Project types and programmatic space types quite often dictate the outcome of the energy simulation model. LEED Rating system adaptations allow adjusted point scales for existing building renovations, Core & Shell projects, and healthcare programmatic space types in recognition that a greater proportion of the energy consumption is either outside of the scope of the project, or more difficult to mitigate within the project scope.
Manufacturing projects served by existing chillers/boilers can model the chilled water and hot water as ‘purchased energy’ however, in this scenario, cannot claim savings between the baseline and proposed. This is identical to major renovations / Core & Shell since such energy related decisions are outside the control of the LEED project owner.
Similar to healthcare projects, manufacturing projects also have large non-regulated energy loads. However, unlike healthcare, manufacturing projects contain limitless varieties of ‘widget makers’ and many (if not all) are proprietary. Healthcare buildings have similar non-regulated energy consuming items. Non-regulated energy consuming items throughout the manufacturing projects do not have such similarities.
Can BD+C projects with more than 50% ASHRAE 90.1 unregulated loads use Minimum energy performance percentage improvements, and an Optimize Energy Performance point scale that matches the percentage improvements and point scale required for Core & Shell projects?
Yes, projects using whole building energy simulation, and documenting unregulated energy cost exceeding 50% of the total proposed building energy cost may use the following BD+C: Core & Shell energy performance improvement thresholds in lieu of the New Construction thresholds.
• Minimum Energy Performance: Demonstrate a 2% improvement in the proposed building performance in accordance with ASHRAE 90.1-2010 Appendix G (or a USGBC-approved equivalent standard).
• Optimize Energy Performance: Use the Core and Shell column of Table 1. Points for percentage improvement in lieu of the New Construction or Major Renovation column.
Provide the LEED Minimum Energy Performance Calculator and an accompanying narrative to justify that unregulated energy cost exceeds 50% of the building’s total proposed energy cost. Refer to the BD+C v4 reference guide definitions of unregulated load and regulated load.
Update 3/1/2024:
This LEED Interpretation is not applicable to projects subject to the LEED v4 2024 Update because the allowance is directly incorporated into the v4 2024 update prerequisite and credit requirements.