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LEED v4.1

Schools – New Construction

Energy and Atmosphere
Minimum Energy Performance

LEED CREDIT

Schools-NC-v4.1 EAp2: Minimum Energy Performance Required

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SPECIAL REPORT

LEEDuser expert

Marcus Sheffer

7group / Energy Opportunities
LEED Fellow

SPECIAL REPORT

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Intent

To promote resilience and reduce the environmental and economic harms of excessive energy use and greenhouse gas emissions that disproportionately impact frontline communities by achieving a minimum level of energy efficiency for the building and its systems.

Requirements

Comply with ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1–2016, with errata or a USGBC-approved equivalent standard.

ASHRAE 90.1-2016 Compliance pathways in Section 4.2.1.1 include compliance with all mandatory provisions, and compliance with one of the following:

  • Prescriptive provisions of Sections 5 through 10
  • Section 11 Energy Cost Budget Method
  • Normative Appendix G Performance Rating Method. When using Appendix G, the Performance Cost Index (PCI) shall be less than or equal to the Performance Cost Index Target (PCIt) in accordance with the methodology provided in Section 4.2.1.1. Document the PCI, PCIt, and percentage improvement using metrics of cost or greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
  • Exception to Mandatory Measures requirements: For ASHRAE 90.1-2016 mandatory provisions where the Appendix G Performance Rating Method provides a methodology for demonstrating savings between the Proposed Building Performance (PBP) and the Baseline Building Performance (BBP), projects may model the Proposed Building Performance as designed in lieu of compliance with the mandatory provisions.
  • Exceptional Calculations modeled in accordance with Section G2.5 may be modeled to document minimum prerequisite compliance.
  • Only on-site or on-campus renewable energy that meets ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2016 Section G 2.4.1 requirements for on-site renewable energy may be used to meet ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2016 performance requirements.
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Addenda

2/14/2025Updated: 2/21/2025
Reference Guide Correction
Description of change:
Under Project Type Variations, District Energy Systems, add the following text:

"Projects that are served by district energy systems (DES) may demonstrate compliance with EA Prerequisite Minimum Energy Performance and EA Credit Optimize Energy Performance by following one of the following methods.
• Path 1 ASHRAE 90.1-2016 Appendix G. No credit is documented for the purchased energy systems.
o Path 1A. ASHRAE 90.1-2016 Appendix G.
o Path 1B. ASHRAE 90.1-2016 Appendix G with ASHRAE 90.1-2022 Addendum a. (Revise the Appendix G methodology to remove the inherent penalty for DES)
• Path 2 Full DES performance accounting. Credit is documented for the purchased energy systems. The proposed design is modeled using a virtual plant consistent with the district energy system performance, and the baseline design is modeled with on-site systems from ASHRAE 90.1-2016 Appendix G for site generated thermal energy.
• Path 3 Large-scale District Energy Systems. GHG emissions savings associated with the upstream system are documented using the Large-Scale DES Calculator. No energy efficiency savings (using the cost or source energy metric) are documented for the upstream system.
The modeling path chosen by the project team may depend on the relative efficiency of the DES to which the project is connected, how much DES information is available, or whether an energy model already exists for the system. Whenever possible, incorporate system and equipment performance parameters directly into the energy simulation. Potential methods include developing efficiency curves and scheduling equipment operation and curves. Postprocessing of DES performance is acceptable if reasonable simulation methods are not available or are too onerous. All postprocessing methodologies must be fully documented.

All Paths: Scope of DES equipment inclusion
All downstream equipment must be included in the scope of EA Prerequisite Minimum Energy Performance and EA Credit Optimize Energy Performance. Downstream equipment includes heat exchangers, steam pressure reduction stations, pumps, valves, pipes, building electrical services, and controls.

Upstream equipment is included or excluded depending on the chosen path.

Path 1A. ASHRAE 90.1–2016, Appendix G
Model the proposed and baseline designs using purchased energy according to ASHRAE 90.1–2010, Appendix G.

Published purchased energy rates or conversion factors:
Energy Cost: Per ASHRAE 90.1, model the purchased energy rates for each district energy source (purchased hot water, purchased steam, or purchased chilled water) identically in the baseline and proposed design based on actual utility rates, if actual utility rates are available.

GHG Emissions: For the GHG emissions metric, if the published reference for electricity and fossil fuel GHG emission factors also reports emission factors for district energy (purchased hot water, purchased steam, or purchased chilled water), model these published emission factors for each district energy source identically in the baseline and proposed design.

Derivation of DES purchased energy rates or GHG emission factors when unpublished:
If purchased energy rates and/or GHG emission factors are not published for the district energy sources serving the project, derive these purchased energy rates and/or emission factors leveraging the electricity or fossil fuel data. For fossil fuel, use natural gas if the building does not receive fossil fuel and the district energy fuel source is unknown.
• District Chilled Water (CHW):
CHWFactor = ElectricityFactor x 0.325
• District Hot Water (HHW):
HHWFactor = FossilFuelFactor x 1.65
• District Steam Water (Steam):
SteamFactor = FossilFuelFactor x 1.85
Where:
• For the Cost Metric (See further guidance below for purchased energy rates)
o CHWFactor = Chilled water purchased energy rate ($ / unit energy)
o HHWFactor = Hot water purchased energy rate ($ / unit energy)
o SteamFactor = Steam purchased energy rate ($ / unit energy)
o ElectricityFactor = Electricity purchased energy rate ($ / unit energy)
o FossilFuelFactor = Fossil Fuel purchased energy rate ($ / unit energy)
Units of energy must be consistent throughout each equation (i.e. consistently $/kWh or $/kBtu)
• For the GHG Emissions Metric:
o CHWFactor = Chilled water GHG emissions factor
o HHWFactor = Hot water GHG emissions factor
o SteamFactor = Steam GHG emissions factor
o ElectricityFactor = Electricity GHG emissions factor
o FossilFuelFactor = Fossil Fuel GHG emissions factor
Units of each GHG emissions factor must be consistent (in weight of CO2eq emissions per unit of energy)
Additional guidance: Cost Metric ElectricityFactor and FossilFuelFactor.
For the cost metric, in a flat rate structure, in which the building cost per unit of electricity or building cost per unit of natural gas is the same throughout the year and there are no demand charges, then those flat rates become the ElectricityFactor and FossilFuelFactor for the project cost metric. If all energy rate structures are not flat, a preliminary run of the Option 1 baseline case energy model must first be completed to identify the virtual electric rate (ElectricityFactor) and fossil fuel rate (FossilFuelFactor) for the project.

To obtain the virtual fuel rate (FossilFuelFactor) when the connected building does not use fossil fuel but the DES central plant does, use a flat rate consistent with the central plant rates or the historic average local market rates.

