Passive Survivability and Back-up Power During Disruptions

Dear Ridhwan Omar,

How did it go? Any feedback on this pilot credit? Our Project Team is evaluating whether or not to pursue this pilot credit for a NCv4 Project.

I believe your question is about using diesel for the generators.

The credit indicates that:

Cleaner burning fuels include natural gas (if allowed by local code) See Requirements Appendix on Resources Tab for more information. (https://www.usgbc.org/credits/passivesurvivability)

And the requirements appendix for Option 2 (https://www.usgbc.org/credits/passivesurvivability?view=resources) indicates that:

These emergency power requirements identified as described above can be met with a fuel-fired backup generator with adequate fuel stored on-site; a solar-electric system with on-site battery storage; or by being part of a microgrid with “islanding” capability. Non-solar renewable energy such as wind power, while less common, can also be used to meet the requirements of this credit. Meet credit requirements or local code requirements for backup power, whichever is more stringent. Specific requirements by building type are as follows:

1. Fuel-fired backup generator(s) must be able to operate on clean burning fuels and fuel that can be stored on site. This may require a bi-fuel generator. Cleaner burning fuels include natural gas, bio-methane and propane that emit lower levels of particulates and noxious fumes than diesel or gasoline. Natural gas is commonly provided through a distribution network and may not be available during an emergency, requiring another on-site stored fuel option such as diesel or gasoline to provide power. Bio-methane and propane pose explosion risks that may make them unsuitable for storage in dense, urban locations. Bi-fuel generators allow operation with cleaner fuels when those fuels are available, but provide for operation if those fuels are not available. For stored diesel fuel and gasoline, a management plan must be in place to periodically consume or replace stored fuel.
2. ...
3. ...

Location of backup power equipment If the building is located in a flood-prone area or identified as future flood concerns, any onsite backup power equipment and infrastructure must be located above the 500-year floodplain. For existing facilities with switch gear, infrastructure, or fuel storage located below the 500-year floodplain elevation, develop a detailed flood protection plan and provide on-site supplies and infrastructure for protecting electrical switch gear and critical infrastructure from flood water. Modify existing infrastructure in combination with the protection plan if needed to ensure protection. If located in a hurricane zone, the backup power system shall be protected/shielded from wind-borne debris.

Dear Ridhwan Omar,

I hope the following information helps. This is taken from a communication with our LEED Coach recently in February 2021: 

Thanks for reaching out regarding the requirements of SSpc: Passive Survivability and Back-up Power during Disruptions (https://www.usgbc.org/credits/new-construction-core-and-shell-schools-new-construction-retail-new-construction-28).

Diesel-fueled generators would not be allowed to meet the requirements of Option 2. According to the Appendix provided in the Resources page of this credit (https://www.usgbc.org/credits/new-construction-core-and-shell-schools-new-construction-retail-new-construction-28?view=resources), "Fuel-fired backup generator(s) must be able to operate on clean burning fuels and fuel that can be stored on site. This may require a bi-fuel generator. Cleaner burning fuels include natural gas, bio-methane and propane that emit lower levels of particulates and noxious fumes than diesel or gasoline".

Has anyone else had issues with having enough back-up power / generators to for the duration of time required and for all applicable emergency loads? 

Does anyone know the reference for the required duration of backup power on this credit? It doesn't seem like anything is cited in the credit description, would be nice to have something to help justify the requirement.

Hi Graham - I believe some of the resiliency Pilots might have originated from the RELi rating system. You may be able to find the references you are looking for amongst some of those resources: https://c3livingdesign.org/?page_id=13783. 

Thank you Umesh!