of the partition and the ceiling.
  • Achieve skylight coverage for the applicable space (containing the toplighting zone) between 3% and 6% of the total floor area.
  • The skylight must have a minimum 0.5 VLT.
  • A skylight diffuser, if used, must have a measured haze value of greater than 90% when tested according to ASTM D1003.

OR

Option 3. Measurement
Demonstrate through records of indoor light measurements that a minimum daylight illumination level of 10 fc (108 lux) and a maximum of 500 fc (5,400 lux) has been achieved in the applicable spaces. Measurements must be taken on a 10-foot (3-meter) grid and shall be recorded on building floor plans. Provide glare control devices to avoid high-contrast situations that could impede visual tasks. However, designs that incorporate view-preserving automated shades for glare control may demonstrate compliance for only the minimum 10 fc (108 lux) illuminance level.

OR

Option 4. Combination
Any of the above calculation methods may be combined to document the minimum daylight illumination in the applicable spaces. See all forum discussions about this credit »

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Addenda

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See all forum discussions about this credit »
Guest expert

Jill Perry, PE

Professional Engineer; LEED AP BD+C

Jill Perry, LLC
Consultant

LEEDuser overview

Frank advice from LEED experts

LEED is changing all the time, and every project is unique. Even seasoned professionals can miss a critical detail and lose a credit or even a prerequisite at the last minute. Our expert advice guides our LEEDuser Premium members and saves you valuable time.

For full access, sign up now for LEEDuser Premium

Already a premium member? Log in now

Credit language

USGBC logo

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

Intent

To provide for the building occupants with a connection between indoor spaces and the outdoors through the introduction of daylight and views into the regularly occupied areas1 of the building.

Requirements

Through 1 of the 4 options, achieve daylighting in at least the following spaces2:

Regularly Occupied Spaces

Points

75%

1

Option 1. Simulation
Demonstrate through computer simulation that the applicable spaces achieve daylight illuminance levels of a minimum of 10 footcandles (fc) (108 lux) and a maximum of 500 fc (5,400 lux) in a clear sky condition on September 21 at 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Provide glare control devices to avoid high-contrast situations that could impede visual tasks. However, designs that incorporate view-preserving automated shades for glare control may demonstrate compliance for only the minimum 10 fc (108 lux) illuminance level.

OR

Option 2. Prescriptive
For sidelighting zones:
  • Achieve a value, calculated as the product of the visible light transmittance (VLT) and window-to-floor area ratio (WFR) between 0.150 and 0.180.
  • 0.150

    VLT

    x

    WFR

    0.180

  • The window area included in the calculation must be at least 30 inches (0.8 meters) above the floor.
  • In section, the ceiling must not obstruct a line that extends from the window-head to a point on the floor that is located twice the height of the window-head from the exterior wall as measured perpendicular to the glass (see diagram on the next page).
  • Provide glare control devices to avoid high-contrast situations that could impede visual tasks. However, designs that incorporate view-preserving automated shades for glare control may demonstrate compliance for only the minimum 0.150 value.
For toplighting zones:
  • The toplighting zone under a skylight is the outline of the opening beneath the skylight, plus in each direction the lesser of (see diagram below):
    • 70% of the ceiling height
    • 1/2 the distance to the edge of the nearest skylight
    • The distance to any permanent partition that is closer than 70% of the distance between the top of the partition and the ceiling.
  • Achieve skylight coverage for the applicable space (containing the toplighting zone) between 3% and 6% of the total floor area.
  • The skylight must have a minimum 0.5 VLT.
  • A skylight diffuser, if used, must have a measured haze value of greater than 90% when tested according to ASTM D1003.

OR

Option 3. Measurement
Demonstrate through records of indoor light measurements that a minimum daylight illumination level of 10 fc (108 lux) and a maximum of 500 fc (5,400 lux) has been achieved in the applicable spaces. Measurements must be taken on a 10-foot (3-meter) grid and shall be recorded on building floor plans. Provide glare control devices to avoid high-contrast situations that could impede visual tasks. However, designs that incorporate view-preserving automated shades for glare control may demonstrate compliance for only the minimum 10 fc (108 lux) illuminance level.

OR

Option 4. Combination
Any of the above calculation methods may be combined to document the minimum daylight illumination in the applicable spaces. See all forum discussions about this credit »
Guest expert

Jill Perry, PE

Professional Engineer; LEED AP BD+C

Jill Perry, LLC
Consultant