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

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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?

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Forum discussion

EBOM-2009 EAp2:Minimum Energy Efficiency Performance

Labs21 Benchmarking Tool

Does anybody know what's LEED position about laboratories benchmarking using this tool? I'm working on a lab certification project (EBOM) and since our lab ratio is more than 10% of our gross area, we're not eligible for energy star rating. Using Labs21 tool seems to be the most apropriate way to benchmark us. Any similiar experience to share in here? Thank you Guilherme

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Ben Stanley
Senior Sustainability Manager
WSP - Built Ecology
LEEDuser Expert
188 thumbs up

Wed, 02/01/2012 - 22:25

I think that the short answer is yes. The updated EAp2 Case 2 calculator here http://www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CMSPageID=221 walks you through the process of using Labs21 to benchmark in conjunction with the Case 2 calculator. There is some more information about using Labs21 for LEED-EBOM here http://labs21benchmarking.lbl.gov/.
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Dan Ackerstein
Principal
Ackerstein Sustainability, LLC
LEEDuser Expert
545 thumbs up

Thu, 02/02/2012 - 16:47

The Labs21 approach works very well and is indeed the preferred compliance path for buildings with a significant amount of lab space. Take the time to be sure you fully digest the full definition of the various space type and area variables Labs21 uses - things like Lab Area Ratio and operating hours can have drastic impacts on your analysis, and defining your spaces accurately can save heartache down the road. The climate zone sort is also somewhat counterintuitive, in that its an either-or situation rather than making smaller adjustments. But overall, Labs21 is a great resource and works with EBOM very well. Hope that helps, Dan

Thu, 02/02/2012 - 18:18

Thank you all for answering! I was a little confused about LEED acceptance when I was first introduced to LABs21. In their guidance it's written that "USGBC previously issued a credit ruling allowing the use of the Labs21, but that it does not apply to projects applying under the newer rating system". After that I got in touch with USGBC and they told me that "The LEED Green Building Operations and Maintenance 2009 guide does not discuss LABs 21 benchmarking". I was positively surprised checking the link Ben sent me in his reply (thank you!) showing a path from USGBC for using this tool. So, it's seems we're in the right way. Thank you!
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Chris Miller
Chief Mechanical Engineer
Design Alaska
LEEDuser Basic Member
29 thumbs up

Wed, 04/25/2012 - 20:27

When I try to benchmark with Labs21, no results show up. Instead there is a small line that says: "Dataset Search retrieved no data". I tried again, selecting all boxes on the metrics criteria page to cast a broad net. Still no data. Could it be my climate (subarctic)? What now? This is a ~7,000 gsf building with ~1,800 sf "labs", ~1,500 sf offices/conf. rm., ~3,000 , and ~2,500-3,000 sf residential. The rest is mechanical, storage, circulation, etc. I put "labs" in quotes because I do not know yet if they will "require 100% outdoor air".
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Dan Ackerstein
Principal
Ackerstein Sustainability, LLC
LEEDuser Expert
545 thumbs up

Wed, 04/25/2012 - 20:42

It's almost certainly your climate zone - I suspect Labs21 doesn't have many labs from that region in the database. Include all climate zones in your next benchmark attempt (rather than just the zone you are located in) and you should get plenty of results. There are plenty of labs in there in your Lab Area Ratio grouping. Hope that helps, Dan

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