This is a legacy version of the WELL Building Standard. Please check the latest version here.
  1. Light
  2. Automated shading and dimming controls

Automated shading and dimming controls

Features>Light>60. Automated shading and dimming controls

60. Automated shading and dimming controls

Intent: 

To prevent glare and encourage reliance on natural light through automated shading and dimming.

Design features such as adjustable window shades and lights with dimmers must be actively managed to be effective. Automated controls can help to ensure that these systems continually operate as intended and meet intended benefits such as glare avoidance and energy reduction. Furthermore, setting these features to automatically adjust can greatly contribute to comfort without disrupting occupants from other tasks.

Part 1: Automated Sunlight Control

All windows larger than 0.55 m² [6 ft²] have the following:

a.80 Shading devices that automatically engage when light sensors indicate that sunlight could contribute to glare at workstations and other seating areas.
Part 2: Responsive Light Control

The following requirements are met in all major workspace areas:

a.80 All lighting except decorative fixtures is programmed using occupancy sensors to automatically dim to 20% or less (or switch off) when the zone is unoccupied.
b.80 All lighting except decorative fixtures has the capacity and is programmed to dim continuously in response to daylight.
Nervous
Skeletal
Reproductive
Endocrine
Muscular
Immune

Applicability Matrix

Core & Shell New & Existing Buildings New & Existing Interiors
Part 1: Automated Sunlight Control - O O
Part 2: Responsive Light Control - O O
Commercial Kitchen Education Multifamily Residential Restaurant Retail
Part 1: Automated Sunlight Control O O O O O
Part 2: Responsive Light Control O O O O O

Verification Methods Matrix

Letters of Assurance Annotated Documents On-Site Checks
PART 1 (Design)
Automated Sunlight Control 		MEP
PART 2 (Design)
Responsive Light Control 		MEP

80

U.S. General Services Administration (GSA). Facilities Standards for the Public Buildings Service. March 2014, Washington, D.C., pp. 135-136.
60.1.a

The GSA's Facilities Standard for the Public Buildings Service notes that automatic shade controls help occupants manage luminance levels.
60.2.b

The GSA's Facilities Standard for the Public Buildings Service notes that automatic controls for daylight dimming save energy.
60.2.a

The GSA's Facilities Standard for the Public Buildings Service notes that automatic controls for occupancy save energy.
Features>Light>60. Automated shading and dimming controls