Path 1B. ASHRAE 90.1-2016 Appendix G with ASHRAE 90.1-2022 Addendum a.
The project may apply ASHRAE 90.1-2022 Addendum a to the ASHRAE 90.1-2016 Appendix G criteria. This eliminates the inherent penalty in the ASHRAE 90.1-2016 Appendix G Performance Index Targets when modeling “purchased heat” and “purchased chilled water”. Replace all ASHRAE 90.1-2022 Addendum a references to Section 6 prescriptive criteria for the proposed building design with ASHRAE 90.1-2016 Section 6. For the baseline building design HVAC systems, the project team must exclusively reference ASHRAE 90.1-2022 with Addendum a. Free read-only versions of ASHRAE 90.1-2022 are available at https://www.ashrae.org/technical-resources/standards-and-guidelines/read....

90.1-2022 Addendum a criteria as applied to ASHRAE 90.1-2016 Appendix G:
• Model HVAC systems for the baseline building design per ASHRAE 90.1-2022 Appendix G criteria as if all heating and cooling generation equipment is on-site;
• Projects with purchased heat: Model the proposed building design using natural gas forced draft boilers that prescriptively comply with ASHRAE 90.1-2016 Section 6 in lieu of purchased heat. The number of boilers and boiler controls shall meet the requirements of ASHRAE 90.1-2022 Section G3.2.3.2 through G3.2.3.6, without exceptions. Forced draft boiler efficiencies shall be modeled per the mandatory and prescriptive requirements of ASHRAE 90.1-2016 Section 6. Boiler systems with design input exceeding 1,000,000 Btu/h may document credit for minimum turndown ratios per Table 6.5.4.1.
• Projects with purchased chilled water: Model the proposed building design using water-cooled chillers that prescriptively comply with ASHRAE 90.1-2016 Section 6 in lieu of purchased chilled water.
o Model the type and number of water-cooled electric chillers per ASHRAE 90.1-2022 Table G3.2.3.7 based on the peak coincident cooling load of baseline HVAC systems using chilled water (See 90.1-2022 Section G3.2.3.7).
o Model the chilled water (CHW) with a design supply temperature of 44 °F (7 °C) and return temperature of 56 °F (13.3 °C) (See 90.1-2022 Section G3.2.3.8)
o Model each chiller with separate condenser-water and primary chilled-water pumps interlocked to operate with the associated chiller per ASHRAE 90.1-2022 G3.2.3.11. Model the CHW loop as constant-flow primary and variable-flow secondary with the pump power of each loop modeled per 90.1-2022 Section G3.2.3.10, without exceptions. Model secondary loops with a pump motor demand of 30% of design wattage at 50% of design flow per the prescriptive criteria of ASHRAE 90.1-2016 Section 6.5.4.2. For systems with total modeled chilled water capacity exceeding 300,000 Btu/h (25 kW) utilizing DDC CHW control valves, model chilled water supply temperature reset based on valve positions until one valve is wide open or setpoint limits have been reached per ASHRAE 90.1-2016 Section 6.5.4.4.
o Model heat rejection as an axial fan cooling tower with design fan power = 40.2 gpm/hp per ASHRAE 90.1-2016 Table 6.8.1-7, and with design supply temperature and leaving water temperature determined per ASHRAE 90.1-2022 G3.2.3.11. If the total fan power for the heat rejection equipment exceeds 5 hp, model the cooling tower fans with variable-speed fan controls that reduce fan motor demand to no more than 30% of design wattage at 50% of design air volume per ASHRAE 90.1-2016 Section 6.5.11.

Path 2. Full DES performance accounting
For path 2, the energy model scope accounts for both downstream equipment and upstream equipment and requires calculation of the district energy average efficiencies using engineering analysis or monitored data or a combination of both.

Energy rates (Cost Metric)
All DES electricity and fuel rates must be identical in both the baseline and the proposed cases. Use local electricity and fuel rates as they would normally apply to the building for the energy sources under consideration. If this information is not available, use representative market rates.

Exception: For District cooling or district heating plants without cogeneration or fuel cells that operate under specific and atypical electric rate structures and actively take advantage of those rates through strategies such as load management or energy storage, use the rate structures as they apply to the DES.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions Factors
See the guidance in Further Explanation, Greenhouse Gas Emissions.

Baseline building systems
For systems with thermal energy delivered from the district energy system, model the baseline case with on-site systems per ASHRAE 90.1-2022 Addendum a criteria described above.

Proposed building plant
Model the proposed case with a virtual DES-equivalent plant. Use the same efficiencies as the entire upstream DES heating, and cooling, and combined heat and power (CHP) systems, including all distribution losses and energy use.

Equipment efficiencies, distribution losses, and distribution pumping energy may be determined using any of the following methods:
• Monitored data
• Engineering analysis
Efficiencies and losses may be determined and modeled at any level of time resolution, from hourly to annual. However, the time resolution must be sufficiently granular to capture and reasonably represent any significant time- or load-dependent interactions between systems, such as thermal storage or CHP. Monitoring and analytical methods may be combined as necessary and appropriate. Monitoring data for heating, cooling, pumping, and cogeneration may be used only if the thermal loads that are monitored represent at least 90% of the load on the campus or district plant predicted after building occupancy. Whether using monitoring or an analytical method, the methodologies must be fully documented. The following specific requirements apply.


Heating and cooling plants
Efficiencies, whether determined through monitoring or analytically, must include all operational effects, such as standby, equipment cycling, partial-load operation, internal pumping, and thermal losses.

Thermal distribution losses
Use monitored data or an engineering analysis.
• Monitored data determine the distribution losses for the DES by measuring the total thermal energy leaving the plant and comparing it with the total thermal energy used by the buildings connected to the DES. Rate the plant efficiency accordingly in the energy model:

Plant efficiency (%) x [100% – distribution loss (%)]
• An engineering analysis takes into consideration all distribution losses between the DES and the building. For distribution main losses, use a prorated amount based on load. For dedicated branch losses, use the total losses of the branch that feeds the building, including heat losses and steam trap losses. Compare the total losses with the total load of the building to get a percentage distribution loss relative to load and downgrade the plant’s efficiency accordingly in the energy model.
If thermal distribution losses are not measured or modeled, use the following default losses:
o Chilled water district cooling, 5%
o Hot water district heating, 10%
o Closed-loop steam systems, 15%
o Open-loop steam systems, 25%

For steam systems that are partially open and partially closed, prorate between the above 15% and 25% losses in accordance with the fraction of expected or actual condensate loss.
Pumping energy
Whether through monitored data or engineering analysis, determine pumping energy for the project by prorating the total pump energy of the DES by the ratio of the annual thermal load of the building to the total annual DES thermal load. Model the pump energy as auxiliary electrical load. Pumping energy must be determined or estimated where it applies.

