This GSA owned research facility is 415,000 sq. ft. with a combination of office space, labs, and computer data centers (including supercomputers and other high density data processing machines). The tenant agencies conduct critical research in atmospheric and space sciences. The laboratories on site have 24/7 heating and ventilation requirements for ongoing experiments. In addition, high density data processing centers (including staff support) operate on a 24/7 basis. The combined square footage for these operations totals 15% of the facility. In order to document the Minimum Energy Performance Prerequisite for LEED EB, we propose conducting an engineering evaluation of the labs and high density data processing centers in order to determine a reasonable deduction from our total metered energy use. We propose then using the Energy Star Statement of Energy Performance tool for the office and typical building space only. Due to the fact that the facility\'s labs and high density data processing centers are atypical of offices and regular computer use, we propose deducting the square footage and estimated energy consumption of the labs and high density data processing centers (we would not deduct "normal" computer areas as found in typical offices such as communication closet rooms and personal computers). The deducted square footage and energy would still be provided to the USGBC along with explanatory narrative from an engineer. Additional background: We explored the alternative benchmarking approach suggested in the LEED EB guide, but encountered obstacles. Given the unique nature of the facility and the tenant\'s mission, finding a similar building in a similar climate raises concerns regarding accurate benchmarking. Also, we cannot show the required reduction in energy use from our historical average because we have continued to add more computer data centers since original construction. Nevertheless, a summer of 2005 recommissioning report from the local energy provider determined that the facility is operating at a high level of efficiency with only limited opportunities for energy reduction given the demand of the labs and high density data processing centers. Is it acceptable to meet the Minimum Energy Performance Prerequisite by deducting an estimate of the energy usage for labs and data centers from the total building energy usage and then using the Energy Star tool for the office and typical building space only?
The proposed approach is one allowed by Energy Star for use with the Portfolio Manager Tool with two critical conditions: 1. As the Applicant notes, the relevant square footage must also be subtracted from the total for the purposes of the Energy Star score, and 2. The subtracted energy measurements must be derived from submetering (permanent or temporary) rather than modeled or predicted load calculations. If the project team is pursuing energy savings in EAc1 from the project\'s labs and high density data processing centers, these areas must be included in EAp2 calculations. Applicable Internationally.