Learn the key strategies for optimizing occupant comfort and control in green buildings. Detailed explanation of LEED exam question covering ventilation, lighting, acoustics and more.
Table of Contents
Question
Strategies for improving building occupants’ comfort and control may consist of
A. ensuring adequate ventilation, monitoring carbon dioxide and prohibiting smoking
B. installing operable windows, giving occupants lighting control and providing ergonomic furniture
C. designing for proper ventilation, monitoring outdoor airflow and including appropriate acoustic design
D. specifying low-emitting materials, testing for radon and other on-site contaminants and installing entryway grates
Answer
B. installing operable windows, giving occupants lighting control and providing ergonomic furniture
Explanation
Strategies for improving building occupants’ comfort and control may consist of installing operable windows, giving occupants lighting control and providing ergonomic furniture. These strategies can enhance the indoor environmental quality (IEQ) of a building, which is the physical and psychological conditions of the indoor spaces that affect the health, comfort, and productivity of the occupants. Installing operable windows can allow occupants to adjust the natural ventilation, temperature, and fresh air intake of their spaces.
Giving occupants lighting control can allow them to adjust the artificial lighting levels, color, and direction of their spaces. Providing ergonomic furniture can support the physical comfort, posture, and well-being of the occupants.
Strategies for improving building occupants’ comfort and well-being go beyond just indoor air quality and ventilation. While proper ventilation, CO2 monitoring, and smoking bans mentioned in option A are important, they are not the most comprehensive set of occupant comfort strategies.
Similarly, option C lists some comfort factors like ventilation and acoustics, but fails to include occupant control measures. Option D focuses more on indoor pollutants than holistic comfort.
In contrast, option B provides the best combination of strategies that empower occupants and address multiple dimensions of comfort:
- Operable windows give occupants control over natural ventilation and connection to the outdoors, improving thermal and psychological comfort.
- Individual lighting controls allow occupants to adjust light levels to their preferences and tasks, preventing eyestrain and headaches.
- Ergonomic furniture properly supports the body in healthy postures, reducing physical strain and fatigue.
Together, these strategies demonstrate occupant-centric design thinking that enhances autonomy, health and productivity. They represent green building best practices for optimizing occupant experience.
In summary, the key to this question is identifying the answer choice with the most well-rounded set of occupant comfort interventions, which is clearly option B. The other choices are either too narrow in scope or omit the crucial element of personal control.
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