Optimize Building Energy Performance – Above Green

(1-2 points)

Intent

To encourage the design and construction of energy-efficient buildings that reduce air, water, and land pollution and adverse environmental effects from energy production and consumption.

Requirements

The requirements apply to 90% of the total building floor area (rounded up to the next whole building) of all nonresidential buildings, mixed-use buildings, and multiunit residential buildings four stories or more constructed as part of the project or undergoing major renovations as part of the project. Each counted building must comply with one of the following efficiency options.

Option 1. Whole-building energy simulation (1–2 points)

New buildings must demonstrate an average percentage improvement of 12% (1 point) or 20% (2 points) over ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1–2010, with errata. Buildings undergoing major renovations as part of the project must demonstrate an average percentage improvement of 10% (1 point) or 18% (2 points). Core and shell buildings must demonstrate an average percentage improvement of 11% (1 point) or 15% (2 points). To determine percentage improvement, follow the method outlined in GIB Prerequisite Minimum Building Energy Performance.

Option 2. Prescriptive compliance: ASHRAE 50% Advanced Energy Design Guide (2 points)

To be eligible for Option 2, project must comply with all of requirements of Option 2 in GIB Prerequisite Minimum Building Energy Performance. AND Comply with the applicable recommendations and standards in Chapter 4, Design Strategies and Recommendations by Climate Zone, for the appropriate ASHRAE 50% Advanced Energy Design Guide and climate zone. For projects outside the U.S., consult ASHRAE/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1–2010, Appendixes B and D, to determine the appropriate climate zone. ASHRAE 50% Advanced Energy Design Guide for Small to Medium Office Buildings

Building envelope, opaque: roofs, walls, floors, slabs, doors, and continuous air barriers
Building envelope, glazing: vertical fenestration
Interior lighting, including daylighting and interior finishes
Exterior lighting
Plug loads, including equipment and controls

ASHRAE 50% Advanced Energy Design Guide for Medium to Large Box Retail Buildings

Building envelope, opaque: roofs, walls, floors, slabs, doors, and vestibules
Building envelope, glazing: fenestration - all orientations
Interior lighting, excluding lighting power density for sales floor
Additional interior lighting for sales floor
Exterior lighting
Plug loads, including equipment choices and controls

ASHRAE 50% Advanced Energy Design Guide for K–12 School Buildings

Building envelope, opaque: roofs, walls, floors, slabs, and doors
Building envelope, glazing: vertical fenestration
Interior lighting, including daylighting and interior finishes
Exterior lighting
Plug loads, including equipment choices, controls, and kitchen equipment

ASHRAE 50% Advanced Design Guide for Large Hospitals

Building envelope, opaque: roofs, walls, floors, slabs, doors, vestibules, and continuous air barriers
Building envelope, glazing: vertical fenestration
Interior lighting, including daylighting (form or nonform driven) and interior finishes
Exterior lighting
Plug loads, including equipment choices, controls, and kitchen equipment

For new single-family residential buildings and new multiunit residential buildings three stories or fewer, 90% of the buildings must reduce absolute estimated annual energy usage by 20% compared with the LEED Energy Budget for each building. Follow the method outlined in LEED v4 for Homes, EA Credit Annual Energy Use.

Pilot Alternatives Available

The following pilot alternative compliance path is available for this credit. See the pilot credit library for more information. EApc107 - Energy Performance Metering Path