We have 2 cooling towers and 4 evaporative coolers (Climate Wizard). Would these all be considered cooling towers with reference to this credit? We want to make sure the 50% nonpotable water calculations can include the evaporative coolers as the cooling towers do not use nonpotable water. If we include the evaporative coolers, we can get the calculation to work, as the average of all reclaim water ends up being 50%. Thoughts?
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Trista Brown
Project DirectorWSP USA
456 thumbs up
June 10, 2016 - 11:25 am
Hi Michelle, the credit intent includes the phrase "or evaporative condenser equipment" so you can include the evaporative coolers in your calculation. This language should also be on the WEc4.2 credit form.
Michelle Bracewell-Musson
Owner, LEED APGreen Expectations Sustainability Solutions
119 thumbs up
June 10, 2016 - 6:15 pm
Hello Trista,
The LEED 2009 EBOM Reference Guide (hard copy I have) doesn't have the language in the credit intent as the LEEDUser one does. I researched the Addenda, and found it though there. However, the Addenda states: 'LEED 2009 for existing buildings rating system with addenda (does not include reference guide addenda), valid for projects registered between April 2, 2014 and present.'
Since our project was registered prior to that (2011), I want to assume we are still okay to use the SAME 2014 credit Intent language to support our use of the evaporative coolers. My understanding regarding Addenda is, as the years progress, the language gets more strict, and being registered prior, may exempt a project from meeting tighter requirements, however, that may not always be the case. Please confirm that this is your understanding as well, and that using the evaporative coolers is fine? Thank you.
Trista Brown
Project DirectorWSP USA
456 thumbs up
June 10, 2016 - 6:12 pm
In this case it seems best to go directly to USGBC/GBCI and get written approval. GBCI tends to honor the credit form, so check if the version of the form in LEED Online mentions evaporative coolers. But again, if you're counting on these points or if it's time consuming to document, it's probably worth contacting GBCI.
Michelle Bracewell-Musson
Owner, LEED APGreen Expectations Sustainability Solutions
119 thumbs up
June 11, 2016 - 3:15 pm
Hello Trista,
Your information is very helpful, and I think I am getting somewhere. Yes, I had checked the LEEDOnline template/form prior to responding to you, and it is NOT on there. I will connect with GBCI, and let the forum know.
I sent an email to GBCI.
Thanks for your prompt response.
Michelle
Green Expectations
Michelle Bracewell-Musson
Owner, LEED APGreen Expectations Sustainability Solutions
119 thumbs up
June 20, 2016 - 11:04 am
Hello Trista,
To update you, GBCI had offered to update our template online, however, they didn't realize doing that would make all of our templates update to V4, which would make each credit's work disappear. Therefore, we have chosen the Special Circumstances option and I requested a copy of the updated template and calculator, as GBCI confirmed we would be able to use the evaporative coolers after all even though or project was registered in 2011. I will upload the 2014 updated template that includes evaporative coolers and cooling towers.
Your information was helpful!
Michelle
Green Expectations