Find the best credit compliance path based on your building type and energy-efficiency targets. Use the following considerations, noting that some projects are more suited to a prescriptive approach than others.
An automated building management system (BMS) can significantly reduce building energy use by turning down air conditioning and turning off lights during unoccupied hours, along with other similar measures. Occupancy sensors, timers, and temperature sensors feed into the system to switch off lights and fans when not needed. Note that controls can be counted towards energy reductions only through energy modeling.
Note that energy efficiency is not just about efficient boilers and chillers. To achieve high targets, the design of the building has to help reduce dependence on mechanical heating and cooling throughout the year, through measures like orientation, moderate glazing areas, and self-shading.
To earn points for EAc1 you’ll most likely have to significantly exceed your local energy code. Achieving this energy reduction requires special attention to detail by your entire team from the beginning of the design process, and dedicated leadership from the owner.
Schedule the installation of absorptive composite materials so that they are protected from construction air contaminants. This is required if projects are attempting EQc3.1: Construction Indoor Air Quality Plan—During Construction, but is a good practice in any case. For example, storing or installing composite
The credit requirements apply to composite materials manufactured off-site as well as assembled onsite. This differs from the requirements for EQc4.1 and EQc4.2, which only cover products applied onsite.
Achieving this credit may be necessary if your project is also pursuing the air-testing option of EQc3.2: Construction IAQ Management Plan—Before Occupancy. The use of products that don’t comply with EQc4.4 may cause your project team to fail the air-quality tests.