District Energy Combined Heat and Power (CHP)
To model the proposed design virtual plant, first monitor or model the total electricity generation, fuel input, and heat recovery associated with the District Energy Combined Heat and Power (CHP):
• Determine annual electricity generation using one of the following methods:
o Monitor the total annual gross electricity generation. Also monitor the total annual parasitic loads, such as the annual electricity used for cooling the intake air for a turbine. Calculate the net annual electricity generation by subtracting all parasitic loads from the annual gross electricity generated.
o Model the generators in energy simulation software per Appendix G. Use peak electricity efficiencies and generator curves that match the installed generators. Apply measured or estimated load profiles as process loads to reflect the estimated total electric and thermal loads on the district energy CHP system. Use the total energy generated and total fuel input from this analysis. Any parasitic loads must be included in the analysis and subtracted from the annual electricity generation.
• Calculate annual fuel input using one of the following methods:
o Monitor the total annual fuel input to the generators.
o Model the generators in energy simulation software per Appendix G. Use peak electricity efficiencies and generator curves that match the installed generators.
• Calculate waste heat recovery using one of the following methods:
o Monitor the total waste heat recovered.
o Model the generators in energy simulation software per Appendix G. Use peak electricity efficiencies and generator curves that match the installed generators. Model the thermal equipment served by the CHP waste heat, such as boilers and absorption chillers, using the installed equipment capacities, efficiencies, and efficiency curves, and reflecting the total heating and cooling loads on the plant as a process load. Use the energy modeling outputs to identify the total heat recovered.
For baseline CHP electricity output, follow the general procedures described in this section for the proposed case, and adjust the results as follows depending on the results of the DES electricity allocation and the total modeled electricity use of the building in the Path 2 proposed case, including the electricity consumption of district plant equipment serving the building:
• Scenario A. If the building’s allocation of CHP-generated electricity is less than or equal to its modeled electricity consumption, no adjustment is necessary. The baseline building is charged with the energy used by its (non-CHP) systems at market rates using standard procedures.
• Scenario B. If the building’s allocation of CHP-generated electricity exceeds its modeled electricity consumption, include the amount of excess CHP electricity case as described in CHP fuel input formulas.
For the proposed design’s CHP electricity output, allocate the electricity generation to the building based on the fraction of thermal loads to the building for the DES sources that use recovered waste heat. For each DES source supplied to the building, determine the fraction of the recovered waste heat applied to that source as well as the amount serving the project building. For relatively simple DES systems, in which the recovered waste heat is used directly in the DES, and for which waste heat serves only heating loads in the connected buildings, use the formula for simple systems:

For CHP plants in which a portion of the recovered heat is used to drive absorption chillers that provide cooling through a DES chilled-water loop, or a portion of the recovered heat is used for a third, separate district energy source (e.g., if the building connects to both a steam loop and a hot-water loop), calculate the electricity generation assigned to each building using the formula for heat recovery-driven chillers.

When modeling CHP fuel input, allocate the CHP input fuel to the project building based on a proration and assignment of the total input fuel according to the results of the CHP electricity allocation described above for CHP electricity output. Use the energy cost and greenhouse gas emissions factors associated with the fuels input to the CHP. For the proposed case (all projects), calculate the CHP input fuel allocated to the building as follows:

For the baseline (scenario B in CHP electricity output only): calculate the CHP input fuel allocated to the building as follows:

The model must include CHP generator efficiencies, based on either ongoing operations (existing CHP) or design specifications (new CHP).
Path 3 Large-scale District Energy System

Path 3 provides a streamlined method for documenting improved greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions performance associated with large scale district energy systems.

Complete the baseline and proposed energy modeling consistent with the guidance for Path 1A. ASHRAE 90.1–2016, Appendix G.

Follow the additional instructions in the Large-Scale DES Calculator (uploaded in the Credit Resources section of the credit library) to demonstrate GHG emissions improvement associated with the district energy plant.
Optional: Projects may generate two sets of baseline and proposed models to separately document the greenhouse gas emissions metric using Path 1A. ASHRAE 90.1-2016 Appendix G with the large-scale district energy calculator, and the cost metric using Path 1B. ASHRAE 90.1-2016 Appendix G with ASHRAE 90.1-2022 Addendum a.

Special Situations for DES Energy Models

Service water heating
If service water is heated in full or in part by DES-supplied heat: For projects applying Path 1A or Path 3, model the energy source as purchased energy.
Projects applying Path 1B shall model the DES supplied service water heating in the Proposed building per 90.1-2022 addendum a replacing all ASHRAE 90.1-2022 Addendum a references to Section 7 mandatory and prescriptive criteria for the proposed building design with ASHRAE 90.1-2016 Section 7. The Baseline shall be modeled per 90.1-2016 Appendix G requirements.

For projects applying Path 2, model the baseline service water heating matching ASHRAE 90.1-2016 Appendix G modeling guidance for a stand-alone on-site service water heating system, and use the Path 2 guidance to model the average efficiency for the proposed design.

Heating converted to cooling
Sometimes the district or campus system heating energy supply is converted to chilled water using absorption chillers or other similar technologies to serve cooling loads. In this circumstance, the equipment that converts heating to cooling may reside within the DES itself, (i.e., DES provides cooling to the building) or within the connected buildings (i.e., DES provides heating to the building; building converts heating to cooling). When the equipment that converts DES-supplied heat into cooling is part of the LEED project’s scope of work, the project must apply either Path 1B, Path 2, or Path 3.
Other DES systems
DES also often incorporate special features, such as thermal storage, ground or surface water cooling, and waste heat recovery. These features should be incorporated into the proposed virtual plant to the greatest extent practical using the general principles presented in this guidance.
Combined Heat and Power (CHP) or other Non-Renewable Electricity Generation Systems
For projects with combined heat and power or other non-renewable electricity generation systems, amend ASHRAE 90.1-2016 G2.4.2 Annual Energy Costs as follows:

Where the proposed design includes on-site electricity generation systems other than on-site renewable energy systems, adjust the baseline and proposed model using one of the following methods:
1. No credit for on-site electricity generation:
o Model on-site electricity generation systems including all fuel inputs and associated site-recovered energy identically in the baseline design and the proposed design, OR
o Model purchased electricity instead of the on-site electricity generation. Model any site-recovered energy from the on-site electricity generation system identically in the baseline and proposed design (either crediting it towards the thermal loads for both the baseline and proposed design or ignoring the site-recovered energy contribution in both the baseline and proposed design).
2. Credit for on-site electricity generation:
Model the baseline design using purchased electricity for all regulated energy sources except HVAC heating and/or service water heating modeled in accordance with Appendix G criteria. Model the proposed design to include the proposed on-site generation system including site-recovered energy. For the cost metric, natural gas or fuel rates for both the baseline and proposed design must be modeled using the current published rates for natural gas associated with the baseline design fuel usage excluding monthly meter charges and shall not be discounted for high fuel usage associated with on-site generation equipment."

