LEED-certified warehouses are a significant link in the sustainable supply chain. LEED, which stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is a certification system developed by the U.S. Green Building Council to verify that buildings are constructed and operated in a way that reduces emissions, energy, and water use, and improves environmental quality.
With the latest incarnation of the LEED rating system (LEED V4), warehouses and distribution centers received standards of their own. Prior to LEED V4, warehouses and DCs had to adapt to LEED models used for other building types. Fundamental to the new standards is the understanding that warehouses and distribution centers are essentially different than heavily occupied buildings, that they use energy and resources differently, and that the criteria for site selection suggest different approaches. In this post, we ‘re going to take a look at the LEED credits that address Interior Lighting and Daylighting in warehouses and distribution centers.
LEED V4 Interior Lighting Credit
The Interior Lighting credit address both lighting controls and lighting quality inside the warehouse. The intent is to promote occupants ‘ productivity, comfort, and well-being by providing high-quality lighting. It’s possible to earn two points with this credit – you can select either the Lighting Control point or the Lighting Quality point, or both.
Lighting Control (1 Point)
The lighting control point requires individual lighting controls in 90% of individual occupant spaces. The controls must enable occupants to adjust the lighting to suit their individual tasks and preferences, with at least three lighting levels (on, off, midlevel). The maximum illumination level does not include daylight contributions.
Additionally, controllable, multizone lighting systems that allow occupants to adjust the lighting to meet group needs and preferences are required for all shared multi-occupant spaces. These systems must have at least three lighting levels (on, off, midlevel). Switches or manual controls must be located in the same space as the controlled luminaires and the person operating the controls must have a direct line of sight to the controlled luminaires.
Lighting Quality (1 Point)
The Lighting Quality credit lists eight strategies to achieve high-quality lighting. You must use four of these strategies to earn this point. Click here for the details of each strategy.
LEED V4 Daylight Credit
The intent of the Daylight Credit is to connect the occupants with the outdoors, reinforce circadian rhythms, and reduce the use of electrical lighting by introducing daylight into the space. For this credit, there are three options to choose from, with the ability to earn up to three points. The first two options require demonstration by computer simulation because they relate tonew construction. The third option is an actual measurement because it relates to existing buildings.
Spacial Daylight Autonomy (2-3 Points)
The first option earns 2-3 points and requires demonstration (through computer simulation) that spatial daylight autonomy of at least 55%, 75%, or 90% is achieved. Spatial Daylight Autonomy (sDA) describes how much of a space receives sufficient daylight. Specifically, it describes the percentage of floor area that receives at least 300 lux for at least 50 percent of the annual occupied hours. Additionally, you must demonstrate (also through computer simulations) that annual sunlight exposure of no more than 10% is achieved. Annual Sun Exposure (ASE) describes how much of space receives too much direct sunlight, which can cause visual discomfort (glare) or increase cooling loads. Specifically, ASE measures the percentage of floor area that receives at least 1000 lux for at least 250 occupied hours per year.
Illuminance Calculations (1-2 points)
This option is also met by demonstration through computer simulation. You must show that illuminance levels will be between 300 lux and 3,000 lux for 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., both on a clear-sky day at the equinox.
Measurement (2-3 points)
To earn these points you must measure illuminance levels with furniture, fixtures, and equipment in place. There are a number of guidelines for measuring; click here for the details.
Next Level understands the impact of operational costs on any size business and we are committed to helping customers increase efficiency and profitability through lower material expenditures and cost-efficient design solutions. Connect with us today to get started on optimizing your facility!
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