Pre-Design

Don’t plan on using onsite renewable energy generation (see EAc2) to make your building energy-efficient. It is almost always more cost-effective to make an efficient building, and then to add renewables like photovoltaics as the “icing” on the cake.

A poorly designed envelope with a high-tech HVAC system is not, on the whole, efficient or cost-effective. Start with building orientation and passive design features first when looking for energy efficiency.

The prerequisite’s energy-reduction target of 10% is not common practice and is considered beyond code compliance. 

ASHRAE 90.1-2007 has some additional requirements compared with 2004. Read through the standard for a complete update. The following are some samples. 

For Option 1 only, you will need to comply with the mandatory requirements of ASHRAE 90.1-2007, to bring your project to the minimum level of performance. The ASHRAE 90.1-2007 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 goals 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.

This is generally a low-cost credit. Reducing built parking capacity can even reduce construction and maintenance costs. The only added cost might be signage for preferred parking spaces, if applicable.