See all forum discussions about NC-2009 EAp2
 Subscribe to new posts about NC-2009 EAp2 Post a new question aboutNC-2009 EAp2
See LEEDuser’s guidance on NC-2009 EAp2»
FAQs about EAp2 :

For a project outside the U.S., how do I determine the Target Finder score?

Do hotel rooms need automatic light shut-off control?

How commonly are the 90.1 mandatory compliance forms submitted as part of EAp2/EAc1?

The Section 9 space-by-space method does not include residential space types. What should I use?

Can the Passive House Planning Package (PHPP) be used to energy model for LEED?

Is it acceptable to model a split-type AC with inverter technology compressor as a heat pump, like modeling VRF?

Can the Trace 700 'LEED Energy Performance Summary Report' by uploaded to LEED Online in lieu of the Section 1.4 tables spreadsheet?

A portion of our building envelope is historic. Can we exclude it from our model?

Which baseline HVAC system do I use if my building has no heating or air conditioning?

For an existing building, do I need to rotate the model?

Our project has a diesel backup generator. Should we include it in our energy model?

Our project has a large process load—75%. Despite our efforts to make an efficient HVAC design, the cost savings are minimal. What can we do to earn this prerequisite and be eligible for LEED certification? Is there any flexibility in how we model the p

Can SHGC be higher in the proposed than in the baseline model?

Our process load is higher than 25%. Do we have to justify that?

Do I need to justify the electrical and fuel rates I am using in my model?

Our local code references ASHRAE 90.1-2010. Should I use that for my documentation, or 90.1-2007?

Can I claim exterior lighting savings for canopy lighting even though a baseline model cannot include shading elements?

The project is built on a site with existing exterior lighting installed. How should this be accounted for?

Can mezzanines open to floors below be excluded from the energy model?

How do I provide a zip code for an international location?

View answers »

Forum discussion

NC-2009 EAp2:Minimum Energy Performance

Using PHPP for EAp2/EAc1 modeling

Default Avatar
Lyle Axelarris
Civil Engineering Intern, LEED GA
Design Alaska
LEEDuser Basic Member
21 thumbs up

Is it possible to use PHPP software (Passive House Planning Package) for energy modeling on a LEED-NC project? Does anyone have experience with this? Would an alternative compliance path be required? And would it be risky to use a modeling software not on the ASHRAE 90.1-2007 list of approved software? Thank you.

3
Post a reply

You rely on LEEDuser. Can we rely on you?

LEEDuser is supported by our premium members, not by advertisers.

Go premium for $15.95  »

Wed, 10/26/2011 - 18:16

Two points 1) to my knowledge there is no "ASHRAE 90.1-2007 list of approved software" 2) to meet the requirements of 90.1-2007, a simulation program must meet all the requirements of Section G2.2.1. Among these are requirements that the program explicitly models (a) 8760 hours per year and (d) ten or more thermal zones. I'm not terribly familiar with PHPP, but I don't believe it does either of those things. LEED has granted exceptions to projects in special circumstances, for example modeling of very simple buildings with tools like Energy 10. But in this case, I would think that the PHPP software would only be appropriate for a house, in which case, I would expect you to be using LEED for Homes, instead of LEED-NC.
Default Avatar
Lyle Axelarris
Civil Engineering Intern, LEED GA
Design Alaska
LEEDuser Basic Member
21 thumbs up

Wed, 10/26/2011 - 20:32

Thank you. This is a casual inquiry, which I have not dug into too deep, so thank you for your guidance. This is a NC project, so I have advised the person who asked me this question to make sure it meets the requirements of 90.1-2007, or use different software. Thank you again.
Profile picture for user davidp
David Posada
Integrated Design & LEED Specialist
SERA Architects
LEEDuser Expert
1361 thumbs up

Thu, 10/27/2011 - 18:43

Since PHPP doesn't do hourly simulations, it wouldn't meet the requirements of G2.2.1that Christopher mentioned. The accuracy of PHPP in predicting actual building performance has been confirmed by a number of studies, but primarily for buildings that are meeting the very stringent PH requirements for insulation, glazing U-values, air tightness, etc. For modeling a baseline code-complient building, PHPP has been less accurate, so it would be hard to use for modeling both the design case and baseline case.

Add new comment

To post a comment, you need to register for a LEEDuser Basic membership (free) or login to your existing profile.