The simplest way to optimize occupant comfort is to provide occupants with the greatest range of controllability over environmental conditions as possible, allowing people to adjust their surroundings or seek out spaces conducive to their working patterns and personal comfort levels. Thermal zones and individual lighting controls allow occupants to alter their thermal and lighting environment respectively. Consider designing for natural daylight with glare control and photosensor controlled electric lighting. Providing mobility, through wireless internet connections and mobile office equipment, gives even greater flexibility.

Human behavior can contribute to system efficiencies and implementing an ongoing occupant education program can be the most cost-effective means of ensuring occupant comfort. Green Teams can advance these efforts by educating fellow occupants and promoting sustainable practices. Obtaining the active participation of building occupants coupled with daylight and glare control, photosensor controls and dimming, adjustable task lighting, and thermal comfort controls can reduce overall energy use and provide better occupant comfort. Clearly communicate IEQ goals, meter energy use, and share energy use data with occupants. Provide a means for occupants to report malfunctioning sensors, controls, and other issues so corrective action can be taken.

Building automation consists of a computer-based system with integrated measurement sensors and control devices for components such as HVAC equipment, lighting, and renewable energy systems. Building Automation Systems (BAS) are a common form of energy management and information system (EMIS). Monitoring and controlling building systems allows building owners to identify opportunities for improved performance by tracking energy and water use, ventilation and other elements of IEQ, security and other operations. Investing in a BAS can realize significant savings:

• Consider synergies among building systems.
• Employ ongoing commissioning practices to ensure building systems are properly calibrated and maintained over their lifespan.
• Use data to address areas of concern.

Building automation is interrelated with energy efficiency, water efficiency, ongoing commissioning, systems level metering and lighting control. Consider these strategies and other cost-effective upgrades:

• A daylighting system that integrates photosensor controls, dimming and glare control can provide high quality natural light to workspaces while significantly reducing the need for electric light and the energy it consumes.
• Multi-zone HVAC systems reduce energy consumption while providing occupants more control of thermal conditions such as temperature, humidity and air speed. Consider dividing space into multiple and manageable zones according to use requirements, size, and location. Thermal comfort can also be enhanced by using a ventilation terminal control system with multi-zone VAV box terminal controls and individual airflow controls.

Healthy Cleaning and IEQ Management Plans require organizational resources rather than a large financial cost upfront. Optimizing the effectiveness of custodial personnel, through ongoing education and training, can offset any price premiums associated with non-hazardous cleaners and equipment. Pollutant source control measures, such as entryway systems and high-MERV rated filters, do not require a high upfront investment but mitigate ongoing maintenance costs.

Set lighting goals (e.g., for Lighting Power Density and Daylighting) early in the project and employ a 'layers of light' approach by harvesting daylight for overhead light levels while providing occupants with additional lighting options to meet their needs.

Large windows can provide daylight to interior spaces and daylight is optimized when complementary technologies are employed, such as photosensor controls and dimming that provide a gradual transition between natural and artificial light throughout the day. Light shelves can help light penetrate deep into the interior of the space, making the best use of a window's area. Exterior shading or overhangs can let more light into the space during the winter, when heat from the sun is beneficial, and block higher-angled light in the summer, decreasing cooling loads. Window coatings also have an impact on the amount and color of light entering the space. Provide occupants seated near windows with glare control integrated into the daylighting strategy.

Several measures can help ensure high quality indoor air by limiting harmful airborne contaminants, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), mold spores, and particulate matter.

• First, control pollutant sources: integration of low-emitting materials and entryway systems with comprehensive Healthy Cleaning, Integrated Pest Management, and IEQ maintenance plans will help prevent contaminants from being introduced to the space.
• Second, provide adequate fresh air through proper ventilation. While increasing the ventilation rates of the HVAC system is the easiest way to replenish indoor air, it can use additional energy. Balance IAQ with energy efficiency by installing CO2 sensors at strategic locations to ensure that adequate ventilation is available based on space occupancy and use, but only when needed (also known as Demand Control Ventilation). Natural ventilation approaches can also help achieve good indoor air quality while minimizing additional energy use.

Ensure that spaces designated for centralized collection of waste and recycling are ventilated adequately and that all waste and recycling collection equipment is cleaned and maintained on a regular basis. Special care must be taken to control pests and odors. Ensure routine collection from compost containers, which should be air-tight (some have carbon filter lids) to prevent unwanted odors and pests. Consider spaces where sensitive activities take place or that serve vulnerable populations, such as Child Care Centers. Ensure these spaces are located a safe distance away from centralized collection of waste and recycling and that these areas do not share common space or HVAC systems.