855773520-LEED-v5-ID-C-Reference-Guide-Launch-Edition-1 - Page 337

Extracted Content

The acoustic environment is particularly important to consider when designing classrooms and other core learning spaces, because it can affect students’ learning and teachers’ health and well-being. For this reason, to earn this path, all classroom or core learning spaces must comply with the acoustic criteria defined in Path 1.

For other project types, more flexibility is provided for projects prioritizing better acoustics in targeted environments. Seventy-five percent of the occupied spaces must comply with the acoustic criteria defined in Path 1.

Option 5. Lighting Environment

PATH 1. SOLAR GLARE

When designing spaces with daylight, solar glare must be considered, which can significantly disrupt visual comfort and impact thermal comfort. This means evaluating how natural light might create uncomfortable reflections on digital screens and potentially interfere with tasks requiring visual concentration.

Projects must provide glare-control devices for all transparent glazing in regularly occupied spaces. The requirement applies to transparent glazing, so diffused and translucent glazing systems do not require glare-control devices. All glare-control devices must be operable by the building’s occupants to address unwanted glare and to allow for active participation between the building and the building occupant. Automatic devices with user override and exterior shading designs such as awnings, louvers, and shading screens are acceptable.

Glare-control devices are not required for spaces designed specifically for direct sunlight, such as atriums, or solar collection areas, where direct sunlight is part of the design intent. In these cases, teams must establish a clear rationale, articulate the benefits, and ensure alignment with project goals. For example, the space may be intentionally designed to support Option 1. Integrated Biophilic Design or Option 2. Adaptable Environments.

Table 7. Glare control devices

Acceptable glare-control devices	Unacceptable glare-control devices
Interior window blinds	Fixed fins
Interior shades	Fixed louvers
Curtains	Dark color glazing
Moveable exterior louvers	Frit glazing treatment
Moveable screens	Additional glazing treatments
Moveable awnings

U.S. Green Building Council LEED v5 Reference Guide for Interior Design and Construction, April 2025 Launch Edition 326