Hi all,
I was considering this pilot credit for some projects, however, I have doubts about this part of the requirement: "To avoid disproportionate placement of cool-wall materials on the building face that receives the least sun, no more than 25% of the building’s total cool-wall area may be sited on the wall facing away from the equator".
One of my projects is located on the northern hemisphere. Southern and northern walls of the building are much longer than eastern and western (45% of total exterior wall area is facing N; 45% facing S; 5% E and 5% W). There are very little translucent areas, almost 95% of whole exterior walls are opaque and all walls exhibit an initial solar reflectance and thermal emittance in line with credit requirements.
For a building shaped like that, it is impossible to meet "no more than 25% of the building’s cool-wall area facing away from the equator" requirement. Still, I believe the credit intent is met in this case - I wouldn't say that cool walls are placed disproportionately when 100% of opaque exterior partitions meet reflectance and emittance requirements, no matter which direction they're facing.
Was anyone in this situation? Do you think USGBC would accept the argument that, when there are no walls which don't meet cool-walls requirements, a building could be exempt from "facing away from the equator" part of the credit? Or are buildings with that orientation automatically disqualified from attempting this credit?
Looking forward to hearing your thoughts.
Stephanie Graham
Sustainability ManagerBurns & McDonnell
26 thumbs up
December 7, 2021 - 7:33 pm
The credit language certainly suggests that a building would ideally be oriented with the 4 four facades each facing due N, E, S and W. If a building is 45 degrees off NESW orientation it would pose challenges as to how to calculate the facade area facing away from the equator. Like many pilot credits, this language may need to be massaged or another option added to meet other circumstances. I would give it a shot, but be prepared with another credit to substitute for the final review, in case the reviewer denies the credit. As we all know, sometimes a credit simply cannot be applied to a project.
Hashir Usman
February 28, 2022 - 3:01 am
Hi Aleksandra,
I would like to ask you if you were able to comply with the requirements as per your situation or you had to follow some other additional steps?
It would be great if you could share your experience with me.
Thanks a lot!
Bests,
Hashir
Zeynep Cakir
LEED AP BD+C, WELL AP, Sustainable Building ConsultantECOBUILD
10 thumbs up
June 15, 2023 - 7:09 am
Hi Aleksandra,
I'm also curious about what feedback you received from the GBCI. We are facing a similar situation and I agree with you that buildings with all exterior walls meeting the cool wall criteria should be exempt from the 25% requirement. Hoping to hear from you.
Kind regards,