FAQs about EAp2 :

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?

For a project outside the U.S., how do I determine the climate zone?

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?

View answers »

Forum discussion

NC-2009 EAp2:Minimum Energy Performance

Baseline HVAC system and envelope for hospital patient rooms

I'm not sure of the Baseline envelope and HVAC system to use in hospital patient rooms. For one, Section 3.2 defines "residential" as including patient rooms in hospitals. If you believe this, then do you have to model patient rooms in your Baseline model with Residential envelope as defined in Table 5.5-x? This would require one type of Baseline envelope for patient rooms, and another type for non-patient rooms. And do you have to model the Baseline HVAC systems for patient room thermal blocks using a residential system, such as System 1 or 2 in Table G3.1.1A? The footnotes to Table G3.1.1A do not refer to patient rooms as "residential," but Section 3.2 does. Also, while exception 'a' of G3.1.1 prescribes different Baseline systems for Residential areas (System Type #1 or #2), exception 'c' prescribes that System Type #3 or #4 be used for areas with code-required minimum circulation rates, which pertains to patient rooms as well. If you believe that it is appropriate for the Baseline to have a Residential HVAC System type, it appears that the Proposed model will be unfairly penalized since G3.1.2.9 does not allow for a Pressure Drop Adjustment 'A' for System Type #1 or #2. I would appreciate your input and experience as to the appropriate Baseline envelope and HVAC systems to use for patient rooms in hospitals.

4

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, 11/30/2011 - 20:56

Our interpretation would be to follow the residential column for the patient rooms in Table 5.5-x. Since the note under Table G3.1.1A does not include hospitals in the list of residential facilities, the HVAC should not be #1 or #2 unless any of the exceptions under G3.1.1 apply. Sounds like you might have the option to use either exception "a" or "c" assuming you meet all the requirements. Our interpretation is that would be your choice.

Thu, 12/01/2011 - 03:03

Speaking of Baseline systems in hospitals: I find it interesting that the 'NREL Technical Support Document: 50% Energy Savings Design in Large Hospital Buildings' uses Multi-zone, constant volume, terminal reheat systems as a Baseline, while LEED for Healthcare prescribes that the Baseline be modeled as multiple Single-Zone systems (i.e. System Type #3 or #4). Hope somebody fixes this before the TSD gets turned into an AEDG...

Thu, 12/01/2011 - 14:04

The prescriptive path in LEED 2009 for Healthcare (November 2011) references the Green Guide for Healthcare V2.2 and describes the HVAC system as follows: "The HVAC system serving all areas shall include Variable Air Volume (VAV) air handling units supplied by a central chilled water and boiler plant." This is a System #7. Maybe I am missing something?

Thu, 12/01/2011 - 17:35

Maybe it was my use of the word "prescribes." You're correct about the prescriptive path in Option 3, Marcus, but I was referring to the Whole-Building Energy Simulation in Option 1, which requires that the Proposed design be compared to a Baseline simulation that uses HVAC system type 3 or 4. I was suggesting that the Baseline in LEED for Healthcare is different than the Baseline used in the AEDG.

Thu, 12/01/2011 - 18:48

Under Option 1 the HVAC system in the baseline is determined by 90.1-2007 Table G3.1.1A and will vary depending upon heating fuel and building size. Perhaps in your specific situation the Baseline is a system 3 or 4 but most hospitals are over 25,000 sf and the baseline would not be either of those system types. I agree that the baselines can be different. The AEDG was based on a whole series of modeling assumptions so they had to pick a single baseline HVAC system. Under Option 1 the baseline varies depending upon your building design. So the two will not match in many cases. This is one of the differences between a prescriptive approach and a performance approach.

Add new comment

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