Rating System

LEED BD+C: New Construction, LEED BD+C: New Construction

Rating System Version

v2 - LEED 2.0, v2 - LEED 2.2

Inquiry

The project consists of an 8 storey multifamily residential building connected to a large conservatory. The residential building is an adult oriented building, including seniors, and will provide a range of services to the residents, including assisted living. The building is designed so the residents can "age in place". As part of the "age in place" plan, the quality of life for the residents became a large issue. The owner\'s research indicated that plant gardens were effective in improving quality of life, as they provide a gathering place, the plants trigger positive memories, and the residents will spend more time in a natural, daylit setting. The conservatory space will house a wide variety of plants. The project horticulturist has established temperature and daylight levels required to maintain plants. The temperature levels prescribed by the horticulturist result in heating and air conditioning systems being required. Based on ASHRAE 90.1/1999, it is our intent to exclude the heating and air conditioning systems for the conservatory space only, from the energy simulations, as these systems are providing process energy(as defined on page 10 of the standard) for plant growth. Is this acceptable?