Dear all,
My question concerns the issue “EA prerequisite 2-Minimum Energy Performance”, especially the following requirements :
“Compliance with the mandatory provisions (Sections 5.4, 6.4, 7.4, 8.4, 9.4 and 10.4) in Standard 90.1-2007 (with errata but without addenda1) or USGBC approved equivalent”. Theses mandatory provisions are focused on :
5.4 Fenestration and doors,
6.4 and 7.4 Equipment efficiency,
8.4 Power,
9.4 Lighting control / space control,
10.4 Electrical motors efficiency.
Due to technical differences between European and US design practices, some requirements are very difficult to implement. For instance, requirement “8.4-Power” requires a maximum of 2% voltage drop
at design load for feeders and a maximum of 3% voltage drop for branch circuits.
Basically, the design practice in France considers a 5% maximum voltage drop for all electrical distribution (and a maximum of 3% for lighting) ; it is therefore very difficult to implement this requirement on our project.
(moreover, the project complies with minimum energy performance, due to a gain versus baseline energy costs, which ensures building energy performance).
Does someone have the same kind of problem regarding one of these mandatory provisions 5.4, 6.4, 7.4, 8.4, 9.4 and 10.4 ?
Thanks for your feedback,
Best,
Marcus Sheffer
LEED Fellow7group / Energy Opportunities
LEEDuser Expert
5868 thumbs up
February 5, 2013 - 9:37 am
There was recently a LEED Interpretation on the voltage drop subject.
Many international projects struggle with one or more of the mandatory provisions. If you cannot meet one of them then it is incumbent upon the project to explain the situation and why compliance is not possible. Since noncompliance can result in not being able to earn LEED certification it is a good idea to submit a LEED Interpretation if there is any doubt.
Marcus Sheffer
LEED Fellow7group / Energy Opportunities
LEEDuser Expert
5868 thumbs up
February 5, 2013 - 9:39 am
Common noncompliance issues for international projects include fenestration rating and equipment efficiency.
Erika Duran
Sustainability ConsultantDagher Engineering
72 thumbs up
February 5, 2013 - 9:40 am
I think Marcus is refferring to LEED Interpretation #101218 - “the mandatory provision of the ASHRAE 90.1-2007/2010 will be met as long as the total voltage drop does not exceed 5%.”
https://www.usgbc.org/leedinterpretations/LISearch.aspx?liaccessid=10218
Sara BENLOUBA
Green building managerConfidential
12 thumbs up
February 5, 2020 - 12:23 pm
Hello marcus,
I have almost the same question but this time concerns the building envelope.
Could you tell us if it is mandatory that the thermal coefficients of my building comply with table 5 - 5.3 of ASHRAE 90.1 which governs the performance of each type of envelope? I'm lost...We are working for a project outside the United States.
Many thanks, i'll appreciate your help.