Intent:
- Achieve increasing levels of energy performance above the baseline in the prerequisite.
- Reduce environmental and economic impacts associated with building energy usage.
Implementation:
- Methods of optimizing energy performance:
- Reduce building footprint
- Reduce demand
- Provide sensors in:
- for break rooms
- class rooms
- meeting/conference rooms
- Harvest Energy
- Building Orientation
- Window Location
- Natural Ventilation
- Improve Efficiency
- through design of HVAC, lighting, and building envelope
- Recover Waste Energy
- Exhaust Air Energy
- Graywater Heat
- Cogeneration
- OPTION 1: WHOLE BUILDING ENERGY SIMULATION (1 to 10 points possible)
- New Buildings:
- demonstrate percentage of improvement in proposed building performance rating compared to baseline performance rating per Building Performance Rating method in Appendix G in ASHRAE / IESNA 90.1 – 2004.
- 1 point at 10.5% improvement, then 1 additional point for each 3.5% after that. (10 points max!)
- Existing Buildings:
- same as new buildings, except 1 point at 3.5%, then 1 additional point for each 3.5% after that. (10 points max!)
- For Calculations: INCLUDE ALL ENERGY COSTS
- Compare to a baseline (model simulation)
- Provide 4 orientation simulations for baseline modeling.
- updated: since June 2007 – it is required that projects doing option 1 go for at least get 2 points.
- New Buildings:
- OPTION 2: PRESCRIPTIVE COMPLIANCE PATH: "Design Guide for Small Office Buildings" (4 points possible)
- Comply with ASHRAE "Guide for Small Office Buildings" – 2004.
- Building must be less than 20,000 SF with office occupancy
- For Calculations: NOT energy costs, but use CLIMATE ZONE factor
- OPTION 3: PRESCRIPTIVE COMPLIANCE PATH: "Core Performance Guide" (2-5 points possible)
- Comply with Advanced Buildings Core Performance Guide sections 1 & 2
- Buildings must be LESS than 100,000 sq. ft.
- Buildings may NOT be healthcare, warehouse or laboratories
- MINIMUM points achievable (2 to 3 points)
- 3 points for office, school, public assembly and retail
- 2 points for all other project types
- Additional points achievable (up to 2 additional points)
- Up to 2 points for projects that implement section 3: enhanced performance
- 1 point for every 3 strategies implemented
- DO NOT count the following sections:
- 3.1: cool roofs
- 3.8: night venting
- 3.13: additional commissioning
- OPTION 4: PRESCRIPTIVE COMPLIANCE PATH: "Benchmark version 1.1" (1 possible)
- updated: since June 26 2007 – projects may NO LONGER use this option
- comply with ASHRAE Benchmark v1.1
- this is just here for your information
THIS IS ACCORDING TO THE THIRD EDITION OF THE REFERENCE GUIDE FROM OCTOBER 2007 PLEASE SEE the ERRATA SHEET for updates to this credit since the earlier editions.
Code:
- ASHRAE / IESNA 90.1 – 2004 (option 1)
- ASHRAE Guide for Small Office Buildings (option 2)
- ASHRAE Core Performance Guide (option 3)
- ASHRAE Benchmark v.1.1 (option 4)
Submittal Phase:
- design
Extra Credit:
- none
More Energy & Atmosphere Credits
- EA P1 – Fundamental Commissioning of the Building Energy Systems (prerequisite )
- EA P2 – Minimum Energy Performance (prerequisite )
- EA P3 – Fundamental Refrigerant Management (prerequisite )
- EA 1 – Optimize Energy Performance
- EA 2 – On-Site Renewable Energy
- EA 3 – Enhanced Commissioning
- EA 4 – Enhanced Refrigerant Management
- EA 5 – Measurement & Verification
- EA 6 – Green Power
105 Comments On This Post
This Credit needs update:
Option 3 is now “Prescriptive Compliance Path: Advanced buildings Core Performance by New Buildings Institute. (2-5 points)
The Option 3 stated on this post may not be used for projects registered after June 26 2007.
PERSPECTIVE COMPLIANCE PATH (x)
it should be “prescriptive compliance path”.
Thanks Mohammad and Kim for your updates.
Can someone clarify this:
Narrow plate
Shallow plate
Where is the OPTION 4?
Lilian,
A narrow or shallow (floor)plate refers to the width of the floor in plan view. i.e a room that is 10’Wide and 60’Long, with glazing on the longer side allows day light to penetrate right through the entire width of the room, making it an optimal strategy for EQc8
Hope this helps !
