Decide which option best suits your project. Either way, you can only achieve 5 or 10 points, and nothing in between.
Under Option 1 you can earn points for using efficient equipment (5 points) and/or zoning and controls (5 points).
Under Option 2 you have to show energy savings using a computer-based energy model demonstrating a 15% cost savings from the ASHRAE 90.1-2007 baseline building for 5 points or a 30% savings for 10 points.
According to the New Buildings Institute, occupancy sensors produce 25%-45% energy savings. Adding occupancy sensors is often a low-cost upgrade with payback period of less than one year.
ASHRAE-90.1 requires the installation of an automatic shut-off for spaces larger than 5,000 ft2. Both timers and occupancy sensors fulfill this requirement.
Spaces with daylight can save more energy in a “manual-on/auto-off mode” by forcing the user to turn on the lights. Many people will prefer to keep the lights off if they have good daylight.
Some new sensors self-adjust and “learn” occupancy patterns in the space. Some systems allow the time-out delay to change depending on the time of day to adapt to changing occupancy patterns. This can save even more energy by providing short time delays at night for cleaning crews, and longer time delays during the day to avoid false “off” occurrences.
ASHRAE 90.1-2007 guidelines require occupancy-sensitive controls for buildings of 5,000 ft2 or greater, but this credit requires the use of occupancy-sensitive controls for all buildings, regardless of size.
