Hello, we are considering attempting the exceptional calculation method allowed in Section G2.5 for process load savings on a hospital project: the design is proposing equipment sterilization through central steam generation using fossil fuel boilers or heat recovery from power generators,
Can we take a baseline case that uses electrical power for sterilization, or it is not allowed that the baseline and proposed case have 2 different energy types?
Thank you
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Marcus Sheffer
LEED Fellow7group / Energy Opportunities
LEEDuser Expert
5868 thumbs up
February 4, 2016 - 10:33 am
I think you might be required to use the Healthcare version of LEED and this is an NC forum.
That aside, for all exceptional calculations related to claiming process load savings it is the responsibility of the project team to justify the baseline used for comparison. It should be based on standard industry practice for a hospital in your location. So if almost every comparable new hospital uses electric sterilization as the norm you may be able to use it as a baseline. However ASHRAE 90.1 does not allow savings related to fuel switching so you would likely need to make a pretty compelling case to claim savings related to fuel switching alone.
Based on the limited information provided I would say that the likelihood of being able to claim savings related to fuel switching alone is very low.
Maya Karkour
EcoConsulting871 thumbs up
February 5, 2016 - 3:09 am
Thank you for your response, the savings are not only due to fuel switching but rather to the central steam network provided by a central plant (in replacement of sterilization equipment producing their own steam via electrical power). But as you said, even if the suggested baseline is accepted, it is not sure we can claim savings since the 2 systems are not using the same fuel type, and it is not allowed to claim savings related to fuel switching. Is there any Section of ASHRAE 90.1 or other reference document that you recommend to read for more guidance on those cases where savings are not only related to fuel switching?
I had posted on NC forum since I thought it was not only related to LEED for Healthcare but a more general question, thanks for the advice.
Marcus Sheffer
LEED Fellow7group / Energy Opportunities
LEEDuser Expert
5868 thumbs up
February 5, 2016 - 3:15 pm
I had urged USGBC to publish some additional guidance for projects attempting to claim process load savings when I was chair of the EA TAG. As far as I know nothing has been published. Specifically regarding fuel switching within 90.1 I again am not aware of anything in writing but there are some overall guiding principles associated with it development that I have read about over the years and fuel switching savings is an issue I have heard but again don't have a specific citation for you.