Energy Star classification for Convention Centers

Other-Entertainment Culture. I've got a letter from Energy Star if you need it.

Chris - so if it's an "other" category, seems this type of building is not eligible for an Energy Star rating, right?

That's correct. You still need to set up an account in Portfolio Manager to calculate the kBtu/sqft Energy Intensity, but you won't receive an Energy Star score. You need to use the LEED EB: O&M EA p2 and EAc1 Case 2 Calculator. That shows an Adjusted National Average Source EUI (kBtu/sf) of 265. You need to beat that by 19%. To get the calculator go on the USGBC website. Select LEED/LEED Resources/LEED Resources & Tools. It's under the EA section. The International Association of Assembly Managers has been lobbying to get an Energy Star rating for Convention Centers, but the EPA says that they can't do it in the near future due to budgetary constraints.

Chris - we are in the process of certifying a convention center. Would you be willing to share the letter from Energy Star with us? Also by classifying the space as cultural/entertainment, what are the implications for further breaking out the spaces within the Portfolio Manager tool. We have offices, a commercial kitchen, and parking garage within. All other spaces are pretty typical to a convention center. I'm assuming to include the spaces mentioned by type; I don't think any are large enough to affect the overall classification of cultural/entertainment. Also we are pursuing the max credits available and have reached out to a number of other convention centers for energy performance benchmarking. Have you had any luck or experience with this? Thanks for any help.

Hello, We are certifying a convention center and are pursuing Case 2 (Projects Not Eligible for Energy Star Rating) Option 2 (Use alternative method described in Credit 1 and have energy meters that measure energy use throughout performence period). Does anyone know whether we still need to demonstrate energy efficiency at least 19% better than the average for typical buildings of similar type as described in Option 1 in order to meet the Prereq? Or do we simply need to collect 3 years of historical data and 2 years worth of data from 3 comps? Please help! Thanks.

You do have to demonstrate energy efficiency. Collecting the data is intended to provide the information to make that calculation. I hope this helps!

Thanks, Tristan. I agree with your feedback based on a template I found on LEED Online concerning this prereq.

Here's another question: If you read the reference guide, EA Credit 1 Option 2C asks for data for at least 3 other buildings with similar uses over at least a 2 year period. However, the Offline Calculator for this credit only asks for "Full Year" data. Am I to assume that I need to average 2 years worth of data to come up with the "Full Year" number? Thanks!

Caroline, I've noticed that same discrepancy recently, and have had success by focusing on the requirements in the Offline Calculator itself.