The Energy Cost Budget method does not allow the proposed and budget models to use different operating schedules. This includes occupancy, lighting, HVAC, and other schedules. This effectively excludes the contribution of common energy efficiency measures such as advanced controls. For example, to simulate occupancy sensors that automatically turn off a rooms lights when the space is unoccupied, most software requires the lighting schedule to be different in the proposed model than in the budget model. Assumptions based on DDC data, records from similar facilities, and operator opinions could easily be used to establish virtual operating schedules that closely approximate the syste?s actual operation. Under what circumstances, if any, can measures that are best modeled effectively through schedule variations be included in the energy cost equation?
The reference standard does not allow variations in schedules to generate energy savings. All basic simulations used to satisfy Credit 1, Optimize Energy Efficiency, must use the same schedules for the Budget and Proposed cases. This approach simplifies inspection of the basic modeling results by the GBC. To document savings from control schemes, demand management schemes, and heat recovery schemes and to earn additional LEEDTM points, follow the ECB Exceptional Calculation Method. See Section 11.5 of the ASHRAE 90.1 User\'s Manual. Schedule variations may be used as a basis of engineering calculations for discrete measures that are precluded by the reference standard or the LEEDTM EMP. The savings should be modeled as a discrete measure, and the resulting energy savings deducted from the DEC\'. This handles the "exceptional" savings in the same fashion as renewable energy. An engineering narrative must provide a theoretical basis and describe the expected interactive modes the measure will have with other systems of the basic simulation, and it shall describe all of the assumptions in the analog system model used to predict the savings. Each measure will be assessed on it\'s own merits by the Rating Body. Once approved, the measure (and the analog modeling technique) may be used by other projects. Advanced approval of the proposed analog model through this Credit Interpretation Request process is suggested. Applicable Internationally.