Action Steps

Create a checklist of requirements and assign a responsible party to each item. 

For Section 3, the design team needs to identify three or more of the listed strategies as possible targets for the project. 

The project manager must take responsibility for ensuring that the requirement checklist is on track.

Note that the guide demands additional time, attention, and integrated process from the design team as compared to conventional projects. It’s not just a list of prescriptive requirements, but a prescribed process for achieving energy efficiency goals. LEED Online documentation requires proof of all steps outlined in Sections 1 and 2, including three conceptual design options and meeting minutes.

Become familiar with the Core Performance Guide early in the design phase to know the multiple requirements and all requisite documents.

Confirm that your project team is comfortable with following all the prescribed requirements. If not, switch to Option 1: Whole Building Energy Simulation. 

Core and Shell projects must mandate the requirements for the tenant spaces within a tenant guideline document such as one developed for SSc9: Tenant Design and Construction Guidelines. 

Keep the owner abreast of the design decisions dictated by the standard. Fill in the team-developed checklist, within the climate zone table’s prescribed requirements, with appropriate envelope improvements, system efficiencies, and a configuration that meets the standard requirements. 

The architect and mechanical engineer should carefully review the ASHRAE Advanced Energy Design Guide for K–12 Schools.

The architect and mechanical engineer should carefully read the applicable ASHRAE Advanced Energy Design Guide for office, warehouse, or retail projects, as applicable.