We are going for LEED EBOM v 2009 and need to finish the process by Spring 2017. An engineering firm is getting ready to do an ASHRAE Level I & II audit for us to receive the EA Credit 2.1. We'd also like to implement no or low-cost improvements to earn EA Credit 2.2.
How long does it typically take to do an ASHRAE Level I & Level II audit? How much time should we set aside to implement these no or low-cost improvements?
Another time concern, is that we are installing a new BAS to earn EA Credit 3.1. The install will take another 3-4 months. Ideally, it would be great to install the BAS and use it to monitor building performance to earn EA Credit 2.3 for existing building commissioning. How many months of data would be needed from a BAS to earn EA Credit 2.3?
Would you suggest waiting until the BAS is installed, to have our ASHRAE level I & II audit? Or would it be better to start the ASHRAE audits before the BAS is fully installed. Thank you for any advice or suggestions!
Dave Hubka
Practice Leader - SustainabilityEUA
LEEDuser Expert
530 thumbs up
June 23, 2016 - 9:49 am
Hello Marie,
The time it takes an entity to perform a Level I & II audit depends on their qualifications and experience. We have 100+ audits performed and both a v3 and v4 LEED EB Volume program. We spend about a day reviewing building plans, about two days onsite identifying energy conservation measures, and about two days compiling the report. It is about one week of work in total. This includes all services required of EAp1, EAc2.1 Option 2, and EAc2.2.
A BAS is not required to achieve EAc2.3. Also, it is likely that only projects pursuing EA Credit 2.1: Option 1 Commissioning will be eligible for EAc2.3.
There are pros and cons to performing the audit before or after installing the BAS. EAc2.1 can be achieved regardless of the timing of the BAS installation.
Marie Kirk
June 23, 2016 - 1:02 pm
Thanks for the quick detailed reply! I appreciate it David.