Delete:
"If claiming no credit for an upstream district energy system, apply ASHRAE 90.1-2016 requirements, which stipulate that each thermal energy source serving the building shall be modeled as purchased energy, with identical utility rates modeled in the baseline and proposed case. For the GHG emissions metric, use the GHG emissions factors for the relevant energy source.

If claiming credit for an upstream district energy system, contact USGBC to discuss the applicable modeling approach."
Campus Applicable
No
Internationally Applicable:
No
4/21/2023Updated: 5/9/2023
Rating System Correction
Description of change:
Revise the Intent to read as: "...excessive energy use and greenhouse gas emissions that disproportionately..."

Under Requirement delete "For projects using Normative Appendix G Performance Rating Method"

Revise the bullet that starts with "Exception to Mandatory measures requirements:" to read as: " Exception to Mandatory Measures requirements: For ASHRAE 90.1-2016 mandatory provisions where the Appendix G Performance Rating Method provides a methodology for demonstrating savings between the Proposed Building Performance (PBP) and the Baseline Building Performance (BBP), projects may model the Proposed Building Performance as designed in lieu of compliance with the mandatory provisions.

Remove the word "minimum" from the last bullet of Requirements
Campus Applicable
No
Internationally Applicable:
No
4/21/2023Updated: 5/9/2023
Reference Guide Correction
Description of change:
Please refer to the April 2023 tracked changes to view all Reference Guide updates for this credit.
Campus Applicable
No
Internationally Applicable:
No
4/9/2021Updated: 4/20/2021
Reference Guide Correction
Description of change:
RATING SYSTEM:
1. For projects using Normative Appendix G Performance Rating Method, under the subheading "International", revise the first bullet point to read as follows:

International:
o use the latest national grid mix coefficients from the International Energy Agency to calculate GHG emissions by energy source

REFERENCE GUIDE:

2. Further Explanation > Greenhouse Gas Emissions section

In the Greenhouse Gas Emissions section, revise the first sentence in the 4th paragraph to read as follows:
"International projects may use the latest national coefficients from the International Energy Agency to calculate GHG emissions by energy source, or determine greenhouse gas emissions factors for each building energy source based on ISO 52000-1:2017 Energy Performance of Buildings."


3. Further Explanation > International Tips section

In the International Tips section, under Option 1. Tenant-Level Energy Performance Compliance, below the paragraph that begins "Canada: Use the Provincial emissions factors..." add the following paragraph:

"Europe: The Europe ACP for ASHRAE 90.1 Mandatory Provisions Table provides further guidance for project teams in Europe wishing to use European standards in lieu of certain ASHRAE 90.1-2016 mandatory provisions in LEED v4.1. The guidance covers ASHRAE 90.1-2016 Mandatory Provision Sections 5.4, 6.4, 7.4, 8.4, 9.4 and 10. Column 1 of the table references the specific subsection used in ASHRAE 90.1-2016. Column 2 displays the requirement as written in ASHRAE 90.1-2016. Column 3 outlines the compliance pathway available for European projects. Column 4 includes, in some cases, further information about the proposal, differences between the proposal and the ASHRAE requirement, or a reference to further documentation.

Additionally, for projects using the Performance Option for compliance with EA prerequisite Minimum Energy Performance and EA credit Optimize Energy Performance, the documentation must also use the calculated U-factor for fenestration products including windows and skylights based on either the LBNL Windows 6 program, or a simulation software program that approximates the NFRC rating methodologies. Alternatively, a narrative shall be provided supporting the claim that the fenestration U-factor used in the model is similar to the values that would be achieved using the NFRC rating. The CE-marked fenestration does not account for thermal bridging and seasonal performance in the same way as the NFRC rating, and when accounted for in the energy model, has been observed to lead to savings that exceed those claimed for the same fenestration rated under the NFRC ratings."

Campus Applicable
No
Internationally Applicable:
No
4/9/2021Updated: 4/20/2021
Rating System Correction
Description of change:
RATING SYSTEM:
1. For projects using Normative Appendix G Performance Rating Method, under the subheading "International", revise the first bullet point to read as follows:

International:
o use the latest national grid mix coefficients from the International Energy Agency to calculate GHG emissions by energy source

REFERENCE GUIDE:

2. Further Explanation > Greenhouse Gas Emissions section

In the Greenhouse Gas Emissions section, revise the first sentence in the 4th paragraph to read as follows:
"International projects may use the latest national coefficients from the International Energy Agency to calculate GHG emissions by energy source, or determine greenhouse gas emissions factors for each building energy source based on ISO 52000-1:2017 Energy Performance of Buildings."


3. Further Explanation > International Tips section

In the International Tips section, under Option 1. Tenant-Level Energy Performance Compliance, below the paragraph that begins "Canada: Use the Provincial emissions factors..." add the following paragraph:

"Europe: The Europe ACP for ASHRAE 90.1 Mandatory Provisions Table provides further guidance for project teams in Europe wishing to use European standards in lieu of certain ASHRAE 90.1-2016 mandatory provisions in LEED v4.1. The guidance covers ASHRAE 90.1-2016 Mandatory Provision Sections 5.4, 6.4, 7.4, 8.4, 9.4 and 10. Column 1 of the table references the specific subsection used in ASHRAE 90.1-2016. Column 2 displays the requirement as written in ASHRAE 90.1-2016. Column 3 outlines the compliance pathway available for European projects. Column 4 includes, in some cases, further information about the proposal, differences between the proposal and the ASHRAE requirement, or a reference to further documentation.

Additionally, for projects using the Performance Option for compliance with EA prerequisite Minimum Energy Performance and EA credit Optimize Energy Performance, the documentation must also use the calculated U-factor for fenestration products including windows and skylights based on either the LBNL Windows 6 program, or a simulation software program that approximates the NFRC rating methodologies. Alternatively, a narrative shall be provided supporting the claim that the fenestration U-factor used in the model is similar to the values that would be achieved using the NFRC rating. The CE-marked fenestration does not account for thermal bridging and seasonal performance in the same way as the NFRC rating, and when accounted for in the energy model, has been observed to lead to savings that exceed those claimed for the same fenestration rated under the NFRC ratings."

