07. Dwelling Units - Optimal Shading

Provide optimal shading

Rationale: Providing shading on all windows enhances occupant control over temperature, glare, and nighttime darkness, which can lead to reduced task-related eye strain, contributing to improved thermal comfort and enhanced sleep quality.

For the most accurate strategy and documentation requirements, please refer to the digital scorecard made available on the Fitwel Platform.

Requirements

Requirement Guidance

Each building pursuing this strategy must meet the below requirements to be awarded credit. 

Demonstrate compliance with one of the options below:

Option 1 - Shading on All Windows (Full Credit):

Provide shading devices to manage daylight exposure that meet all of the following requirements:    

Low-Rise Residential with shared interior spaces (LR+), Low-Rise Residential with no shared interior spaces (LR)

1. Provide shading on all windows within all regularly occupied interior common spaces within the project.

   Qualifying regularly occupied common spaces must include but are not limited to the following:

   • Common spaces: which include spaces where building occupants gather for social events, such as resident lounges, common kitchen facilities, multipurpose rooms, and game rooms. Note that hallways, corridors, and elevator banks are not considered regularly occupied spaces.
   • Common building amenities: which include resource centers, fitness facilities, and exercise rooms.
2. Provide shading on all bedroom windows in all dwelling units within the project.
3. Ensure shading devices meet one of the following:
   • include dynamic glazing on windows
   • can be controlled by occupants through one of the following methods:
     • adjustable louver system
     • adjustable blinds
     • adjustable shades
4. Ensure shading within dwelling units can block out a minimum of 95% of light.

Option 2 - Shading on 51% of Windows (Full Credit):

Provide shading devices to manage daylight exposure that meet all of the following requirements:    

Low-Rise Residential with shared interior spaces (LR+)

1. Provide shading on all windows within all regularly occupied interior common spaces within the project.

   Qualifying regularly occupied common spaces must include but are not limited to the following:

   • Common spaces: which include spaces where building occupants gather for social events, such as resident lounges, common kitchen facilities, multipurpose rooms, and game rooms. Note that hallways, corridors, and elevator banks are not considered regularly occupied spaces.
   • Common building amenities: which include resource centers, fitness facilities, and exercise rooms.
2. Provide shading on all bedroom windows in all dwelling units within the project.
3. Ensure shading devices meet one of the following:
   • include dynamic glazing on windows
   • can be controlled by occupants through one of the following methods:
     • adjustable louver system
     • adjustable blinds
     • adjustable shades
4. Ensure shading within dwelling units can block out a minimum of 95% of light.

Compliance Documentation

Design Pathway (LR+, LR)

Option 1: 

• Requirement 1:
  • Checkbox to certify that shading will be provided on all windows in all regularly occupied interior common spaces within the project.       
• Requirement 2:
  • Checkbox to certify that shading will be provided on all bedroom windows in all dwelling units within the project.       
• Requirement 3:
  • Checkbox to certify the type(s) of operable shading that will be installed in all required areas (minimum one):       
    • adjustable louver system
    • adjustable blinds
    • adjustable shades
    • dynamic glazing
  • Upload the product specification sheet(s) or an annotated photograph(s) showing each unique type of operable shade that will be installed.       
• Requirement 4:
  • Upload product specification or datasheets showing the openness level of the shades that will be installed.        

Option 2: 

• Requirement 1:
  • Checkbox to certify that shading will be provided on all windows within 51% of regularly occupied interior common spaces within the project.  
• Requirement 2:
  • Checkbox to certify that shading will be provided on all bedroom windows in all dwelling units within the project.
• Requirement 3:
  • Checkbox to certify the type(s) of operable shading that will be installed in all required areas (minimum one):      
    • adjustable louver system
    • adjustable blinds
    • adjustable shades
    • dynamic glazing
  • Upload the product specification sheet(s) or an annotated photograph(s) showing each unique type of operable shade that will be installed.      
• Requirement 4:
  • Upload product specification or datasheets showing the openness level of the shades that will be installed.        

Built Pathway (LR+, LR)

Option 1: 

• Requirement 1:
  • Checkbox to certify that shading is provided on all windows in all regularly occupied interior common spaces within the project.      
• Requirement 2:
  • Checkbox to certify that shading is provided on all bedroom windows in all dwelling units within the project.      
• Requirement 3:
  • Checkbox to certify the type(s) of operable shading that are installed in all required areas (minimum one):      
    • adjustable louver system
    • adjustable blinds
    • adjustable shades
    • dynamic glazing
  • Upload the product specification sheet(s) or an annotated photograph(s) showing each unique type of operable shade provided.      
• Requirement 4:
  • Upload product specification or datasheets showing the openness level of the installed shades.

Option 2: 

• Requirement 1:
  • Checkbox to certify that shading is provided on all windows within 51% of regularly occupied interior common spaces within the project. 
• Requirement 2:
  • Checkbox to certify that shading is provided on all bedroom windows in all dwelling units within the project.
• Requirement 3:
  • Checkbox to certify the type(s) of operable shading that are installed in all required areas (minimum one):     
    • adjustable louver system
    • adjustable blinds
    • adjustable shades
    • dynamic glazing
  • Upload the product specification sheet(s) or an annotated photograph(s) showing each unique type of operable shade provided.     
• Requirement 4:
  • Upload product specification or datasheets showing the openness level of the installed shades.