See all forum discussions about NC-v4.1 EAp2
 Subscribe to new posts about NC-v4.1 EAp2 Post a new question aboutNC-v4.1 EAp2
See LEEDuser’s guidance on NC-v4.1 EAp2»

Forum discussion

NC-v4.1 EAp2:Minimum Energy Performance

Parking area to be included for EUI consideration

Default Avatar
LEEDuser Basic Member
0 thumbs up

Hi,

I am currently working on a project that includes approximately 48,000 SF of parking garage area. The garage is provided with mechanical exhaust and supply fans, but no air-conditioning or space heating is provided.

Could you please confirm whether this parking garage area should be included in the EUI calculation?

Additionally, from a net-zero energy assessment perspective (understanding this is not a LEED query), including the parking garage area results in the annual heating demand falling within the specified target range. Please advise whether it is appropriate to include the parking garage area for this evaluation.

0
Post a reply

You rely on LEEDuser. Can we rely on you?

LEEDuser is supported by our premium members, not by advertisers.

Go premium for $15.95  »

Profile picture for user sheffer
Marcus Sheffer
LEED Fellow
7group / Energy Opportunities
LEEDuser Expert
4458 thumbs up

Thu, 01/29/2026 - 20:08

I can answer the LEED part - if the parking garage is included within the LEED project boundary then it must be included in the energy calculations.

Fri, 01/30/2026 - 09:27

Hello Marcus,Just to clarify, since we follow always these criteria in our LEED submittals for Minimum and Optimize Energy Performance:
  • As you mentioned above, if the parking garage is included within the LEED project boundary, the energy consumption from garage systems (exhaust fans, lighting...) must be included in the building total energy consumption.
  • But, if the parking is naturally or mechanically ventilated, its floor area should not be added to the building area, as reported in the Minimum Energy Performance Calculator and related documents, according to the definitions for "floor area" and "space" in ASHRAE 90.1, Section 3.

    Thank you and best regards

Fri, 01/30/2026 - 09:38

Regarding the question out of LEED scope:
- If you are evaluating heating/ cooling demands and your parkig area is not heated/ cooled, parking area should not be included in these metrics assesment.- Regarding the EUI metric, it can depend on specific criteria, but it is a common practice to exclude parking areas of building area sum. For instance, this is the criteria stated for the CRREM Risk Assesment Tool.
Default Avatar
LEEDuser Basic Member
0 thumbs up

Fri, 01/30/2026 - 10:30

Thank you, Marcus and Manuel, for clarifying this.
Profile picture for user sheffer
Marcus Sheffer
LEED Fellow
7group / Energy Opportunities
LEEDuser Expert
4458 thumbs up

Fri, 01/30/2026 - 14:29

Correct the parking area is not conditioned space so it does not go into the building area calculation used to determine the HVAC system type.

Add new comment

To post a comment, you need to register for a LEEDuser Basic membership (free) or login to your existing profile.