Having the owner take an active role in developing and maintaining energy efficiency goals for the project can be helpful to the project team. Stating goals in terms of a “minimum acceptable level” and a “specified payback period” is an effective way to articulate goals. For example: “Our goal is a minimum 30% reduction in lighting and HVAC energy usage” or “to implement efficiency measures with paybacks of less than 5 years.” 

The owner and project team should determine the project’s energy efficiency goals and include them as part of the owner’s project requirements (OPR) and Basis of Design. 

LEED-CI energy systems relate to only those building systems within the construction or remodeling scope of the project. They do not address base building systems outside the interior fit-out. Applicable systems typically include lighting, HVAC distribution, service water heating, and equipment and appliances. The envelope is usually completed as part of the base building. It is only when the envelope is altered in the tenant scope that a CI project must address the requirements listed in the prerequisite. 

Identify the elements of the project that fall under this prerequisite: space cooling, space heating, lighting, ventilation, pumping, and domestic hot water. Do this by reviewing the requirements in ASHRAE 90.1-2007 and developing a building systems narrative for equipment and lighting.

This prerequisite establishes the project’s energy performance so that the project can demonstrate a commitment to energy efficiency. The energy use of a LEED-CI project, in terms of the ASHRAE 90.1–2007 standard, must meet four distinct requirements: 

ASHRAE 90.1-2007 – Mandatory Requirements 
ASHRAE 90.1-2007 – Prescriptive Option or Performance Option 
Lighting Power Density Reduction of 10% 
Energy Star-labeled Equipment and Appliances - 50%

General approach

During flush-outs, track airflow, duration, and any environmental or procedural conditions that impact the flush-out. If anything unusual happens, document it. Include this information as supporting documentation with the LEED submittal.

Maintain a photo log of the construction practices that followed your IAQ management plan.

Use plastic sheeting and other physical barriers to separate the construction area from occupied areas.

Identify any necessary changes to the HVAC settings during the flush-out, and calculate the duration based on the calculation above.