Thanks Binu! great to know they mean the same. optimizing daylight, cross ventilation would be seem to be more on north-south axis than east-west axis. this may sound too simplistic.
lilian
Option 3 – Prescriptive Compliance Path:
Advanced Buildings Core Performance Guide (Section 1 and 2) – 2-5 points
– only for buildings under 100,000 sf
– not applicable for healthcare, warehouse, lab
– 3 points for office, school, public assembly, and retail
– 2 points for all other types
– 1 additional point for every 3 strategies from Section 3 (up to 2 points maximum)
Exemplary Performance:
1 Point under ID – For Option 1 only.
New buildings 45.5%, Existing Buildings 38.5%
Can’t you get an ID credit if you have a 45.5% performance improvement?
About the June 2007 points change- it sounds like this only affects projects going for this credit. However, on the USGBC website (Right under Project Registration), it says ‘All newly registered LEED projects are required to achieve at least two (2) Optimize Energy Performance points. This requirement is mandatory for all LEED projects registering after June 26, 2007.’ Does this mean that it is a prerequisite?
Zak,
You are correct, projects do receieve 1 Exemplary Performance credit for a 45.5% performance improvement. I am actually in the process of writing a post that describe all of the the changes to the reference guide since the first edition. It should come shortly. Thank you for your attention to detail =)
Mitchell,
To clarify your concern, if project teams opt to choose option 1, then it is required to get 2 points minimum. In that sense, it’s a “prerequisite” or requirement for option 1, but in the sense of a “LEED prerequisite” (a mandatory requirement in order to become certified, where if the project did not satisfy the requirement, it would not be qualified for LEED)(i.e. SSc1), it is not. This is, at least, what I thought, but I can see how the wording makes it seem like it’s a prerequisite. Anyone else have any thoughts?
I hope this helps. Good luck!
ID credit for 38.5% on a renovation as well.
Pat, this credit came up in a post today in the ARE Forum. Looking at my reference manual, I came across what Mitchell was stating. At first glance I assumed that the 10.5% and 3.5% imporvements could no longer be used for new projects, thus they just needed to hit 14% or 7% to get this credit.
But looking in the margins, it say 2 points mandatory for NC projects registered after June 26, 2007….I’m not so sure this isnt a pre-req now?
I am guessing it is just a requirement until the next version.
In this new Option #3 Core Performance Guide they have pretty detailed requirements in 5 basic sections,how much do we need to remember??
I am not sure what is important to remember
bldg must be under 100,000 sf 2-5 pts Prescriptive to exceed Ashrae 90.1
it looks alot like a big overlap of commissioning to me, but says you can’t count any advanced commissioning to this credit…as well as green roofs, night venting..is this minutae?
I notice in the 5 sections they introduce, only Sections 1 and 2 are required: Process Requirements and Core Performance. Optional is: Enhanced Performance Strategies where you can choose 3 strategies and get 1pt. the list is long, but I guess you cap out at 3 pts
they bother to put Section 4 and then say you can’t use it in LEED option 3, and then don’t even mention Section 5…Nowhere!!!
just a general question about exceeding Ashrae 90.1
Is Option 1 exceeding Ashrae 90.1 2004 and
is Option 2 exceeding Ashrae 90.1 1999
Is Option 3 exceeding Ashrae 90.1 2004
think Option two is a typo?Take a look, or they just don’t update small bldgs as frequently?
This Credit chapter is so long, it is very hard to understand. Pat, the information that you have provided here, is that enough to understand the credit for test?
Hey Al,
I totally agree with you. The information here should be sufficient for the exam. Please make sure you read the errata sheet
http://www.intheleed.com/leed-reference-guide-errata/
There are a few updates that I haven’t yet updated on this actual page, but they should be easily explained on the link above.
Hope this helps. Good luck Al.
About option 2- How do they base how many points you earn? In option 1, you earn points depending on the % improvement. But option 2 says up to 4 points, but just says to comply with ASHRAE small office… So do you get either 0 points or 4 points? Can you get, say, 2 points following this option?
the requirements for option 1 talk about a default process energy cost of 25%. can anyone explain this?
just a general questions regarding baseline model and design model
1. Is Process load only including in design model, and Regulated load is including Design model & Baseline model?
2. Is on-site rewable energy cost not including in Baseline model, but including in Design model?
Thank you
So if I understand Option 1 correctly, if I applied for a project today I would have to show a percentage increase of a min of 14% for new construction and 7% for Existing? That would qualify as 2 points for the 2 point minimum?
Robby,
Yes, you are exactly correct. =) Best of luck!
I have the same question as emily. What is the default process energy cost of 25%?
I’m sitting for the exam on Monday. Has anyone had questions on the exam regarding exact VOC limits (g/l) for specific products assoicated with EQ4.1 & 4.2?
