Rating System

LEED BD+C: New Construction

Rating System Version

v2 - LEED 2.0

Inquiry

Our question pertains to a residential highrise project. It has been observed by our energy modeler that no baseline exists either within ASHRAE or the local energy code for residential lighting power density. In fact, in ASHRAE 90.1 Section 9.1 "General", lighting within living units is explicitly not included (Exception b.). The 1.0 w/sf allowance under 9.3.1.1 is for common areas only. These comprise a small percentage of a typical residential highrise building. Similarly, our state (Oregon) Energy Code Section 1316.1 Exception 4 provides 1.2 w/sf for apartment buildings, which would be the applicable code for the common areas of the building, including mechanical rooms, stairs, lobbies, and hallways, but excludes living areas. Because the residential lighting will comprise a relatively significant component of the total energy load of a residential highrise project, we propose that a baseline must be established against which energy efficient design strategies can be measured and rewarded. We retained Benya Lighting Design (BLD), a nationally-recognized consultant, to propose a baseline for us. James Benya, BLD Principal, is a member of the ASHRAE 90.1 committee. BLD