Campus Applicable
No
Internationally Applicable:
No
4/9/2021Updated: 4/19/2021
Rating System Correction
Description of change:
EA prerequisite Minimum Energy Performance:
- revise Intent to read as follows: "To promote resilience and reduce the environmental and economic harms of excessive energy use that disproportionately impact frontline communities by achieving a minimum level of energy efficiency for the building and its systems."

EA credit Optimize Energy Performance:
- revise Intent to read as follows: "To achieve increasing levels of energy performance beyond the prerequisite standard to reduce environmental and economic harms associated with excessive energy use that disproportionately impact frontline communities."
Campus Applicable
No
Internationally Applicable:
No
7/25/2019Updated: 3/1/2021
Reference Guide Correction
Description of change:
Before the section "Referenced Standards" add a new section that reads as follows:

"International Tips

Option 1. Energy Performance Compliance

Canada:
Use the Provincial (where available) emissions factors reported in the National Inventory Report, submitted by Canada to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, to calculate GHG emissions by energy source; these emissions factors are readily found in the ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager Greenhouse Gas Emissions Technical Reference (https://portfoliomanager.energystar.gov/pdf/reference/Emissions.pdf)."
Campus Applicable
No
Internationally Applicable:
No
11/9/2020Updated: 12/7/2020
Regional ACP
Description of change:
See the Resource Library for full ACP requirements and documentation.
Campus Applicable
No
Internationally Applicable:
No
11/10/2020Updated: 11/25/2020
Reference Guide Correction
Description of change:
Step-by-Step Guidance:

1. Under Step 2. Review and address ASHRAE mandatory requirements, add the below text as a new bullet point below the bullet point "Confirm that compliant components are included in the final construction documents.":
"Projects are encouraged to design the project to comply with the mandatory energy monitoring provisions defined in Section 6.4.3.11.1 Monitoring and Section 8.4.3 electrical energy monitoring. However, since these requirements are separately addressed in EA Prerequisite Building-Level Energy Metering and EA Credit Advanced Energy Metering, projects are not required to comply with the mandatory provisions from these two sections."

2. In the first sentence under Step 3. Identify energy use target for building, replace both instances of "EA credit Optimize Energy Performance" with "IP credit Integrative Process"

3. Under Step 4. Select option for credit compliance, in the first sentence in the last bullet point in the list, remove the word "also" so that the sentence reads as follows: " If the project is not pursuing any points under EA credit Optimize Energy Performance, the project may demonstrate EA prerequisite Minimum Energy Performance compliance using ASHRAE 90.1-2016 Section 11 Energy Cost Budget. "

4. Under Step 5. Develop preliminary energy model or alternate energy analysis, revise the second half of the first sentence "To achieve EA credit Optimize Energy Performance, project teams must analyze efficiency measures during the design process," so that it reads as follows:
"focusing on load reduction and HVAC-related strategies or passive measures appropriate for the facility, and account for the results during design decision making."

5. Under Step 6. below the sentence that reads "Once the HVAC system and other design parameters are established, build or update the proposed building energy model to reflect the anticipated design", before the final 2 bullet points that start "Energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions offset by on-site or on-campus renewable energy systems..." and "Energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions offset..." adda new section header titled "Renewable Energy in the Energy Model." Beneath the new section header add the following 2 bullet points:
" Energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions offset by on-site or on-campus renewable energy systems count towards energy savings for compliance with the prerequisite when these systems are included on the building permit or on a master site permit including the building for a contiguous campus consistent with ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2016 Section G2.4.1 requirements, and associated environmental attributes are retained by the building owner. ASHRAE 90.1-2016 defines on-site renewable energy as “energy generated from renewable sources produced at the building site”, which includes on-site photovoltaics systems, wind generators, or thermal or electric generation from methane capture or qualifying biofuel sourced from the project or campus site, but does not include electric generation or thermal generation from off-site renewable sources.
 Greenhouse gas emissions offset by New Tier 2 off-site renewable energy systems qualifying under EA credit Renewable Energy may be included in the model for achievement of points using the greenhouse gas emissions calculation under EA credit Optimize Energy Performance, but may not be included in the model for prerequisite compliance. Modeled building GHG emissions and avoided GHG emissions from Tier 2 off-site renewable energy can be modeled using the hourly generation profile from the project’s grid region and the renewable generation grid region in locations where hourly emissions factors are available."

6. Revise the final two sentences at the bottom of Step 6 so that they read as follows: "Use the results from the baseline and proposed models and the Building Performance Factor to determine the anticipated energy cost and greenhouse gas emissions savings (see Further Explanation, Energy Savings). Either the cost or the GHG emissions metric may be used to show prerequisite compliance."

Further Explanation:

7. Climate Zone Determination: add the following sentence to the end of the second paragraph, after the sentence "For locations outside of the U.S. and Canada, refer to the closest or most similar location in Table Annex 1-3.":
"International projects may also refer to ASHRAE Standard 169-2013 to determine the project’s climate zone based on historical weather data for the project’s location."

8. Performance Path: In the final paragraph in the "Performance Path" section:
- In the first sentence of the paragraph, add "and all mandatory measures from each Section" after the "Appendix G" so that the parentheses appear as follows: "(Appendix G and all mandatory measures from each Section in particular)"
- Revise the last sentence in the paragraph so that it reads as follows: "The energy modeler should also consider reading the ASHRAE 90.1–2016 User’s Manual, which provides examples and further guidance relevant to Appendix G."

9. Prescriptive Paths: In the sentence that begins "Although the prescriptive paths are applicable to some large or complex projects," strike the words "schools and".

10. Schedules: Delete the sentence "Refer to the LEED v4 reference guide". Add the following text:
"If anticipated operating schedules are unknown, helpful guidance for determining model inputs for occupancy, lighting, HVAC system, receptacle power, and service hot water consumption values can be found in the ASHRAE 90.1–2016 User’s Manual, Appendix G.

Align the time steps used in the modeled schedules with the time steps used for determining peak demand. For elevators, the modeled peak power for the elevator motors must either be scaled down from the instantaneous peak by an equal factor in the baseline and proposed design to represent the hourly peak, or the fractional schedule modeled for elevators shall have a peak operating percentage that aligns with the peak hourly demand as a fraction of the peak instantaneous demand. For example, if the peak elevator motor power for the proposed design is 100 kW, the peak elevator motor power for the baseline design is 120 kW, and the peak hourly demand for the proposed elevators is 5 kW, the elevator motor power shall either be modeled as: hourly schedules that peak at 100% of design power, and peak hourly demand modeled as 5 kW in the Proposed Design and 6 kW in the Baseline design; or hourly schedules that peak at 5% (including for Baseline HVAC system sizing), and peak hourly demand modeled as 100 kW in the Proposed Design and 120 kW in the Baseline design.

