Hello, we have recently realized that our project gross area was one number, and the energy model done by our engineer did not include an atrium space in the middle of the project (project is on 3rd floor with this space in the middle) nor did he include shafts, etc. We are in the appeals phase and do not want to change the project gross area at this point. Does his model need to match our project area or can we explain this and not get denied? Seems like they have been very picky with this and we stand to make Platinum. Thanks.
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Tristan Roberts
RepresentativeVermont House of Representatives
LEEDuser Expert
11474 thumbs up
July 8, 2012 - 10:00 pm
David, maybe I don't fully understand the question, but rather than reducing the gross floor area to match the energy model, shouldn't you revise the energy model to include that space—assuming it's in your project boundary?
Dominique Arrieta
Gobbell Hays Partners, Inc.3 thumbs up
July 9, 2012 - 9:11 am
We could do that, but we do not want to if we don't need to, seeing how we would have to appeal every point that was affected by the change in overall gross SF (a lot of points). My questions is, if we submit the energy calcs used with the lesser SF (no interior atrium space, also this space is on a different HVAC system than the project area) and leave the original gross SF unchanged, how do you think the reviewers would view this? Thanks for your help.
Dan LeBlanc
Senior Sustainability ManagerYR&G
86 thumbs up
July 10, 2012 - 12:37 pm
David, in my experience the reviewers have no flexibility on this and from what you've described I don't see why they would make an exception here. It sounds like the interior atrium isn't within the project scope?
In any case the model should include these spaces and then separately account for energy use of the HVAC systems only for the spaces within the scope.
I agree with Tristan, adding those spaces back into the model is your best option. That way you can leave the gross SF in the other credits alone and have it be consistent across all credits.
Also - since you are in the appeals phase I would contact the LEED review team by e-mail with your proposed approach before your final submittal.