The project includes two indoor swimming pools - one lap pool and one recreational pool. We plan to claim energy savings for the pools and natatorium. ASHRAE 90.1 will be used as the baseline for those elements that are covered by the standard; pool heating boiler performance, space ventilation fans, and lighting. For the performance of other pool equipment not addressed by the standard, specifically pool circulating pumps, the pool filtration systems, and the natatorium humidification control, we are proposing the baseline to be a recently completed pool that is owned and operated by the same entity as this project. We will quantify the baseline through field measurements and interviews as appropriate. Baseline pool circulation rates will be determined by the local health code and heating energy and evaporation rates will be calculated using the Energy Smart Pools software (see http://www.rlmartin.com/rspec/). Adjustments will be made to the baseline to account for each pool\'s temperature and activity rate impacts on evaporation in order to calculate natatorium dehumidification requirements. Pool and natatorium energy efficiency measures that we plan to carefully consider include optimum selection of pool circulating pumps for maximum efficiency, minimizing the total pressure drop through the pool circulation systems, variable speed circulation pumps, dehumidification (either mechanical or with outside air) with heat recovery, and a solar make up air preheating system. The savings for the potential pool and natatorium measures will be calculated from the baseline described above. Is this an acceptable methodology to establish the baseline and energy savings for the non-regulated loads in the pools and natatorium?
Per the LEED NC 2.2 Reference Guide, page 183, "project teams may follow the Exceptional Calculation Method (ASHRAE Std 90.1- G2.5) to document measures that reduce process loads. If credit is taken for process loads, the calculation must include reasonable assumptions for the baseline and proposed case." ASHRAE 90.1-2004, G2.5 further states "Applications for approval of an exceptional method shall include documentation of the calculations performed and theoretical and/or empirical information supporting the accuracy of the method." In the above request, there isn\'t sufficient information supporting the accuracy of the method or describing how to document calculations performed. Information from only one recently built pool does not constitute "empirical" data. In this case, the USGBC certification reviewer serves as the "rating authority" described by ASHRAE Std 90.1- G2.5 and will make rulings on a case by case basis. The pool system savings fall under the process load category and thus the Exceptional Calculation Method should be used to take credit for energy savings, per ASHRAE 90.1 G2.5. The burden of proof regarding what constitutes "information supporting the accuracy of the method" rests with the project team. As far as energy savings from the natatorium (space) measures, this should be addressed within the confines of the Performance Rating Method of ASHRAE 90.1-2004, per the exception made under G3.1.1(b). Applicable Internationally.