Similar schedule or peak hourly load adjustments apply for receptacle power (with maximum connected load versus peak hourly demand) and service water heating (with maximum instantaneous flow versus peak hourly demand).

Schedules must be identical in both the baseline and the proposed cases unless documented in an exceptional calculation or specifically allowed by ASHRAE 90.1–2016 Appendix G (see Further Explanation, Exceptional Calculation Method).

Certain space types may require specific schedules based on anticipated operation and may vary by space type. For example, a server room may have different temperature schedules than an occupied space. Exceptions to Section G3.1.1 may require modeling of a different baseline HVAC system type in spaces with schedules that vary significantly from the rest of the building.

Different lighting schedules should be used for a project with both office and retail occupancy when the space-by-space method is used, or when the building area method is used with multiple building type classifications. Different schedules cannot be used, however, if an average lighting power density is applied to the whole project."

11. Energy Cost: In the sentence that begins "Per ASHRAE 90.1-2016, to qualify as an on-site system, the renewable energy must be generated on-site from renewable sources produced at the building..." in the second paragraph, strike the "and" after "at the building", and add the following text after the phrase "the system must be part of the project scope of work": ", and the renewable attributes must be retained for the project building."

12. Greenhouse Gas Emissions:
- Delete the sentence "For projects that are using biofuels to generate electricity or heat within the building, contact USGBC to discuss the appropriate method for deriving Greenhouse Gas Emission factors. "
- in the final sentence that begins "For Optimize Energy Performance credit compliance..." replace the phrase "new off-site" with "Tier 2 off-site"
- after the sentence that begins "For Optimize Energy Performance credit compliance..." add the following sentence: "For projects claiming credit for GHG emissions reductions associated with Tier 2 off-site renewable energy in EA credit Optimize Energy Performance, building GHG emissions and avoided GHG emissions from Tier 2 off-site renewable energy can be modeled using the hourly generation profile from the project’s grid region and the renewable generation grid region in locations where hourly emissions factors are available."

13. In Table 3. Changes in ASHRAE 90.1 Performance Rating Method Requirements, 2010 to 2016, under HVAC & Refrigeration Equipment, in the row "HVAC System Type (G3.1.1, Table G3.1#10, Table G3.1.1-3, Table G3.1.1-4)", revise the text in the column "ASHRAE 90.1-2016 Appendix G": move the sentence that begins "Baseline system heating type is dependent on climate zone rather..." and the sentence that begins "Baseline fossil fuel heating systems shall always be modeled using natural gas..." so that they appear before the sentences that begin "Further clarity is provided for identifying the order of priority..." and "Additional HVAC system type categorizations added..."

Rating System Variations

14. Retail: Add the phrase "except for refrigeration equipment and kitchen hood requirements specifically addressed by ASHRAE 90.1-2016." to the end of the bullet point that reads " Refer to Appendix 3. Table 1 for energy consumption values of equipment and refrigeration"

Project Type Variations

15. Option 1. Canada: add "Provincial" before "emissions factors" and "(where available)" after "emissions factors" to the sentence so that it reads: "Use the Provincial emissions factors (where available) reported in the National Inventory Report, submitted by Canada to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change..."
Campus Applicable
No
Internationally Applicable:
No
11/10/2020Updated: 11/25/2020
Rating System Correction
Description of change:
Under the heading "For projects using Normative Appendix G Performance Rating Method:" make the following changes:

1. delete "and Canada" from the sub-heading that reads "US and Canada"
2. beneath the bullet point "use hourly emissions profiles from U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) AVoided Emissions and geneRation Tool (AVERT)", and a new sub-heading that reads "Canada:". Underneath "Canada:" add the following bullet point:

"o use the provincial (where available) emissions factors reported in the National Inventory Report, submitted by Canada to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, to calculate GHG emissions by energy source; these emissions factors are readily found in the ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager Greenhouse Gas Emissions Technical Reference."
Campus Applicable
No
Internationally Applicable:
No
4/10/2020Updated: 4/17/2020
Form Update
Description of change:
Changes made:
• Improved general functionality and formatting
• Bug fixes for the General Info, Schedules, Multifamily Details, Shading and Fenestration, Lighting Counts, Process Loads, General HVAC, Baseline Air-side HVAC, Proposed Air-side HVAC, and Water-Side HVAC tabs
• Updates to Performance Output tabs to reflect v4.1 rating system updates
Campus Applicable
No
Internationally Applicable:
No
11/14/2019Updated: 11/14/2019
Form Update
Description of change:
LEED v4.1 Minimum Energy Performance Calculator published
Campus Applicable
No
Internationally Applicable:
Yes
7/25/2019Updated: 7/30/2019
Reference Guide Correction
Description of change:
Add the following reference to the list of Referenced Standards, including the direct link to the resource:

Developing Performance Cost Index Targets for ASHRAE Standard 90.1 Appendix G - Performance Rating Method
https://www.pnnl.gov/main/publications/external/technical_reports/PNNL-2...
Campus Applicable
No
Internationally Applicable:
No
4/9/2019
LEED Interpretation
Inquiry:

Our project is subject to ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2013 for code compliance. To pursue Option 1: Energy Performance Compliance in LEED v4.1 BD+C, is there a methodology for documenting additional energy performance for LEED v4.1 projects regulated by ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2013?

Ruling:

Yes, projects applying Option 1: Energy Performance Compliance, and regulated by ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2013 or IECC 2015 may document achievement of LEED v4.1 BD+C EA Prerequisite Minimum Energy Performance and EA Credit Optimize Energy Performance as described below:
Comply with all mandatory provisions of ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2013 or IECC 2015.

AND

Demonstrate a Percentage improvement in the Proposed Building Performance beyond the Baseline Building performance in accordance with ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-2013, Appendix G.

Calculate the Baseline Building Performance, Proposed Building Performance, and Percentage Improvement using metrics of cost and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. For each energy source serving the building, the GHG emission factors must be identical for the Baseline and Proposed building models.

The LEED prerequisite Percentage Improvement requirements may be demonstrated either using metrics of cost from Table 1 or greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from Table 2. LEED points are calculated based on the project percent improvement for cost and GHG emissions. Total points have been divided equally between the metrics of energy cost and greenhouse gas emissions. Points are awarded according to Table 1 and Table 2.

For project percent improvement for the cost metric, on-site renewable energy may be subtracted from proposed energy cost prior to calculating proposed building performance per ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2013 Section G 2.4.1.

