Process and non-Process energy

Process energy must be included in your energy model in order to get realistic results. (Otherwise AC and heating loads won't reflect actual conditions) For NC projects all process energy is included in the final calculation as well. However, for CS projects, the USGBC has confirmed a recent CIR ruling to allow tenant process (and potentially lighting) loads to be excluded from the LEED calc. details - https://www.usgbc.org/ShowFile.aspx?DocumentID=6926 I understand that this applies to 2009 projects as well, although I have not seen written confirmation.

Is the Data Center part of the CS project scope? If so, it must be included. If it is future tenant fit out, the ruling above can be applied.

Can anyone confirm if the CS CIR ruling is applicable to 2009 projects? Reading the CS 2009 Core & Shell Appendix 2 I think it is indicating that we must use whole building energy for the evaluation.

As far as I know there has not been any word from USGBC that this methodology applies to 2009 projects. Nothing has been posted on the web site. The credit language clearly states that all energy use must be included.

That's interesting. I had assumed the ruling also would be applied to 2009. That is certainly the intention. We'll have to put that on the bike rack.

I wouldn't rule out the possibility it could still be applied as fundamentally the CIR is giving an option to prove a 10% reduction for the systems being installed by the project. If this approach is accepted by LEED then we could assume that the tenant systems not being installed are neutral in base and design buildings. Still for now the safe bet is that we must follow the latest 2009 guide and include process load and lighting even if it isn't installed