Rating System

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

Rating System Version

v2 - LEED 2.0, v2 - LEED 2.2

Inquiry

This inquiry pertains to a core-and-shell project with a modeled base load of 530,350 kWh/yr. (ASHRAE ECB model). The base load includes corridor and lobby lighting and HVAC, and elevator loads, all of which will be supplied by the building owner to the building occupants. The project includes building-integrated and roof-mounted photovoltaics which will generate approximately 21,600 kwh/yr, about 4 percent of the base load. According to the Point Interpolation Table (Table 8) on page 144 of the LEED reference manual, this is within the range to qualify for 1 LEED point under EA Credit 2.1. When we exclude non-regulated loads (elevators) from our model for Energy Credit 1, the base load is even lower and the resulting percentage from the PVs is even higher. As this is a core-and-shell project, we seek confirmation from USGBC that for the purposes of EA Credit 2.1, we can measure the renewables contribution against the energy load we are modeling as part of our project, not the eventual load of the building once it is occupied, since the scope of the project (and the energy systems we are accountable for) only comprise the core and shell systems. This is consistent with how we are treating the energy systems of the building for Energy Credit 1, as well.