Base Build HVAC Plant Requirements

Thanks Marcus, It’s the scope that matters. That's what I thought myself however the note below is reference on this website above. Maybe I am misinterpreting something ? A typical HVAC installation in an office fit-out has a minimal scope. Often the base building’s mechanical systems supply the space with heating and cooling and ventilation air. What is left to the fit-out team is the distribution system which includes diffusers, VAV boxes, and controls. In LEED Interpretation #10134, issued on 11/1/11, USGBC clarified the level of HVAC equipment that must be installed to make a LEED-CI or LEED-Retail-CI project eligible for EAc1.3, Option 1, as being one of the following: Air handlers with Variable Speed Controls complying with the requirements of the Core Performance Guide Section 3.10 that supply at least 60% of the total supply air volume used within the project scope. Mechanical equipment that complies with the prescriptive efficiency requirements of the Core Performance Guide Section 2.9, and provides at least 60% of the cooling or heating capacity for the project scope. The project can comply with the requirements of the credit if the project team can show that the relevant criteria have been met for all HVAC systems serving the area within the project scope, whether or not the HVAC systems are installed as part of the tenant scope of work. Another LEED Interpretation, #10135, further clarifies project scope for this credit, noting that "'project scope' refers to all spaces within the LEED project boundary, regardless of whether or not they are included in the project's scope of work. The project can comply with the requirements of the credit as long as all spaces within the 'project scope' satisfy the requirements." This Interpretation also notes, "Each private office must have its own active controls. Grouping of offices using a single control does not meet the intent of the requirements."

Hi Marcus, I would be very interested in your opinion on the above. We are very likely to achieve this credit if we can ignore the base build. Thanks.

No worries Marcus. Yes my original question may have been a bit general. Your response answers my query.