Date
Inquiry

We propose to satisfy this prerequisite requirement for an elementary school project utilizing the streamlined procedure provided in the LEED-EB Reference Guide. This would include developing and documenting a building energy baseline from historical energy use data for the existing school, and then documenting a reduction in annual energy use during the performance period of 10% or greater from the building energy use performance baseline. Additional Background: The original school was constructed in 1964. A design for renovation and additions was done in the late 1990\'s, based on the code requirements of the 1993 BOCA Building Code and associated energy code. Subsequent revisions of the ASHRAE 90.1 Energy Standard (1999, 2001 and 2004) have provided significant improvement in energy performance requirements. Taking these factors into consideration, the building energy performance for projects designed prior to implementation of ASHRAE Standard 90.1-1999 does not compare as favorably with buildings constructed to these updated standards. The building energy requirements enforced at the time of design also make it more difficult to achieve an ENERGY STAR Rating of at least 60. The proposed alternative of achieving a 10% or greater energy savings for a 78,000 square foot school could potentially result in reduced CO2 emissions of 200,000 lbs/year, and provide a significant environmental benefit. Is it acceptable to meet the Minimum Energy Performance Prerequisite by documenting a reduction in annual energy use during the performance period of 10% or greater from the building energy use performance baseline for projects designed prior to implementation of ASHRAE Standard 90.1-1999 Energy Standard for Buildings?

Ruling

The proposed approach (use of the alternative compliance method) is not appropriate for this project. In the absence of highly problematic mitigating circumstances, building types which are adequately encompassed by the Energy Star Portfolio Manager Tool must use that tool to assess compliance with EA Prerequisite 2. The alternative compliance method is to be used only when the building type ensures (as confirmed by Energy Star) that the Portfolio Manager Tool is inappropriate for the particular application at hand. Applicable Internationally.

Internationally Applicable
On
Campus Applicable
Off
Credits