FAQs about EAp2 :

We have installed submeters on our building but the utility bill includes energy use from several other buildings located on the same campus. How do we reconcile this during the LEED review process?

When is it possible to exclude up to 10% of the building from EAp2?

What do I do if the number of building occupants, operating hours, or vacant space changes during the performance period?

If you pursue the streamlined path for an Energy Star label, should the performance period for EAc6 match the 12-month time frame of the label?

How do I account for computers with multiple monitors on Portfolio Manager?

How should I treat vacant space on Portfolio Manager?

Our building includes a large laboratory space. Can our project benchmark under the Labs21 program?

We have an international project and the space type is eligible for an Energy Star rating. Can we pursue Case 1 to demonstrate compliance given the recently released alternative compliance paths for international projects?

We have a number of buildings on a single campus that we would like to certify at the same time. Is it possible to benchmark the buildings at the campus level?

I have a mixed-use building and am wondering if it is possible to pursue the prerequisite through Case 1. How do we proceed?

We have a building that consists of two attached structures and it’s unclear if we have to consider it a single building or if it should be certified as two separate buildings and benchmarked accordingly. How should we proceed?

How long is an Energy Star label valid to use with a streamlined approach for Case 1?

Our building includes heavy process loads that significantly increase the overall energy use in the building. If we submeter these loads, can we exclude this energy use for benchmarking purposes?

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Forum discussion

EBOM-2009 EAp2:Minimum Energy Efficiency Performance

Expiring Energy Star Rating and Eligibility for LEED

I have a large high rise with a data center in it. It's last Energy Star rating was September 2010. This year, I am not going to qualify for an Energy Star rating for two reasons: (1) we have had a hellish summer and our kWh is off the charts, and (2) new Energy Star requirements do not allow me to consider my server room as IT energy unless it is sub-metered. So I am about to lose my Energy Star rating. What do you recommend I do if I want to LEED Certify the building? What are my options?

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Fri, 08/12/2011 - 23:12

Nena: Can you clarify what's about to happen? Is your ENERGY STAR label (plaque) about to expire, or is your ENERGY STAR score about to drop below 69 (the LEED minimum)? Mike

Mon, 08/15/2011 - 13:54

Both. The label is expiring and we will not be able to renew it because the building will not score as well this year.

Wed, 10/05/2011 - 15:26

Nena There are a couple of things going on here, but the bigger hurdle is the IT space. Have you determined if the space meets the definition of a Data Center in ENERGY STAR? A Data Center space applies to spaces specifically designed and equipped to meet the needs of high density computing equipment such as server racks used for data storage and processing. These facilities have uninterruptible power supplies, designated HVAC, and raised floor space. If your room does not meet the definition of a data center but also has separate cooling systems and different operating hours than rest of the building, the room can be entered as a separate space in Portfolio Manager using the Office space type. In the space details, enter the weekly operating hours, zero workers, and a number of PCs that approximates the number of servers in the space. AND you won't need to worry about submetering. As for the bad summer, it is important to remember that ENERGY STAR takes into account your building's energy performance by location and climate, so an increase in cooling demands for your building will be normalized according to similar buildings in similar climate zones. Therefore, I'd encourage you to continue to update your Portfolio Manager account monthly and track your progress if you haven't continued to do so. But the bottom line is if your building is below a 69, it's a no-go for LEED-EBOM. I hope this helps. Hannah

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