LEED AP Building Design and Construction (BD+C) Practice Exam

How do you calculate the FTE value for a part-time occupant?

1. Based on weekly hours

2. By dividing work hours per day by 8

3. It is always 0.5

4. Fixed at 1.0 regardless of hours

The correct answer is: By dividing work hours per day by 8

The FTE (Full-Time Equivalent) value for a part-time occupant is determined based on the hours they work compared to a standard full-time schedule. The methodology typically involves dividing the number of hours worked per day by the standard full-time hours, which is often considered to be 8 hours in a workday. By dividing work hours per day by 8, you effectively create a standardized metric that represents how part-time occupancy contributes to overall building performance and resource consumption. This calculation allows for a direct comparison between full-time and part-time occupancy, making it essential for accurate sustainability assessments in LEED certification. For instance, if a part-time occupant works 4 hours per day, you would calculate their FTE value as 4 hours divided by 8 hours, resulting in an FTE of 0.5. This method provides a nuanced understanding of occupancy levels and supports more sustainable design and operational strategies.