2.1.4 Space Use Classification

The user must designate space use classifications that best match the uses for which the building or individual spaces within the building are being designed or used. Depending on purpose, space use classifications determine the default or prescribed occupant density, receptacle power, service water heating, minimum outdoor ventilation air, operating schedule, and lighting assumptions used in the rating analysis. They also determine the lighting power and other characteristics of the baseline building.

The user must specify the space use classifications using either the building area or space-by-space categories but may not combine the two types of classification within a single analysis. The building area method assigns assumptions based on average values that occur within typical buildings of the designated type. The building area method is recommended for use when detailed space planning information is unavailable. More than one building area category may be used in a building if it is a mixeduse facility.

The space-by-space method requires space-by-space entry of floor area and space use designations. The space-by-space method can be used whenever design information is available with the necessary detail.

Both the building area and space-by-space choices are consistent with the baseline standards supported in COMNET and are listed in Appendix B. COMNET provides a single list of building area and space-by-space classifications so that when a model is specified by a user, it can be analyzed for multiple purposes.