Rating System

LEED BD+C: New Construction

Rating System Version

v2 - LEED 2.0

Inquiry

Interlocked Natural Ventilation and Mechanical Systems. The Tutt Science Center is designed to utilize both natural ventilation and mechanical environmental systems. In the temperate yet changeable spring and fall as well as the generally moderate summer, the Colorado Springs climate is often quite livable without artificial climates. However, designers of mechanical systems are often reluctant to include operable windows in their designs due to the perception that the windows will waste energy, create pressurization problems, and complicate the mechanical controls. To eliminate this perception and encourage the use of operable windows even in "difficult" applications (such as this teaching laboratory), the Tutt Science Center project will employ an operable window system that alleviates these concerns. The windows will have a built-in sensor that simply shuts of the mechanical system in that space whenever the window is open. This gives the occupant the ability to control the space without interfering with the operation of the mechanical system for the rest of the building. Operational instructions will be included for all tenants. Our question is, will employing this type of technology qualify for an innovation credit?