See all forum discussions about NC-2009 EAp2
 Subscribe to new posts about NC-2009 EAp2 Post a new question aboutNC-2009 EAp2
See LEEDuser’s guidance on NC-2009 EAp2»
FAQs about EAp2 :

For a project outside the U.S., how do I determine the Target Finder score?

Do hotel rooms need automatic light shut-off control?

How commonly are the 90.1 mandatory compliance forms submitted as part of EAp2/EAc1?

The Section 9 space-by-space method does not include residential space types. What should I use?

Can the Passive House Planning Package (PHPP) be used to energy model for LEED?

Is it acceptable to model a split-type AC with inverter technology compressor as a heat pump, like modeling VRF?

Can the Trace 700 'LEED Energy Performance Summary Report' by uploaded to LEED Online in lieu of the Section 1.4 tables spreadsheet?

A portion of our building envelope is historic. Can we exclude it from our model?

Which baseline HVAC system do I use if my building has no heating or air conditioning?

For an existing building, do I need to rotate the model?

Our project has a diesel backup generator. Should we include it in our energy model?

Our project has a large process load—75%. Despite our efforts to make an efficient HVAC design, the cost savings are minimal. What can we do to earn this prerequisite and be eligible for LEED certification? Is there any flexibility in how we model the p

Can SHGC be higher in the proposed than in the baseline model?

Our process load is higher than 25%. Do we have to justify that?

Do I need to justify the electrical and fuel rates I am using in my model?

Our local code references ASHRAE 90.1-2010. Should I use that for my documentation, or 90.1-2007?

Can I claim exterior lighting savings for canopy lighting even though a baseline model cannot include shading elements?

The project is built on a site with existing exterior lighting installed. How should this be accounted for?

Can mezzanines open to floors below be excluded from the energy model?

How do I provide a zip code for an international location?

View answers »

Forum discussion

NC-2009 EAp2:Minimum Energy Performance

Atrium entrances

Default Avatar
Chilufya Lombe
Sustainability Consultant
Solid Green Consulting
LEEDuser Basic Member
23 thumbs up

Hi, we have a large, naturally ventilated atrium in the middle of our building. All entrances to the building are via this enclosed atrium. My understanding is that the vestibule requirement is to reduce energy infiltration from the outdoors and its associated energy impacts. Are vestibules required at the entrances of the atrium? There are separate lobbies that lead to lifts to access the building within the atrium.

0
Post a reply

You rely on LEEDuser. Can we rely on you?

LEEDuser is supported by our premium members, not by advertisers.

Go premium for $15.95  »

Profile picture for user sheffer
Marcus Sheffer
LEED Fellow
7group / Energy Opportunities
LEEDuser Expert
4454 thumbs up

Thu, 03/05/2015 - 15:32

It is very hard to say without seeing the plans. If the atrium is enclosed with a roof one may be able to count the atrium as a very large vestibule. Does one have to go through two sets of doors to get inside the building? Section 5.4.3.4 contains many exceptions, do any of them apply?
Default Avatar
Chilufya Lombe
Sustainability Consultant
Solid Green Consulting
LEEDuser Basic Member
23 thumbs up

Fri, 03/06/2015 - 05:03

None of the exceptions apply. You have to go through the main doors, into the atrium and then a separate set of doors into any tenancy.
Profile picture for user sheffer
Marcus Sheffer
LEED Fellow
7group / Energy Opportunities
LEEDuser Expert
4454 thumbs up

Fri, 03/06/2015 - 21:27

So there are the two sets of doors. If it has a roof I would say you have one big vestibule! The whole idea is that the air outside is tempered by at least a semi-dead air space before the main entry doors are opened.
Default Avatar
Chilufya Lombe
Sustainability Consultant
Solid Green Consulting
LEEDuser Basic Member
23 thumbs up

Mon, 03/09/2015 - 05:25

Great, thank you for the feedback.
Default Avatar
Chilufya Lombe
Sustainability Consultant
Solid Green Consulting
LEEDuser Basic Member
23 thumbs up

Fri, 05/29/2015 - 09:43

Hi, sorry to resurrect this thread. We encountered a problem keeping our atrium 100%naturally ventilated. What we have done now is to exhaust the excess fresh air from the office space via the atrium. This tempers the air in the atrium slightly. Whilst not being active air conditioning, does it now mean the atrium can no longer be considered a vestibule?
Profile picture for user sheffer
Marcus Sheffer
LEED Fellow
7group / Energy Opportunities
LEEDuser Expert
4454 thumbs up

Fri, 05/29/2015 - 14:25

A vestibule can be conditioned. It is common in our cold climates to semi-heat a vestibule. Still sounds like a vestibule to me.

Add new comment

To post a comment, you need to register for a LEEDuser Basic membership (free) or login to your existing profile.