After two rounds of review our model was denied because according to the reviewer’s comment it still “it remains unclear whether the energy savings modeled for space heating are justified”. The project claims a reduction in heating energy by 95%. However, we did address all comments of the preliminary review and additionally the issues described as outstanding in the final design review do not seem substantiated. The comments at the final review do not indicate particular errors in the process but only generic comments with some of them having being totally misinterpreted by the reviewer. Moreover, after having used a similar approach to various other projects we are trying to understand what would be the best approach to resolve this issue. Would it be possible to speak directly to the reviewer?
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Santiago Velez
ASHRAE BEMP HBDP - LEED GA, Building Performance ConsultantZonda
20 thumbs up
August 18, 2016 - 10:45 am
I'm sorry to hear that.
The formal way to contact the reviewer is thought a CIR, where you could argue with greater detail how you modelled it and why you think your models are correct.
There use to be an informal way of contacting the reviewer thought email. I remember a link to it in the old interface. I could't find it thought. Maybe somebody else knows if this is still an option.
Good luck!
Marcus Sheffer
LEED Fellow7group / Energy Opportunities
LEEDuser Expert
5914 thumbs up
August 19, 2016 - 11:00 am
The way to contact the the reviewer and set up a call to discuss the issues it through the Contact page on USGBC's web site - http://www.usgbc.org/contactus - click on certification question and fill out the form.
CIRs are used during the process of pursuing LEED certification to seek clarity on something you wish to do ahead of submitting your documentation.
Santiago Velez
ASHRAE BEMP HBDP - LEED GA, Building Performance ConsultantZonda
20 thumbs up
August 19, 2016 - 11:04 am
Good to know. Can you not submit a CIR if you are planning to appeal the credit?
Marcus Sheffer
LEED Fellow7group / Energy Opportunities
LEEDuser Expert
5914 thumbs up
August 19, 2016 - 11:54 am
This may be semantics. A CIR is used before submitting. A project team inquiry is used after submitting to seek clarifications.
Monique Belmer
August 25, 2016 - 11:42 am
This 'heating savings is not justified' must be the latest kick they are on because they just did the same thing to one of mine and the savings are absolutely justified as I explained in about 50 different ways at the 2nd round review. The last trend I recall was justify your envelope or show that the software does the fan calculations correctly.