The project consists of an 8 storey multifamily residential building connected to a large conservatory. The residential building is an adult oriented building, including seniors, and will provide a range of services to the residents, including assisted living. The building is designed so the residents can "age in place". As part of the "age in place" plan, the quality of life for the residents became a large issue. The owner\'s research indicated that plant gardens were effective in improving quality of life, as they provide a gathering place, the plants trigger positive memories, and the residents will spend more time in a natural, daylit setting. The conservatory space will house a wide variety of plants. The project horticulturist has established temperature and daylight levels required to maintain plants. The temperature levels prescribed by the horticulturist result in heating and air conditioning systems being required. Based on ASHRAE 90.1/1999, it is our intent to exclude the heating and air conditioning systems for the conservatory space only, from the energy simulations, as these systems are providing process energy(as defined on page 10 of the standard) for plant growth. Is this acceptable?
The definition of \'process load\' on page 10 of the ASHRAE Standard 90.1-99 is "energy consumed in support of a manufacturing, industrial or commercial process other than conditioning spaces and maintaining comfort and AMENITIES for the occupants of a building." The conservatory qualifies as an amenity, being provided for use by the residents of the project. Maintaining the plants is not a manufacturing, industrial or commercial process. There is no reason to exclude the conservatory\'s HVAC system from energy efficiency concerns. Therefore, conditioning of the conservatory space must be included in the energy simulation and savings calculations. There are many strategies available to reduce the adverse impact of a conservatory on building energy use. If the project were able to demonstrate that significant efforts were made to reduce energy impacts while providing a demonstrable amenity to indoor environmental quality, a case might be made for an innovation credit.