Hi,
The below-mentioned contents were copied from LEED Online form. Could you explain, how the energy star values should be compared with Energy Model?
Target Finder results are intended to provide an indication of projected savings but do not affect prerequisite compliance. These values will be compared to projected savings as demonstrated by the energy model. Variances of more than 10% will be flagged and a justification narrative will be required. Use the Target Energy Performance Results calculator on the ENERGY STAR website to generate the values.
From Energy Model, we can get the following details;
A.Baseline Energy Consumption, B.Proposed Design Energy Consumption, C.Energy Savings, D.Baseline EUI, 5.Proposed Design EUI
From Energy Manager Target Finder, we can get the following details;
1.ENERGY STAR Score, 2.Energy Reduction (from Median)(%), 3.Source Energy Use Intensity (kBtu/ft²/yr), 4.Site Energy Use Intensity (kBtu/ft²/yr), 5.Source Energy Use (kBtu/yr) 6.Site Energy Use (kBtu/yr) 7. Energy Costs ($) 8.Total GHG Emissions (Metric Tons CO2e)
Also from the above, which values are to be considered to check the variances as mentioned leed online form?
Pl reply.
Marcus Sheffer
LEED Fellow7group / Energy Opportunities
LEEDuser Expert
5867 thumbs up
June 6, 2018 - 10:57 am
Excellent question. This 10% variance is very unclear and somewhat ridiculous. To generate the Target Finder score you enter your modeling results so almost all of the metrics would be identical. The only possible comparison they might be referencing is the % savings to the % reduction, but that makes no sense either as they are generated based on difference scales and baselines.
The reason you generate a Target Finder score based on your modeling results is as a reality check of your results. Are they producing a Target Finder score that reflects the degree of energy efficiency in the project's design? If you are getting a TF score of below 70 you should question whether your modeling results are accurate as a code compliant building should be somewhere around a 60. Conversely if you are over 90 and do not have numerous energy efficiency strategies incorporated into the design you should also question your modeling results.
All that said if your project is located outside the US then you should not be using TF as the database is for US projects only and does not really apply to project outside the US.
Ciaran McCabe
DirectorPassive Dynamics Sustainability Consultants
12 thumbs up
July 6, 2018 - 10:53 am
Hi Marcus, for projects outside the US what can be used as an alternative to the Target Finder as it appears that the TF is not very suitable outside the US. Could you used published Energy Benchmarks for different building types e.g those published by the CIBSE ?
Marcus Sheffer
LEED Fellow7group / Energy Opportunities
LEEDuser Expert
5867 thumbs up
July 6, 2018 - 11:37 am
I would think so. Typically the benchmarks should be published by a governmental agency or reputable NGO.