LEED v4.1 references ASHRAE 90.1-2016 for the energy model.
looks like the baseline energy modeling values are tp be taken from Appendix G while the design team mandatory provisions are from sections 5.4, 6.4, 7.4, 8.4, 9.4, and 10.4.
Appendix G values are less stringent than the mandatory provisions.
Seems like ASHRAE is pushing the designers and taking it easy on the energy modelers.
no real question, just an observation. We will work with GBCI to use this route on our v3/v4 projects.
Marcus Sheffer
LEED Fellow7group / Energy Opportunities
LEEDuser Expert
5906 thumbs up
November 27, 2018 - 6:31 pm
Hi David - I had not taken a look at that comparison yet. Is this across the board in all sections? Does Appendix G exempt the baseline from certain mandatory provisions or are they just less stringent? Of is it the prescriptive, tradeable values that are less stringent? I guess I will have to take a look!
I wonder if the v4.1 credit language still says that you must meet all mandatory provisions. I hear the metric in v4.1 is now carbon!
Dave Hubka
Practice Leader - SustainabilityEUA
LEEDuser Expert
530 thumbs up
November 28, 2018 - 9:35 am
Hello Marcus,
Both LEED v4.1 EAp2 & 90.1-2016 Appendix G requires conformance with mandatory provisions listed in Sections 5.4, 6.4, 7.4, 8.4, 9.4, and 10.4. The interior lighting power allowance can be determined using either Tables G3.7 or G3.8 and the methodology described in Sections 9.5.1 and 9.6.1.
The mandatory provisions point to minimum efficiency tables (e.g. Table 6.8.1-) within the Standard. Appendix G allows the baseline efficiency to be taken from Appendix Table G3.5.1, which is much less stringent than Table 6.8.1-.
We have a call with GBCI today, since it seems like the language contradicts each other.
LEED v4.1 splits the energy modeling points into two point thresholds - Performance Cost Index (PCI) & greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Up to 9 points for reducing energy cost and up to 9 points for reducing GHG. After discussions with top folks within USGBC/GBCI it also sounds like projects with 50%+ unregulated energy use (e.g. manufacturing) will be able to use the percent threshold that has been reserved for Healthcare, CS, and Major Renovations.
Read only version of ASHRAE 90.1-2016 is available at: https://www.ashrae.org/technical-resources/standards-and-guidelines/read-only-versions-of-ashrae-standards
LEED NC v4.1 EAp1 requirements are outlined at: https://www.usgbc.org/node/11963678?return=/credits/new-construction/v4.1
LEED NC v4.1 EAc2 requirements are outlined at: https://www.usgbc.org/node/11963715?return=/credits/new-construction/v4.1
LEED NC v4.1 is in BETA, and is expected to be for the entirety of 2019. USGBC may not create a credit substitution list like they did for v4 into v3. But I suspect project teams will be able to use more current standards on LEED v3 and v4 projects on a case-by-case basis. (e.g. check the cold room ventilation rate listed in ASHRAE 62.1-2016)
Hope this Helps!
Dave Hubka
Practice Leader - SustainabilityEUA
LEEDuser Expert
530 thumbs up
November 29, 2018 - 9:52 am
I spoke with GBCI and the LEED v4.1 baseline for the energy model are to be taken from the tables located in Appendix G.
These values are similar to ASHRAE 90.1-2004 efficiency levels.
The baseline kept moving from LEED versions (v2 = 90.1-2004, v3 = 90.1-2007, v4 = 90.1-2010, etc..) So USGBC expects to keep the baseline at the 2004 level and adjust the awarded LEED points as the years go by....at least that is the plan at this time. "push the design to more efficient levels but keep the baseline the same".
They have not officially stated that v3 or v4 projects could use v4.1 modeling protocol, but hinted that they may allow it on a case-by-case basis. The challenge may be to get the design teams to design to ASHRAE 90.1-2016. (I have been given permission to use LEED v4.1 on a v3 project - EQp1)
Once again, version 4.1 gives me a whole lot more to learn about LEED!!
Marcus Sheffer
LEED Fellow7group / Energy Opportunities
LEEDuser Expert
5906 thumbs up
November 29, 2018 - 10:29 am
Thanks David. Now it all makes sense. Creating a 2004 baseline, in other words a fixed baseline, has been in the works for some time. With a fixed baseline they can now evaluate projects across time the same way. So an XX% savings generated now and an XX% 5 years from now are one the same scale and can be compared. The Feds and ASHRAE have been doing this for some time with the AEDGs that started at 30%, then 50% and now net zero. Next thing LEED needs to do is get net zero and beyond on the scale and adequately rewarded in LEED!!