v4 DES baseline system modeling for multiple buildings under LEED campus

Under this path you model the baseline systems according to Table G3.1.1A, so DX coil and furnace for a System #3.

Hi Marcus - we were just trying to answer a similar question.  Note that in the DES guidance for v4, the language for Path 2 "Baseline Plant" says "Model the baseline case with an on-site plant that is compliant with ASHRAE 90.1–2010, Appendix G, baseline requirements for site-generated thermal energy."     Additionally, the Excel calculator [v4_Minimum Energy Performance Calculator] in the General HVAC tab has specific language in the Baseline Air-Side HVAC section that indicates that certain info (e.g. efficiency ratings for DX equipment) is "Not required if District Cooling has been selected", which seems to indicate that Path 2 wants you to modify the typical Baseline system to include a plant.   Are we to read the Reference Guide language to mean "IF your baseline has a plant per Table G3.1.1A, then follow the rules in this paragraph, but if your Baseline doesn't have a plant per Table G3.1.1A then ignore this paragraph"?   Any insight into the language in the excel file referencing "not required if District Cooling/Heating..."?   Thanks much.

We agree that the language is very confusing. In the previous version of the DES(v2) there was a table that showed you how to model the baseline systems which had you change everything associated with a DES to water based systems. This was very clear. Absent this table there is no guidance in Appendix G that tells you what you are supposed to do in the baseline. So our opinion is that you should use Table G3.1.1A. If GBCI wants us to use water-side systems instead of Table G3.1.1A then they should restore the missing table from the old DES guidance. Based on the MEPC it appears that they want a water system in the baseline. Given the obvious conflict and confusion I think you could make the case that you could do either option in the baseline and they should allow it.