Query
To comply with the requirement for thermal comfort (conditioned spaces) under Criteria 14, we have used the 'Berkeley tool for thermal comfort' based on ASHRAE Standard 55, 2013. Will this approach be accepted for compliance with GRIHA Criterion 11
Solution
The compliance 14.1.2 under criterion 14 clearly states to submit the hourly calculations to show that the thermal comfort conditions are being met in air-conditioned areas, as specified in NBC code 2005 for all occupied hours. Whereas the CEB thermal comfort tool only gives indication whether the set parameters are good enough to meet the ASHRAE 55 2013 thermal comfort requirement.
Hence showing the compliance with CEB thermal comfort tool alone is not acceptable. To meet the compliance 14.1.2 requirement project needs to submit annual thermal comfort performance of the building and unmet comfort conditions (unmet hours) for air conditioned areas supported by simulation results.