NOx Emissions Reduction We are installing boilers with NOx emissions lower than allowed by local code. These emission reductions will be in addition to those associated with reduction of annual fuel use, as recognized by Energy and Atmosphere credits for optimizing energy performance (EAc1). We anticipate any associated decrease in combustion efficiency will be small relative to the savings associated with EAc1, and will count against the EAc1 credit. We anticipate achieving the maximum 10 EAc1 credit, but with savings predominantly associated with electricity use. The boiler emission regulations applicable to our proposed building are less strict than for certain other parts of California (e.g. 20 ppm vs. 9-12 ppm). We are limiting boiler emissions to the lower levels required by these other California air quality management districts, which are recognized as leaders and innovators in regulation for improved air quality. We anticipate that standards will eventually be tightened in our region. Our early use of the lower emission boilers will help pave the way for adoption by other local facilities. We are proposing an Innovation in Design credit to recognize lowering of NOx emissions by improved combustion processes, as opposed to lowered boiler use. In our case, we will lower emissions in both ways. We seek confirmation of the validity of this innovation concept.
It is unlikely that the team\'s efforts, as described in the inquiry, would qualify for an Innovation Credit. Lowering NOx emissions via the improved boiler combustion process described in the inquiry addresses only one component of potential emissions reductions; further, Innovation Credits typically are not awarded for implementation of a single technology such as this. In order to earn an Innovation credit, a more comprehensive approach to reducing emissions and quantifying performance would need to be documented, such as calculating the project\'s total emissions and demonstrating that significant emissions reductions have been achieved relative to a benchmark for conventional construction.