2.6: Plug Loads

(50 maximum points possible)

2.6.1 Plug Load Inventory (16 points)

GREEN GLOBES #2.6.1.1 Is there an inventory of plug load items and equipment (based on name plate specifications) that is kept current, reviewed and revised as space occupancy and systems change? 

• Yes (5 points) 
• No (0 points)

Tooltip

Create an editable electronic tabulation of all plug load equipment that is introduced into the space. The file should include nameplate specifications and locations of the equipment, updated at least quarterly and whenever new equipment is introduced or old equipment is replaced.

Assessment Guidance

Since this is a new space, there should be either a new separate inventory or an addition to a current inventory, which is kept current with a formal policy and procedure. Then, verify that the contents of the inventory, and the procedures for maintaining it, are current.

References 

• Advanced Buildings, Plug Load Best Practices Guide for Office

GREEN GLOBES #2.6.1.2 Is there separate metering and monitoring – either real-time continuous or interval metering (down to 15 minute resolution) – that distinguishes between plug loads and major equipment loads and allows occupants to view plug load profiles? 

• Yes (6 points) 
• No (0 points)

Tooltip

For plug load metering to be possible, plug load circuits need to be on separate circuits and the energy draw on these circuits would need to be incorporated in a Building Automation System (BAS) monitoring system or alternate plug load tracking system.

Assessment Guidance

For plug load tracking to work, a building automation system—or alternate system—would need to be programmed to log plug load usage on plug load circuits. Data would have to be collected on regular cycles and reduced or analyzed to show trends and patterns of usage. Documents consisting of metering plans, programming details, analysis methods, and reporting samples would be appropriate to assess this credit.

GREEN GLOBES #2.6.1.3 Is there a system in place to track plug loads (from metered data) on at least a monthly basis, and which provides feedback to occupants for recommended strategies they can use to limit plug loads over which they have control? 

• Yes (5 points) 
• No (0 points) 
• N/A

Tooltip

Incorporate a data tracking, analysis, and reporting method as part of the space automation system or similar data collection alternative. Mark “N/A” if there is no sub-metering for plug loads.

Assessment Guidance

The development of plug load use data needs to be specific enough to resolve which plug loads, or groups of plug loads, are dominant energy users. The reporting should be simple enough that clear anomalies, trends, and patterns are evident or there is analysis as part of the report to draw reasonable conclusions. The information in the reports should lend itself to corrective action. For example, if one printer is identified as an outlier of high energy use, and the intensity of use (pages printed per month) is not much different than other printers, then the “energy hog” might be earmarked for replacement with a more energy-efficient model when the equipment lease expires.

2.6.2 Plug Load Limiting (12 points)

GREEN GLOBES #2.6.2.1 Are there policies in place that limit or prohibit “plug load accumulation” – the introduction or use of personal electrical equipment that increase plug loads (e.g. space heaters, fans, task lamps, coffee makers, charging stations, additional personal computers, etc.)? 

• Yes (6 points) 
• No (0 points)

Tooltip

Written criteria or restrictions for both the kinds of plug-in equipment allowed and corresponding limitations can be developed and made available to all occupants.

Assessment Guidance

A policy manual or chapter can be developed that identifies acceptable plug-in equipment, criteria or restrictions for use, and remedial measures to remove or replace non-compliant equipment.

GREEN GLOBES #2.6.2.2 Is there a policy in place that requires all new equipment purchases to be based on energy efficient criteria, such as ENERGY STAR® or other applicable standards? 

• Yes (6 points) 
• No (0 points) 
• N/A

Tooltip

Identify the basis for what kind of plug-in systems and equipment are allowed when purchasing or leasing equipment, whether ENERGY STAR® or other energy-efficient criteria. Mark “N/A” if no future purchases are anticipated, or the kind of purchases anticipated would not lend themselves to ENERGY STAR® or other energy efficient standard.

Assessment Guidance

Verify that the tenant has a purchasing policy requiring specification of energy-efficient equipment.

2.6.3 Plug Load Management (22 points)

GREEN GLOBES #2.6.3.1 Are there the following software-based power management control systems that can be programmed to minimize plug loads:

Tooltip

These criteria apply to spaces in which plug-load circuits are separate and plug-load management software and systems can be installed and programmed.

Assessment Guidance

Review the plug-load management strategy and applications that are implemented in the tenant’s space. Verify that the strategies are effective in turning off or reducing plug loads and that user over-rides or exempted uses, such as late nights or weekends, do not undo the effective management of plug loads.

GREEN GLOBES #2.6.3.1.1 Power management strategies to control plug loads?

• Yes (7 points)
• No (0 points)
• N/A

Tooltip

Examples include load-sensing plug strips that use a master/slave approach, which can be set so that when turning off computers everything else in the plug strip also turns off; occupancy-sensing plug strips that detect the presence or absence of a user and automatically turn equipment on or off in response; and programmed time-of-use circuits that limit when, and for how long, plug load circuits are energized. Mark “N/A” if such plug load systems cannot be installed in context of the tenant’s operations.

GREEN GLOBES #2.6.3.1.2 The power management system has been commissioned and is actively in use?

• Yes (7 points)
• No (0 points)
• N/A

Tooltip

 Mark “N/A” if such plug load systems cannot be installed in context of the tenant’s operations.

GREEN GLOBES #2.6.3.2 Is there a policy in place for education occupants on how to best manage plug loads to minimize load energy use? 

• Yes (8 points) 
• No (0 points)

Tooltip

Mark “Yes” if you have a policy that gives occupants instructions on what plug-loads are in place, which plug loads are under their control, and what responsibilities they have to affect this control.

Assessment Guidance

This policy can vary broadly depending on the level of data collection, information, analysis, and reporting that applies to plug loads in this tenant space. At minimum, that policy should identify the plug loads, make occupants aware of what information is available and developed for managing the plug loads, and what influence occupants have to modify their behaviors using plug load equipment. Behavior modifications can run the gamut of limiting the kinds of equipment occupants bring in or use, to identifying which parts of the space are the responsibility of which occupants (e.g. IT personnel for computers and printers; admin staff for break room items; lights off switching at the end of the day for all occupants). The key is to make sure that occupants are informed about what are the plug loads in their space – what equipment/systems contribute to these loads; how those loads are used by whom, when; what mechanisms are available for managing the loads (ON/OFF switches or timers; programmable features); and how to access and use information that explains how to reduce or minimize loads, from user manuals or regular load reports, for example.

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