Hello. i have a doubt about this credit.
We're working on a Children's Museum. One of the first decissions to make it more sustainable is to make all the museum underground, having the insulation of earth and opening it to a inner court to get light.
We have a reduced thermal load with this strategy.
When we're modelling the energy, the Modeler asked us it this stretegy could be modeled. So the Baseline should be in the same Geometry, but overground, and in de Design case is underground.
Since the Appendix G mentions that the geometry of the Envelope should be the same.
I think it will be very disspointing if this decission, which is major part of the design, and that will cost the client a lot, and it supplies a good thermal output, couldn't be modeled and rewarded by LEED points.
Could you please make some comment about that? How can I model this strategy?
Thanks in advance!!!
David Hubka
Director of OperationsTranswestern Sustainability Services
527 thumbs up
March 2, 2011 - 7:15 am
Underground walls of the proposed building must also be modeled as underground walls in the baseline. The C-factor of the baseline underground walls must be identical to the listed value found in Table 5.5 of ASHRAE 90.1.
Mauricio Ramirez
34 thumbs up
March 2, 2011 - 12:48 pm
I see. So I think we will not be rewarded for this decission (making it underground) with good outcome from the Energy Model. Could you give more reccommendations on how could we adress this issue?
Is it possible to send you some files about the project to explain our project in more detail?
Thanks.
David Hubka
Director of OperationsTranswestern Sustainability Services
527 thumbs up
March 2, 2011 - 2:36 pm
In addition to energy, underground buildings can positively impact a number of LEED credits such as heat island effect, site development, light pollution, and stormwater control.
It is recommended to use the energy model as a decision tool when selecting building elements, orientation, MEP systems and control strategies. However, in most cases the energy model is performed after the design documents are complete, and only as a "LEED Requirement". (I have been involved with a number of LEED projects that viewed commissioning and energy modeling as a neccesary evil rather than a benefit)
The owner should still receive a very energy efficient building when compared to an above gound building - even if you can not model it that way.
Rather than chase LEED points we should promote the vision of the USGBC which is to transform the way buildings and communities are designed, built and operated, enabling an environmentally and socially responsible, healthy and prosperous environment that improves the quality of life.
Hope it helps for you to know that this can be an excellent green building even though you may not garner all the credits from the energy model.