Rating System

LEED BD+C: New Construction

Rating System Version

v3 - LEED 2009

Inquiry

We seek approval of alternative compliance for EAc5 under LEED v2009 by meeting the Advanced Energy Metering and Enhanced Commissioning credit requirements of LEED v4. The project is on a University campus that uses energy and water sub-metering and continuous benchmarking campus-wide, rather than applying the IPMVP. The University’s approach aligns with the LEED v4 intents and requirements and is more effective in supporting energy management and identifying opportunities for energy savings than IPMVP. Buildings on campus typically outperform energy model projections, so calibrating models would not be beneficial. At the University, building-level energy use data is tracked per end-use. Data is then compared against other efficient buildings on campus and CBECS, as a baseline. The University has real-time data from 200+ campus buildings to compare to. For example, University engineers know how much electrical, lighting and water use to expect based on how similar buildings on campus perform. The University holds internal competitions among buildings, where building operators try to beat out others and be a standout performer on campus through the Buff Energy Star award. This approach meets LEED v4 requirements of Advanced Energy Metering as follows: Permanently installed meters collect data for electrical energy, chilled water, steam, and water use and report every 15 minutes to the BAS. Meters measure consumption and demand for the building and extended trends are put on all HVAC and electrical systems as part of the campus wide continuous Cx effort. All data is remotely accessible through the BAS, a campus website, and Energycap, an energy reporting/accounting program. Continuous Cx is performed campus-wide by University CxAs and meets requirements of LEED v4 Enhanced Cx as follows: CxAs are onboard from the program plan phase through construction and continuous recomissioning. The University follows the current ASHRAE 0-2005 and 1.1.-2007 for HVAC&R guidelines. In Design Development, CxAs conduct a thorough review of design documents to gain an intimate knowledge of the systems and provide feedback, then review all applicable submittals, RFIs, ASIs during construction and make requests for further clarification, change orders, etc. as needed. CxAs develop systems manuals and composite documents which include additional information gathered by the commissioning process. Occupant and operator training are provided and seasonal testing occurs as part of the recomissioning program. LEEDv4 requirements of Enhanced Cx, Path 2:Enhanced and Monitoring Based Cx are achieved through the use of two tracking tools in the construction phase – a specification matrix (identifies field tests and required documentation to confirm issues are completed and all documentation submitted) and an equipment matrix (spreadsheet that identifies all equipment in the Cx scope). This tool identifies drawing reference, tag #, make and model, and dates when installation and functional test was approved, training was conducted, etc., and has proved successful for managing Cx process for large, complex, phased projects with numerous pieces of equipment and devices. CxAs direct field tests to validate control systems and equipment operate per sequence of operations as defined by engineer of record for the project and CxAs. Representative samples of sensor and device-level calibration checks are conducted. All points listed to be monitored and/or adjusted are checked. CxAs compile a list of control points to be trended and verify that these trends are programmed in BAS. Points are analyzed during the Post Acceptance Phase and throughout the life of the building to ensure proper control. Examples of points monitored are chilled water, heating water, and space temperatures, flow, outside air damper position. Limits of acceptable values for tracked points vary seasonally, but in general, if points are out of setpoint by +/- 10% action is taken to correct the error. Records of all test failures are kept and published along with recommended corrections and party responsible for responding. These are corrected by the contractor or inhouse technicians if outside of the warranty period. To maintain performance, all buildings enter the re-Cx program. A re-Cx manual provides the procedure for continuous Cx. Functional tests are pass/fail based on the ability to reproduce values or response from the originally Cx system. Upon occupancy, trending and reviews occur bi-weekly and quarterly reviews occur seasonally. CxAs document any modified control or operating procedures by the Owner during the 1st year warranty period to identify any links to MEP deficiencies. Envelope Cx is included in the OPR and BOD and performed by CxA. We request that 3 points be awarded for EAc5 under LEED v2009 for meeting the requirement of EA credits Advanced Energy Metering and Enhanced Commissioning in LEED v4.