We have multiple new projects on the University of Colorado at Boulder\'s campus all seeking LEED certification which will be serviced by a new heating and cooling plant, also seeking LEED certification. The schedule of the projects is such that the earliest building complete will be complete and occupied approximately one year prior to the completion and start up of the new heating and cooling plant. Although this project is completely designed to be serviced by the new plant (and the drawings will reflect this), the project schedules will create a lapse where the building will have to be serviced by a temporary means until the new heating and cooling plant is operational. The current plan is to utilize temporary chillers and boilers. We believe it is appropriate for our energy model and all other LEED submittals to reflect the final connection to the CUP and not the temporary equipment. Please confirm this approach is acceptable. In addition, please clarify whether the temporary equipment must be commissioned to satisfy EAp1. The new CUP will be commissioned as well as all "downstream" equipment at each building in accordance with the May 28, 2008 CUP memo.
The project team is requesting permission to use the designed central plant specifications for EAc1 Option 1 and all LEED submittals versus the temporary plant that will be connected to the newest building on campus seeking LEED certification. The project team has also requested exception from the EAp1 requirement for commissioning the temporary equipment. The permanent equipment intended for the campus central plant may be used in submitting for EAc1 if the project team provides a letter on owner letterhead stating that the permanent central plant is fully funded. Please also include in the letter a comparison of the schedule of completion for the building in question to a schedule of completion for the central plant. Additionally, if the intent is to use this for other prerequisites and/or credits, this letter should address adequately how the requirements for all credits and prerequisites are being met effectively. However, the temporary equipment shall not be exempt from meeting the requirements of EAp2 - Minimum Energy Performance or EAp1 - Fundamental Commissioning, as this temporary equipment will be in operation for at least one year, if not more. It is necessary that the project team meet those requirements, i.e., a basic minimum level of energy performance and fundamental building systems commissioning for even the temporary equipment.