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This prerequisite can be a major hurdle for LEED-CI projects. When challenges arise, it’s most often because project teams don’t review the requirements early enough in the process to incorporate them into the design. Some teams assume that these requirements follow standard practice—but in some cases they do not. 

Prescriptive and performance measures

The prerequisite demands that teams comply with a number of prescriptive measures, along with requirements for lighting power density reductions and meeting performance thresholds for equipment efficiency based on the ASHRAE 90.1-2007 standard. 

Only applies to the interior fit-out

The LEED-CI project scope includes only the systems being installed within the scope and budget of the interior fit-out of the project. Base building systems that are not part of the leasable area occupied by the interior space are not addressed here. 

This credit usually falls under the responsibility of the mechanical engineer, but the lighting designer, architect, and owner all must contribute to designing an energy-efficient project that meets the owner’s goals as well as the LEED requirements.

The applicable standard

This prerequisite refers to ASHRAE 90.1-2007, Sections 5–10, for mandatory provisions and energy-efficiency requirements via a prescriptive or performance-based approach for the project’s envelope, HVAC, service water heating, power, lighting, and other equipment as defined by ASHRAE. In addition, it mandates installation of Energy Star-labeled equipment and appliances.

Projects in California may use Title 24-2005, Part 6 in place of ASHRAE 90.1-2007.

The energy-use breakdown

This credit addresses four components of energy use in reference to ASHRAE 90.1–2007.

  1. Mandatory provisions for energy systems in sections 5–10 of ASHRAE 90.1–2007 
  2. Minimum energy-efficiency specifications for the envelope, HVAC, and hot water, measured by compliance with prescriptive or performance requirements of ASHRAE 90.1-2007
  3. Lighting power density reduced by 10% from ASHRAE 90.1-2007
  4. For new purchases, at least 50% Energy Star-labeled appliances and plug-load equipment, as measured by installed rated power (in watts).

     

All ASHRAE requirements can be documented using ASHRAE compliance forms. 

Credits
EAp2
EAp2