What effect did the November 2011 ASHRAE table 9.4.6 Addendum I, have on exterior lighting power allowances?
Significant reductions for tradable surfaces in LZ1 and LZ2 and some in LZ3. See the new table for details.
Can non-potable well water that is used for irrigation contribute to Option 2, No Potable Water Use?
No, non-potable groundwater used for irrigation (other than nuisance groundwater, i.e. water pumped away from a foundation) is considered a potential potable source and would not count towards Option 2.
Is my site previously developed?
Many projects have had questions about the definition of previously developed. Note that LEED 2009 projects have had the relevant definition updated by USGBC through a November 2011 addendum. Be sure to reference that definition, which is more specific, if it is applicable to your project.
Is it possible to be exempted from the wetlands requirements under this credit if we protect or restore equivalent wetlands elsewhere?
No, this is not an accepted compliance path. LEEDuser's experts agree that you are unlikely to get traction with this due to the immediate and unsustainable impacts on local ecosystems and hydrology.
Our project site is in what FEMA refers to as "Zone D"—an area that has possible but undetermined flood hazards, as no analysis of flood hazards have been conducted. How can we tell if we comply with this credit?
Seek the opinion of an equivalent local regulatory agency, or a professional hydrologist.
The project site is classified as "prime farmland," but is in a developed area with buildings all around. Can I still comply with this credit?
LEED does not have published exceptions to the prime farmland requirement. You would need to submit a CIR to get an official ruling.
However, some projects have had success contacting the local USDA representative and requesting an evaluation to get an exemption due to the low probability that the land could be usable for agricultural purposes.
Are there any other requirements?
Fees for shared building utilities such as steam or hot water should be pro-rated among tenants based on area or occupancy, and based on actual building consumption. In other words, gross leases, where tenants pay a fixed lump sum for all rent and other expenses, will not meet the intent of this credit.
What are projects required to submeter for this credit?
The only required submetering is for electricity. Tenant spaces must be submetered or independently metered by the electric utility.
What am I required to submeter for this credit?
For EAc5.1, there are no specific requirements. In your M&V plan, you will identify the uses you will submeter or monitor in order to confirm your energy savings. If you are pursuing Option 2 (Energy Conservation Measure Isolation), it may make sense to directly submeter the equipment in question. For the related tenant M&V credit, EAc5.2, tenant spaces must submetered or independently metered by the electric utility.
How can I choose between Option 1 (Calibrated Simulation) and Option 2 (Energy Conservation Measure Isolation)?
Option 2 is only appropriate for measures that are simple to analyze and that have few or no interaction with other building systems. For most new buildings and gut rehabs, there will be significant interaction between systems (such as lighting and HVAC) and Option 1 (simulation) will be the best option.