Table 1. Points for percentage improvement in energy performance – Cost (1-9 points NC and CS, 1-8 points Schools, 1-10 points Healthcare)

New
Construction
(except
Healthcare,
Schools,
Multifamily
Residential)
Healthcare,
Major
Renovation,
CS

Schools
Points
BD+C
(except
Schools,
Healthcare)
Points
Healthcare
Points
Schools

7%
3%
15%
Prerequisite
Prerequisite
Prerequisite

12%
5%
20%
1
1
1

17%
8%
25%
2
2
2

22%
13%
30%
3
3
3

27%
18%
35%
4
4
4

32%
23%
40%
5
5
5

37%
28%
45%
6
6
6

42%
33%
50%
7
7
7

47%
38%
-
8
8
-

52%
43%
60%
9
9
8

57%
48%
65%
EP
10
EP

-
53%
-
-
EP
-

On-site renewable energy may be subtracted from proposed greenhouse gas emissions prior to calculating proposed building performance per ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2013 Section G 2.4.1. New off-site renewable energy as defined in EA credit Renewable Energy may be subtracted from proposed greenhouse gas emissions prior to calculating proposed building performance.

Table 2. Points for percentage improvement in energy performance – Greenhouse Gas Emissions (1-9 points NC, 1-8 points Schools, 1-10 points Healthcare)

New Construction (except Healthcare, Schools, Multifamily Residential)
Healthcare, Major Renovation, CS
Schools
Points BD+C (except Schools, Healthcare)
Points Healthcare
Points Schools

7%
3%
15%
Prerequisite
Prerequisite
Prerequisite

12%
5%
20%
1
1
1

17%
8%
25%
2
2
2

23%
13%
31%
3
3
3

31%
19%
37%
4
4
4

39%
27%
43%
5
5
5

47%
35%
50%
6
6
6

55%
43%
60%
7
7
7

65%
50%
-
8
8
-

80%
65%
80%
9
9
8

100%
80%
100%
EP
10
EP

-
100%
-
-
EP
-

Campus Applicable
No
Internationally Applicable:
No
1/4/2016
LEED Interpretation
Inquiry:

Where the local code does not require vestibules or allows alternatives, can the project team take a penalty for not including vestibules in the design model?

Ruling:

Yes, in locations where the local code does not require vestibules or revolving doors the project team may choose one of the two options below. Additionally, all projects using this method must provide a narrative explaining how infiltration and exfiltration of air through building entries is addressed in the design.

1. Manual subtraction of the energy cost savings associated with vestibules as conservatively estimated by PNNL-20026 “Energy Saving Impact of ASHRAE 90.1 Vestibule Requirements: Modeling of Air Infiltration through Door Openings”. Refer to the Related Resource “Default Deduction for Vestibules” for the specific percentage subtraction required based on project type and climate zone.
2. Provide detailed exceptional calculation method calculations with each step of the calculation clearly described and in alignment with the analysis performed in PNNL-20026, but specific to the project building. Document the additional energy consumption of the project building associated with removing the vestibules from the project. No credit will be given for the use of air curtains when using this approach. A sensitivity analysis related to the number of occupants entering on an hourly basis would need to be justified. The narrative would also need to justify that the simulation software is capable of addressing the conditions required for the calculation. (Software with a well-mixed air assumption would not be able to apply this modeling approach).

***Update 11/9/20: This ruling is now applicable to LEED v4.1 BD+C and ID+C projects.

Campus Applicable
No
Internationally Applicable:
Yes
7/2/2018
LEED Interpretation
Inquiry:

Our project is located in California. To pursue Option 1: Whole Building Simulation, is there a methodology for documenting additional energy performance for LEED v4 projects regulated by Title 24-2016 or later?

Ruling:

Project Type(NC = New Construction)
(CS = Core & Shell or unfinished space)
(CI = Interior Fitout)

Additional Percent Savings

Title 24 2016 /
Title 24 2019

Title 24 2022 (or later)

Added to ASHRAE 90.1-2010 (v4)
Added to ASHRAE 90.1-2010 (v4)
Added to ASHRAE 90.1-2016 (v4.1)

TDV Energy (replacing cost & GHG metrics)
TDV Energy (replacing cost metric)
SOURCE Energy (replacing GHG metric)
TDV Energy (replacing cost metric)

SOURCE Energy (replacing GHG metric)

Building Design & Construction (BD+C):

NC - Office
7%
18%
20%
4%
6%

NC - Retail (except restaurant/grocery)
8%
25%
29%
10%
14%

NC - Restaurant / Grocery
0%
18%
20%
4%
6%

NC – School
7%
20%
25%
5%
10%

NC – Healthcare
0%
8%
8%
2%
2%

NC – Hospitality
8%
15%
20%
0%
5%

NC – Warehouse
0%
28%
28%
10%
10%

NC – Multifamily (4+ stories)
8%
16%
20%
4%
8%

Multifamily low-rise (<4 stories)1
8%
16%
20%
4%
8%

Single family residential1
8%
16%
20%
4%
8%

Data Center
0%
10%
10%
0%
0%

All Other (< 50% unregulated TDV)
0%
15%
15%
5%
5%

All Other (≥50% unregulated TDV)
0%
8%
8%
0%
0%

CS-Office
5%
12%
16%
1%
4%

CS-Retail (except restaurant/grocery)
7%
20%
25%
5%
10%

CS-Restaurant/grocery
0%
13%
15%
2%
3%

CS-School
7%
15%
20%
2%
8%

CS-Healthcare
0%
8%
8%
2%
2%

CS-Hospitality
7%
11%
15%
0%
4%

CS-Warehouse
0%
21%
21%
6%
6%

CS-Multifamily
7%
9%
13%
1%
4%

CS-All Other
0%
8%
8%
0%
0%

Interior Design & Construction (ID+C):

CI-Office
6%
Use v4.1
Use v4.1
0%
0%

CI-Retail (except restaurant/grocery)
7%
Use v4.1
Use v4.1
6%
6%

CI-Restaurant/grocery
0%
Use v4.1
Use v4.1
0%
0%

CI-School
7%
Use v4.1
Use v4.1
3%
3%

CI-Healthcare
0%
Use v4.1
Use v4.1
0%
0%

CI-Hospitality
7%
Use v4.1
Use v4.1
0%
0%

CI-Warehouse
0%
Use v4.1
Use v4.1
9%
9%

CI-Multifamily
7%
Use v4.1
Use v4.1
0%
0%

CI-All Other
0%
Use v4.1
Use v4.1
0%
0%

Campus Applicable
No
Internationally Applicable:
No
7/8/2017
LEED Interpretation
Inquiry:

ASHRAE 90.1-2010 mandatory requirement 8.4.2 Automatic Receptacle Control applies to 125 Volt receptacles in private offices, open offices, and computer classrooms. Are there any cases where exceptions to these mandatory requirements will be allowed?

