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difficulty communicating effectively. [175] Quiet zones must be accessible to all occupants and comfortable for extended use. Restrooms are not applicable for compliance.
Adaptability Strategies There is a menu of adaptability strategies intended to increase the number of people who can, not only successfully use the space, but enjoy it. Findings from the IPp2: Human Impact Assessment must be used to better understand unique occupant needs to inform strategy selection. An alternative strategy may be acceptable in place of the provided strategies if it meets this intent.
Option 3. Thermal Environment
More closely aligning indoor conditions with outdoor environments by adjusting temperature setpoints to correspond with exterior conditions can positively impact thermal comfort, as research indicates that occupants’ thermal comfort preferences and expectations vary seasonally in relation to climate conditions. [176,177] Designing in connection with natural patterns can increase occupant comfort and result in more efficient buildings by reducing reliance on air conditioning and heating.
To prevent thermal discomfort and wasted energy, projects must carefully manage cooling systems to avoid overcooling spaces during warmer seasons. Project designs must consider seasonal temperature changes, potential overcooling during non-temperate months, and the needs of occupants performing tasks with high metabolic rates. ASHRAE Standard 55-2023 outlines methods to determine acceptable thermal conditions in mechanically conditioned spaces and in occupant-controlled naturally conditioned spaces, considering occupants’ anticipated metabolic rate (activity level) and clothing as well as environmental variables such as temperature and air speed. Projects must comply with ASHRAE Standard 55–2023 using the applicable method. To address the risk of overcooling in non-temperate/warm seasons, teams must refer to ASHRAE 55-2023, Informative Appendix E, Sections 8.1 and 8.2.
To avoid discomfort or physiological stress for people transitioning between thermal environments, specifically occupants entering from the outdoors, create zones with intermediate temperatures to allow gradual acclimatization and consider utilizing air movement as a cooling
175 Gonçalves, A.M., Monteiro, P. “Autism Spectrum Disorder and auditory sensory alterations: a systematic review on the integrity of cognitive and neuronal functions related to auditory processing.” J Neural Transm 130, (2023): 325–408 https://doi.org/10.1007/s00702-023-02595-9. 176 Lyu Yue, Chen Zhongqing, Seasonal thermal comfort and adaptive behaviours for the occupants of residential buildings: Shaoxing as a case study, Energy and Buildings, Volume 292, 2023, 113165, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S037877882300395X, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enbuild.2023.113165.). 177 Munonye, C. (2020) The Influence of Seasonal Variation of Thermal Variables on Comfort Temperature in Schools in a Warm and Humid Climate, Open Access Library Journal, 7: e6753, https://doi.org/10.4236/oalib.1106753.
U.S. Green Building Council LEED v5 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, April 2025 Launch Edition 496