The expectation is that the audit methodology outlined in the ASHRAE “Procedures for Commercial Building Energy Audits” be used to guide the audit procedure and the approach to understanding building performance, energy use and opportunity for improvement. However, teams are not required to use the ASHRAE forms for reporting results. Refer to the Reference Guide and the LEED Online EAc2.1 credit form for checklists and outlines of documentation that is required for LEED documentation. Audit reports commonly are flagged for not including certain data required by the credit form, such as demand savings and maintenance cost savings.
Question
<p>To what degree is it necessary to follow the ASHRAE Procedures document? Is this provided as a general, optional guide, or must it be followed precisely, using the ASHRAE forms and completing the audit using the ASHRAE methodology?</p>