Ruling:

The project team is requesting clarification regarding how to model spaces where mandatory ASHRAE 90.1 receptacle controls are not implemented. Projects using one of the following two compliance paths are exempt from the receptacle control requirements:

1. Path 1: Projects Using Option 1. Whole Building Energy Simulation may model a penalty in the Proposed model for the spaces where mandatory ASHRAE 90.1 receptacle controls are not implemented. The following modeling requirements apply:
• The receptacle power density modeled for these spaces shall be the greater of 0.75 Watts per square foot (8.1 Watts per square meter) or the design coincident peak receptacle power density (if known).
• The receptacle schedule modeled in the Baseline for these spaces shall have a minimum Equivalent Full Load Hours of operation no less than:
o The ASHRAE 90.1-2010 User’s Manual default schedule for office occupancy (2,920 Equivalent Full Load Hours per year)
OR
o 120% of the occupied hours of operation for the facility
OR
o Detailed justification shall be provided supporting an alternate schedule.

• The Proposed model shall include either a 20% increase in the receptacle power density for these spaces OR a 20% increase in the scheduled receptacle Equivalent Full Load Hours of Operation versus the Baseline model.

2. Path 2: Projects must demonstrate that the project has implemented efficiency measures that will achieve an equal or greater reduction in receptacle energy consumption, and will persist for a similar timeframe to those achieved by ASHRAE 90.1-2010 Section 8.4.2. It is recommended that a Credit Interpretation Request be submitted when pursuing this approach. The project must provide documentation regarding the receptacle equipment controls that will be implemented for the project; and must provide justification supporting the claim that the savings over the life of the efficiency measure will be similar to those anticipated for a project compliant with Section 90.1-2010 Section 8.4.2. Note: The baseline and proposed receptacle energy consumption for these spaces must be modeled identically if using this approach; the project is not eligible for any further receptacle savings in these spaces using the Exceptional Calculation Method.

Update 3/1/2024:
This LEED Interpretation is not applicable to projects subject to the LEED v4 2024 update because the allowance is directly incorporated into the v4 2024 update Reference Guide content for EAp Minimum Energy Performance.

Update 4/21/2023:
Note, the additional requirements published on 11/9/2020 for v4.1 projects using Path 1 are incorporated into the v4 Reference Guide content for EAp Minimum Energy Performance.

Update 11/9/2020:
Where ASHRAE 90.1 receptacle controls are not implemented in accordance with Section 8.4.2 mandatory requirements, LEED v4.1 projects may apply either Path 1 or Path 2, subject to the following requirements for Path 1:
• Path 1: LEED v4.1 projects Using the Appendix G Performance Rating Method may model a penalty in the energy model. The following modeling requirements apply:
o The Proposed receptacle power density modeled for these spaces shall be the greater of 0.75 Watts per square foot (8.1 Watts per square meter) or the design coincident peak receptacle power density (if known)
o The receptacle schedule modeled in the Proposed design for these spaces shall have a minimum Equivalent Full Load Hours of operation no less than: the ASHRAE 90.1-2016 User’s Manual default schedule for office occupancy (2,920 Equivalent Full Load Hours per year); or 120% of the occupied hours of operation for the facility; or detailed justification shall be provided supporting an alternate schedule.
o The Baseline model shall include either a 20% decrease in the receptacle power density for these spaces OR a 20% decrease in the scheduled receptacle Equivalent Full Load Hours of Operation versus the Proposed model.

Campus Applicable
No
Internationally Applicable:
Yes
4/9/2021
LEED Interpretation
Inquiry:

Our project is subject to ASHRAE 90.1-2019 for code compliance. ASHRAE 90.1-2019 Appendix G is very similar to ASHRAE 90.1-2016 Appendix G, with minor addenda between versions of the standard.

Can our project apply ASHRAE 90.1-2019 Appendix G in lieu of ASHRAE 90.1-2016 Appendix G? The Building Performance Factors referenced would be those published in ASHRAE 90.1-2016 Section 4.2.1.1 (e.g. the less stringent Building Performance Factors associated with the earlier version of the standard).

Ruling:

Yes, the project may apply ASHRAE 90.1-2019 Appendix G or 90.1-2022 Appendix G in lieu of ASHRAE 90.1-2016 Appendix G. Replace the referenced ASHRAE 90.1 Section 4.2.1.1 Building Performance Factors with the less stringent Building Performance Factors from ASHRAE 90.1-2016 Section 4.2.1.1 when calculating the LEED results.

Note: For Unfinished spaces and systems, where ASHRAE 90.1-2019 or 90.1-2022 Appendix G Table G3.1 Proposed Building Performance references ASHRAE 90.1 Sections 5 through 9 requirements, the corresponding references from ASHRAE 90.1-2016 Sections 5 through 9 shall be referenced in the model.

***Updated 3/1/2024 to include ASHRAE 90.1-2022.

Campus Applicable
No
Internationally Applicable:
No
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© Copyright U.S. Green Building Council, Inc. All rights reserved.

Intent

To promote resilience and reduce the environmental and economic harms of excessive energy use and greenhouse gas emissions that disproportionately impact frontline communities by achieving a minimum level of energy efficiency for the building and its systems.

Requirements

Comply with ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1–2016, with errata or a USGBC-approved equivalent standard.

ASHRAE 90.1-2016 Compliance pathways in Section 4.2.1.1 include compliance with all mandatory provisions, and compliance with one of the following:

  • Prescriptive provisions of Sections 5 through 10
  • Section 11 Energy Cost Budget Method
  • Normative Appendix G Performance Rating Method. When using Appendix G, the Performance Cost Index (PCI) shall be less than or equal to the Performance Cost Index Target (PCIt) in accordance with the methodology provided in Section 4.2.1.1. Document the PCI, PCIt, and percentage improvement using metrics of cost or greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
  • Exception to Mandatory Measures requirements: For ASHRAE 90.1-2016 mandatory provisions where the Appendix G Performance Rating Method provides a methodology for demonstrating savings between the Proposed Building Performance (PBP) and the Baseline Building Performance (BBP), projects may model the Proposed Building Performance as designed in lieu of compliance with the mandatory provisions.
  • Exceptional Calculations modeled in accordance with Section G2.5 may be modeled to document minimum prerequisite compliance.
  • Only on-site or on-campus renewable energy that meets ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2016 Section G 2.4.1 requirements for on-site renewable energy may be used to meet ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2016 performance requirements.

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