We are working on a manufacturing plant in Mexico that began operations in 2011. Our performance period has began in May 2013 and will end in December 2013 (therefore we will have 3 years of energy information at the end).
The plant has changed process lines and products along these past years so we are performing a normalization.
To follow Case 2 Option 2B, do we need to have three years of data previous to the performance period to create a baseline?, or
Should we normalize a baseline considering the first year of data (2011), or two years of data (2011, 2012) to normalize the "baseline" and then compare that data with the performance period energy consumption?
We will appreciate any help.
Peter Locke
Sustainability Consulting DirectorMcKinstry
7 thumbs up
May 3, 2013 - 4:57 pm
For Case 2 option 2 B, LEED EB O&M requires you to baseline using 3 years of consecutive historical energy use data. On Page 160 of the EBOM ref guide, 3rd para under heading, CASE 2, OPTION2: Alternative Score, it states..."Option 2B ... requires energy performance data for a minimum of 3 years (in addition to the current year)". Also on Page 161, 2nd para, it states, "The 3 years must fall within 6 years of the beginning of the performance period." Since the performance period for energy use is a 1 year duration, the beginning of your performance period would be December 2012.
My interpretation of this requirement means that your building would not have sufficient historical data yet and would need to wait at least one more year to be able to apply under this option. Option 2A may be a better choice, but may not yield favorable results, based on the EUI that the calculator uses as a default. Note that the online calculator uses a default of 213 kBtu/sf for the adjusted Nat'l Avg Source EUI for all "other" type facilities, so your facility would need to achieve at least a source EUI of 165 or better, depending on the percentage of manufacturing to other use.