How could we find a baseline model for an intensely refrigerated building, such as skate / ski indoor pavilion? Does ASHRAE provide with some guide-lines or should we "build" our own baseline, modifying specific parameters (envelope requirements, HVAC systems...) according to similar buildings, duely justified? Any reference in that field? And the last question: in case there's a possibility to find the right baseline for the intensely refrigerated building, would you recommend to split the building complex in different "buildings" ("LEED group certification") when other activities (commercial, etc) cohexist? Thanks in advance.

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Jean Marais

b.i.g. Bechtold DesignBuilder Expert

LEEDuser Basic Member

581 thumbs up

Thu, 02/13/2014 - 13:31

Stadiums, and other entertainment centers are energy destroyers. That being said, greening them up is a great idea. Although, it certainly simplifies matters to "split" the facility into "normal (office)" and "other (playing fields, snow-ramp, etc)", incentifying savings on the just the one side when it could be both, is I believe, not in the spirit of LEED. IMHO, setting up an unverifiable baseline for factors such as "process" including stadium lighting, snow machines, etc. is better than none at all. My advice is to approach the USGBC directly, for guidance on "special" projects. You can't just chop off pieces of the project, just because you can't save there against the baseline. You can save! But you must build the case of the "reference processes".

Marcus Sheffer

LEED Fellow

7group / Energy Opportunities

LEEDuser Expert

4454 thumbs up

Thu, 02/13/2014 - 15:35

The baseline is always defined by Appendix G. This covers all of the regulated components of 90.1 (envelope, HVAC, service hot water, power systems, lighting and motors). The rest is not regulated and is considered process. The unregulated or process loads are modeled identically in both models. If you wish to claim savings related to these loads then you do an exceptional calculation. The baseline for the refrigeration system, for example, is up to you however you must be able to defend your choice to the reviewer. The criteria for the baseline is standard practice for that system in that location. So whatever is the industry standard practice is used as the baseline and you will need to make the case that your baseline represents standard practice. In some cases the baseline may be pretty easy to define, for example perhaps chiller efficiency. In other cases it may be harder to define.

Alex Parella

Architect_LEED AP

LEEDuser Basic Member

6 thumbs up

Fri, 02/14/2014 - 17:42

Thanks a lot for your comments, Jean and Marcus. Jean, I totally agree with you that these building typologies are not the most appropriate to claim energy savings. However, the aim of the promoters is to do their best to improve its efficiency. The idea of splitting the project into different buildings and attempting "group certification" path was mainly due to its clearly independent volumetry and programs. If it's not required, we might avoid it. In fact, a global certification would simplify the whole process. Marcus, regarding the baseline definition, we were considering to exceed the minimum Appendix G climatic zone requirements in our baseline (envelope thermal transmission...), based on our "selected model". That would set us into more restrictive conditions. According to you, should particular cooling requirements (apart from the ice production) be considered as process loads? or could they be understood as special HVAC requirements?

Marcus Sheffer

LEED Fellow

7group / Energy Opportunities

LEEDuser Expert

4454 thumbs up

Fri, 02/14/2014 - 17:59

Space cooling requirements for the occupants are regulated and therefore not a process load.

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