We have a 14 storie-152600sft building which we are interested in certifying, however, there are 2 problems:
1. The client does not want a water treatment plant.
2. The client wants an air cooled HVAC system because the treated water generated by the building wouldn't meet the requirements for the HVAC system. In addition, mexican code does not allow the use of potable water for air cooling.
Could we still certify the building with air cooling and no treatment plant? Considering compliance with ASHRAE 90.1-2007, Appendix G is a prerequisite?
Marcus Sheffer
LEED Fellow7group / Energy Opportunities
LEEDuser Expert
5868 thumbs up
September 27, 2011 - 10:02 pm
The building could still be certified. Nothing in 90.1 would force you to install a water cooled chiller.
You may be required to compare an air cooled chiller to a water cooled one depending upon building size. If that is the case you will have to find savings in other areas like the envelope and lighting.
Is your square footage gross or conditioned? Table G3.1.1A is based on conditioned space.