FAQs about EAp2 :

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?

The Section 9 space-by-space method does not include residential space types. What should I use?

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?

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Forum discussion

NC-2009 EAp2:Minimum Energy Performance

Industrial machines are considered process energy?

We are working to certify and industrial plant and we are not sure whether the energy consumption from the machinery used for product manufacturing should be included in the energy modeling. ASHRAE 90.1 Section 2.3 states that "The provisions of this standard do not apply to: a… b… c. equipment and portions of building systems that use energy primarily to provide for industrial, manufacturing, or commercial process" Does the statement above apply for LEED projects? Is industrial load from the machinery considered a type of process energy for LEED? My understanding is that LEED certifies buildings, not processes, therefore this type of process energy should not be included in the calculations. But would like to hear your opinions and interpretations on this issue. Thanks

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Tue, 10/16/2012 - 20:06

ASHRAE 90.1 does not apply to the energy loads you've noted however they will need to be included in the energy model per the language of the reference guide.

Tue, 10/16/2012 - 20:25

Thanks David. I'd still like to elaborate a bit more on that, I'm afraid I'm not asking the question correctly. The RG says on p. 237: "For the purpose of this analysis, process energy is considered to include, but is not limited to, office and general miscellaneous equipment, computers, elevators and escalators, kitchen cooking and refrigeration, laundry washing and drying, lighting exempt from the lighting power allowance (e.g., lighting integral to medical equipment) and other (e.g., waterfall pumps)." It never mentions industrial load, such as machinery and, by analogy, we can infer that load from production equipment doesn't compare with the types of load mentionded in the RG. Even though load from the machinery could pontentially be included under "Other", that would be a nonsense, since in industries, over 90% of the energy consumption is from the machines used for product manufacturing (this is the case of our project, the plant produced automobile pieces). Such situation, would make it unfeasible for most industrial plants to pursue LEED certification, because of the 10% reduction required in EAp2. Unless, of course, the client decides to interfere in his production process, which is not what LEED is aimed for in my understanding, since LEED is for bulding, not processes...

Tue, 10/16/2012 - 20:32

In this case the purpose of LEED is to save energy. It does not matter if it is process or non-process energy use. David is right the requirements for this prerequisite and credit are clear - all energy use within and associated with the project must be included. So for an industrial facility to produce sufficient savings the process loads need to be addressed. There are many industrial facilities that have demonstrated energy savings related to their process and earned LEED certification. Think beyond the building.

Tue, 10/16/2012 - 20:50

Along this same line, our newest project is an incinerator for a BSL3/4 Lab. We are assuming that the incinerator itself is process load as the rest of the building is an office and support spaces. Would the energy model be required to show "significant savings"? Over what as a baseline?

Tue, 10/16/2012 - 21:17

Hey Kath, The incinerator is definitely process. The baseline is always Appendix G. The process is included but is modeled identically in the baseline and proposed models. The project would be required to show a 10% savings relative to 90.1-2007. If the incinerator uses a very high percentage of the overall energy use then you will need to find savings from the incinerator process using the exceptional calculation method. Are there more efficient incinerators than others? Can you do waste heat recovery off the stack? Think beyond the baseline.

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