Pre-Design

Check the registration date of your project. If you registered after June 2007, you have to achieve two points under EAc1 as per USGBC addenda. There is lot of synergy between EAc1 compliance and meeting this prerequisite because of this reason. The prerequisite’s energy-reduction target (for EAc1 option 1) of 14% is not common practice and is considered beyond code compliance.

You will need to comply with the mandatory requirements of ASHRAE 90.1-2004, to bring your project to the minimum level of performance. The ASHRAE 90.1-2004 User’s Manual is a great resource, with illustrated examples of solutions for meeting the requirements.

Develop a precedent for energy targets by conducting research on similar building types and using the EPA’s Target Finder program. (See Resources.)

Consider stating big picture goals for the project in terms of minimum efficiency levels and specific payback periods. For example: “Our goal is to exceed a 20% reduction from ASHRAE 90.1, with all efficiency measures having a payback period of 10 years or less.”

You won’t earn this prerequisite by accident. The energy efficiency requirements here are typically much more stringent than local codes, so plan on giving it special attention with your team, including leadership from the owner.

Discuss your project’s energy performance objectives, along with how those are shaping design decisions, with the owner.

Select those strategies that are most suitable for your project type and location. For example, evaporative cooling is very effective in a hot, dry climate but is not likely to be a good idea in the cooler, damper Northeast or Northwest. The list is a good summary of the best ways to reduce energy intensity, though some strategies may be more effective in offices and museums, while others are more helpful in hospitals and hotels.

If you are installing a renewable energy system that provides at least 5% of your electricity, you already implemented one of the three strategies from the Core Performance Guide.

This compliance path is top-heavy due to up-front consultant time, but it provides adequate structure to ensure that your project is in compliance with the prerequisite requirements. For some projects it may be less expensive to pursue than Option 1.

Though they can be a little daunting at first glance, a majority of the guide’s requirements overlap with other LEED credits, such as EAp1: Fundamental Commissioning, EQp1: Minimum Indoor Air Quality Performance, and EQc6.1: Controllability of Systems—Lighting Controls.