Hi, we are working on a extensive renovation of a 80,000 SF university classroom/office building using LEED NC 2009. Most of the mechanical cooling will be removed and it will be restored to naturally ventilated with fan assist and nighttime dehumidification.
I'm seeking clarification on what kind of modeling will meet the requirement for the baseline. This credit references IPMVP Volume III for New Construction in gathering a hypothetical baseline - one that, in other posts here, it was confirmed should also meet the "proposed case" in EAc1.
However in our case the building has been extensively wired and many monitoring points put in. 12 months of ongoing data collection will cease next month and then the baseline and projected savings will be modeled on this. The draft M&V plan submitted by the consultant (not written specifically for LEED conformance) uses Option B and Option C. The model to be used does not appear to be tied to ASHRAE 90.1-2007/Appendix G or the EAc1 model. Is there still a way we can meet the requirements of this credit to receive 3 points? The IPMVP manual itself in chapter 2 does not specify how the baseline is to be calculated, but LEED does. Thanks!
Marcus Sheffer
LEED Fellow7group / Energy Opportunities
LEEDuser Expert
5909 thumbs up
June 12, 2012 - 8:30 pm
Option C is explicitly prohibited for LEED and Option B is usually only allowed in very limited circumstances. The Baseline should be the same as was submitted for EAp2/EAc1.
It sounds like you have not yet submitted your M&V Plan to LEED but the LEED submission is not final? If you are still in the review process you can revise the M&V Plan, follow Option D and still get the points.
If you will have the data needed to calibrate the model with the actual utility bills then just create a calibrated baseline and determine the savings.
Eric Longfellow
Building Consultant15 thumbs up
September 24, 2012 - 8:13 pm
Thank you very much Marcus. We are having a separate consultant do the LEED compliant M&V plan.