FAQs about EAp2 :

Our project has a large process load—75%. Despite our efforts to make an efficient HVAC design, the cost savings are minimal. What can we do to earn this prerequisite and be eligible for LEED certification? Is there any flexibility in how we model the p

Can SHGC be higher in the proposed than in the baseline model?

Our process load is higher than 25%. Do we have to justify that?

Do I need to justify the electrical and fuel rates I am using in my model?

Our local code references ASHRAE 90.1-2010. Should I use that for my documentation, or 90.1-2007?

Can I claim exterior lighting savings for canopy lighting even though a baseline model cannot include shading elements?

The project is built on a site with existing exterior lighting installed. How should this be accounted for?

Can mezzanines open to floors below be excluded from the energy model?

How do I provide a zip code for an international location?

For a project outside the U.S., how do I determine the climate zone?

For a project outside the U.S., how do I determine the Target Finder score?

Do hotel rooms need automatic light shut-off control?

How commonly are the 90.1 mandatory compliance forms submitted as part of EAp2/EAc1?

The Section 9 space-by-space method does not include residential space types. What should I use?

Can the Passive House Planning Package (PHPP) be used to energy model for LEED?

Is it acceptable to model a split-type AC with inverter technology compressor as a heat pump, like modeling VRF?

Can the Trace 700 'LEED Energy Performance Summary Report' by uploaded to LEED Online in lieu of the Section 1.4 tables spreadsheet?

A portion of our building envelope is historic. Can we exclude it from our model?

Which baseline HVAC system do I use if my building has no heating or air conditioning?

For an existing building, do I need to rotate the model?

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Forum discussion

NC-2009 EAp2:Minimum Energy Performance

Energy Modeling Licensure

Does anyone know if any states require a P.E. license to offer energy modeling as a professional service? In other words, can a non-licensed individual start an energy modeling firm?

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Tue, 09/13/2016 - 19:12

Not that I know of. I own a firm in PA that does energy modeling and I am not a PE. Nothing personal but having a PE does not make one a good energy modeler. I have seen some really bad models prepared by PEs and some great ones prepared by non-engineers. The only entities that I am aware of that require any sort of credential for an energy modeler are going to be specific parties that hire them. It think the IRS commercial tax credit process requires a PE or something similar. ASHRAE Standard 209 is proposing a requirement that energy modelers have the BEMP credential from ASHRAE.

Tue, 09/13/2016 - 20:35

Indeed. Our (Texas) firm is registered with the Texas Board but we have offices in other states as well. Most of the modeling we do is for our internal design processes anyway but I am researching whether or not we need to worry about licensure on projects outside of Texas. Thanks for your input. Any publication or references you can provide, other than "no news is good news", to support the idea that a license isn't required would be much appreciated! Thanks!

Tue, 09/13/2016 - 20:53

Hard to prove that something does not exist. :-) To expand on my experience - I have been using energy models on projects for over 30 years and we have done work in at least half the states and I have not heard about it being an issue yet. If you were submiting the models for code compliance (as in 90.1 Section 1)1 then I could see where you might need to be a PE. If you want to reach a bunch of experienced modelers to ask them I would suggest that you post the question on the bldgsim listserv accessible from onebuilding.org. Let us know what you find!

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