small ODP (ozone-depleting potentials),
and low-GWP (global-warming potentials) values.
EA Credit 1:
Optimize Energy Efficiency
Performance (1 to 18 points)
Intent: To achieve increasing levels of
operating energy performance relative
to typical buildings of similar type to reduce environmental and economic impacts associated with excessive energy
use.
Requirements: EA Credit 1 has different requirements based on whether
or not the project is eligible for Energy
Star rating. If so, projects must achieve
an energy performance rating of at
least 71. Projects not eligible for an
Energy Star rating must demonstrate
energy efficiency at least 21 percent
better than the national average.
Potential Strategies: Depending on
Energy Star eligibility, points vary based
on the rating or, for those ineligible, on
the percentile level above the national
median. Buildings must have dedicated
energy meters, and the project’s energy
performance rating must be based on
actual metered energy consumption for
a minimum of 12 consecutive months.
To improve energy performance, reduce demand by reducing internal loads
through shell and lighting improvements and setting operating schedules
optimally. Harvest site energy such as
daylight, solar heating, and wind energy. Increase efficiency through the site
envelope, lighting, and HVAC systems,
and recover waste energy through exhaust air energy recovery systems, and
cogeneration.
EA Credit 2.1:
Existing Building
Commissioning — Investigation
and Analysis ( 2 points)
Intent: Through a systematic process,
to develop an understanding of the operation of the building’s major energy-using systems, options for optimizing
energy performance, and a plan to
achieve energy savings.
Requirements: The first option for
this credit involves a commissioning process, while the second approach calls
for an ASHRAE Level II energy audit.
Potential Strategies: The first option, building commissioning, must address all of the building’s major energy-using systems and may be completed
by an external commissioning agent or
by members of the building operations
staff. Two essential goals that should
guide the commissioning process and
documentation are identifying cost-effective reductions in energy consumption and improving indoor conditions for
building occupants. The commissioning
plan should identify the scope of the
process, estimation of cost, project
management tools, team members and
responsibilities, as well as a timetable
for completion.
To fulfill the credit’s second option,
conduct an energy audit that meets the
requirements of ASHRAE Level II. It is
recommended, but not mandatory, that
project teams conduct the audit during the performance period. This type
of audit must include a total of 12 key
elements, including a review of existing
operating and maintenance problems;
a breakdown of total annual energy
use; and a list of all possible modifications to equipment and operations that
would save money and cost estimates.
E & A Credit 2.2:
Existing Building Commissioning –
Implementation ( 2 points)
Intent: To implement minor improvements and identify planned capital projects to ensure that the building’s major energy-using systems are repaired,
operated, and maintained effectively to
optimize energy performance.
Requirements: Implement no- or low-cost operations improvements, demonstrate costs and return on investment
(ROI) for these improvements; provide
training for management staff on sus-
tainable building operations topics; and
update the building operating plan to
reflect changes.
Potential Strategies: Improvements
completed for EA Credit 2. 2 should be
based on the findings from Credit 2.1.
When calculating cost-benefit analyses,
base calculations on actual observed
costs as much as possible, using abbreviated time periods to extrapolate
annual outcomes and actual utility rate
schedules. No minimum requirement
for staff training is outlined in this credit, and 24 hours per person per year is
recommended.
EA Credit 2.3:
Existing Building
Commissioning—Ongoing
Commissioning ( 2 points)
Intent: To use commissioning to address changes in facility occupancy,
use, maintenance, and repair. Make periodic adjustments and reviews of building operating systems and procedures
essential for optimal energy efficiency
and service provision.
Requirements: Implement an ongoing commissioning program, summarizing an overall commissioning cycle for
the building by equipment or building
system group. At least half of the work
outlined in the first commissioning cycle
must be completed prior to the application date for LEED 2009 for Existing
Buildings: Operations & Maintenance.
Potential Strategies: This should
include a detailed schedule for the
completion of the overall commissioning cycle, a budget for each phase of
the cycle, and a list of all building equipment relevant to the process. Also,
specify procedures for responding to
deviations from expected or preferred
performance parameters
Jennifer Easton is a communications associate at the U.S. Green Building Council,
2101 L St. N. W., Suite 500, Washington, DC
20037, 202-595-3957, jeaston@usgbc.org,
www.usgbc.org.
