We have a conflict between the LEED floor area which clearly excludes underground parking (in our case) and the area of the energy simulation. I have tried to find clarification on the area of the Energy Simulation for underground levels but cannot find clear direction. Our building has three underground levels that include 2 small offices that are conditioned with split units. The parking areas are mechanically exhausted.
It was logical to me (which always gets me in trouble with LEED and ASHRAE) to include the underground levels in the simulation due to the requirement to perform a Whole Building Energy Simulation and account for lighting, fan power, f-factor, etc. The only way to correct this discrepancy that I can think of is to model both baseline and proposed building as slab on grade.
Any clarification is greatly appreciated.
Marcus Sheffer
LEED Fellow7group / Energy Opportunities
LEEDuser Expert
5909 thumbs up
October 9, 2013 - 3:57 pm
Is the underground parking part of your LEED project? If not then it would not be included in the model. If so it would be included in the model. Be sure to delineate between conditioned and unconditioned spaces. Explaining what may appear to be an inconsistency always goes a long way to helping the reviewer to understand the situation. You know your project, they only know what you tell them. What is obvious to you, may not be to them.
Leandro Silva
Novva Solutions17 thumbs up
October 9, 2013 - 5:59 pm
Thanks Marcus,
We excluded all parking areas (underground for us) in the area calculation for the PI form. I see now on the template for EAp2 where we can explain the difference in area used in the model. Our narrative description and the floor plans and section views clearly show the underground parking.
Onward!
See you in Philly