Hea07 User comfort control, and maintenance – Above Green

(3 credits)

Aim

To recognise the provision of ventilation systems that are easy to control and maintain by residents, so improving effectiveness, usability, and avoiding problems with humidity. To recognise the provision of temperature controls for residents, improving comfort and efficiency.

Question

Are residents able to control and maintain the ventilation system?

Credits	Answer	Select a single answer
0	A	Question not answered
0	B	No
2	C	Yes

Are residents able to control the heating/cooling system effectively?

Credits	Answer	Select a single answer
0	D	Question not answered
0	E	No
1	F	Yes, Residents can adjust the heating/cooling systems in different rooms independently

Assessment criteria

Criterion	Assessment criteria	Applicable answer
1	Ventilation controls for background ventilators and intermittent extract fans, and passive stack ventilation (PSV) systems Extractor fans in wet and drying rooms shall be controlled by a humidity sensor (which may be built into the extractor fan unit) in accordance with manufacturer’s literature, in addition to a light switch control where required by building regulations (e.g. rooms with WCs).	C
2	Ventilation controls for continuous mechanical extract (MEV), and continuous mechanical supply and extract with heat recovery (MVHR) systems A ventilation system that has the ability to be manually boosted by the home occupant when required i.e. increase in humidity levels in the bathroom due to showering or bathing activities taking place and an information sign explaining when to activate and deactivate the boost function OR A ventilation system that has the ability to be automatically activate boost mode when there are increased humidity levels in the bathroom due to showering or bathing activities taking place. The system should prevent activation as a result of abnormally high levels of naturally occurring background humidity (such as can occur on a humid summer's evening)	C
3	For mechanical continuous ventilation systems (e.g. MVHR, MEV), controls are provided that enable sufficient control of the background continuous ventilation rate to meet varying occupancy levels without having to enable ‘boost’ mode.	C
4	Any maintenance activity intended to be carried out by the occupant (e.g. changing filters) can be carried out safely by the occupant without the need for specialist tools.	C
5	Residents should be able to turn heating systems up and down, rather than just on or off, in the following room types: Living rooms Dining rooms Kitchens Bedrooms	F
6	Compliant forms of temperature control include, but are not limited to: Room thermostats Thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) Fan coil units with user control Building Management System controlled set points with local override controls limited to a set range.	F

Evidence

Criterion	Evidence requirement
-	The evidence below is not exhaustive, please also refer to the ‘BREEAM evidential requirements’ section in the scope of the Guidance for appropriate evidence types which can be used to demonstrate compliance.
1-3	For mechanically ventilation system controls: - a. Manufacturer’s information confirming the method of control. b. Photographic evidence showing the method of control.
4	Photographic evidence showing access for maintenance
5,6	Photographic evidence showing the method and location of control of the heating/cooling system

Definitions

Wet room

A room used for domestic activities (such as cooking, clothes washing and bathing) which give rise to significant production of airborne moisture, e.g. a kitchen, utility room or bathroom. For the purposes of BREEAM In-Use, drying space is also regarded as a wet room.