Find out if it’s feasible to pursue this option. You’ll need to have (or be able to generate) a computer-based energy model running on approved software.
Identify all private offices and spaces with specialty uses—such as break rooms and conference rooms—to understand how many active controls you’ll need.
Identify each solar exposure and the spaces that correspond to those exposures that have to have a separate control zone. An “exposure” is an external wall that’s included in your project scope. Identify all the external walls in your floor plan, and indicate which direction each faces: north, south, east, or west.
Review the zoning and controls requirements to see what it will take to achieve these five points (you have to meet all three requirements to earn any points):
Review sections 1.4, 2.9, and 3.10 in the Advanced Buildings: Core Performance Guide (CPG) to understand the requirements and how they relate to the systems to be installed in the project:
Decide which option best suits your project. Either way, you can only achieve 5 or 10 points, and nothing in between.
Under Option 1 you can earn points for using efficient equipment (5 points) and/or zoning and controls (5 points).
Under Option 2 you have to show energy savings using a computer-based energy model demonstrating a 15% cost savings from the ASHRAE 90.1-2007 baseline building for 5 points or a 30% savings for 10 points.