@ Ben,
I haven’t heard of anyone ever being asked of specific VOC limits on their exams. I personally did not see it on mine either. Good luck on Monday!
i have put a one-pager (table) together summarising the options, standards and submittals for EA1. happy to upload it to the site, if you let me know how. EA1 is so involved and i think the more structured the overview, the easier to understand and – of course – memorise.
your site is proving to be incredibly helpful in getting me ready for the exam, which i am taking in 2 weeks – i am working in South Africa and coming to grips with US standards is quite a challenge!
thanks for a great site!
is anyone able to clarify, please? in the reference guide (2.2, 3rd edition) it states that projects require minimum 2 points under EA1. i am still not clear whether this has been included as a general requirement for ALL options under EA1, or just for EA1, option 1 (ie. whole building energy simulation following 90.1 – 2004)?
neither the errata sheets nor any other info i found on the usgbc website make this entirely clear. or am i missing something?
many thanks!
Jutta — the wa it works out is the min. point you will be able to achieve in EA.1 is 2 points, this is how it breaksdown:
1) option 1 as you already now min. 2 points,
2) option 2 is perscriptive path — that means you either meet the threshold requirment where you get the 4 points or not where you get zero.
3) option 3 the min. criteria you satisfy will give you at least 2 points.
to ans. your question yes, the min points you have to get if you’re applying for EA1 is 2 points.
ah! thanks for this! now it makes sense!
so option 1 and 3 v clear re: point scoring and option 2 has to comply fully with advanced energy guide to get the 4 points or none!
nit-picking the guide….! exam next week!
i had posted the summary chart for EA1 (available for download above) and just noticed a couple of gremlins:
1. the exemplary performance credit under option 1, new construction, can be obtained by improving energy performance by 45.5%, rather than 48.5%.
2. under option 2, ASHRAE Advanced Energy Guide for Small Office Buildings 2004 improves energy performance beyond ASHRAE 90.1 – 1999 by 30%.
pat: could you kindly update this?
many thanks!
Hi Jutta. All updated for you and everybody else. Thanks again!
I am studying for the test and have taken some different practice exams. In some the questions or answers give the credit and the name of the credit and some just give the credit. Does anyone know if on the “real” test it gives both or does it just give like EA Credit 1 and assume you have to know which credit that is for? Thanks.
David, I had the same question (it’s somewhere in the forums), and jutta responded:
Author: jutta
Comment:
in the exam i took yesterday, none of the questions asked me to remember what credit number relates to which credit name. all the questions were about substance rather than testing you on whether you remember abstract connections between for instance SS7.1 and what?
qucik question: if there is a local code that is more stringent than ASHRAE 90.1, for the purpose of this (and other EA) credit, which one needs to be used?
Thanks.
Can someone help to understand why opt. A is not a correct option for this question?
The energy calculations for EA Credit 1 Optimize Energy Performance can be used for which credits?
A: EA Prerequisite 2 Minimum Energy Performance
B: EA Credit 3 Enhanced Commissioning
C: EA Credit 2 On-Site Renewable Energy
D: EA Credit 5 Measurement & Verification
E: EA Credit 6 Green Power
Notes:
Annual electricity consumption (not cost) from the results of EA Credit 1 can be used for EA Credit 6 to determine baseline electricity use.
For EA Credit 2 building annual energy cost can be used to determine estimated electricity use.
Ella, it’s a trick question — the question asks for which CREDIT EA can apply for, option A is a prerequisite not a Credit.
Is the definition of process energy similar to process water? (for industrial processes and building systems)?
Pat,
“Comply with ASHRAE “Benchmark 1.1″ ” is incorrectly located under option 3 above. In LEED NC 2.2 page 179, it is only listed under option 4.
Thanks for the great site.
Pat-
I second the previous comment by Danny in regards to option 3. Jutta’s attached word document identifies the requirements needed to fulfill option 3.
I’ve adjusted this credit so it now reflects what is mentioned in the latest version of the reference guide (Third Edition from October 2007). Thanks everyone!
Hi Pat,
Thanks for the great resource. The website is tremendously helpful.
I notice you have deleted “Option 4” from your summary above. Would it still be prudent to learn/memorize the aspects of that particular credit, even though it’s no longer usable for projects past June 2007?
Thanks in advance.
Is there any square footage max or min on the Performance Rating Method?
can someone help explain the answer to this question?
what does this really mean? and where is this coming from? what does solar orientation refer to?
How many energy simulation runs are required to establish the Baseline Design for a project attempting to achieve EAc1, Optimize Energy Performance? (Choose 1.)
a. 2
b. 4
c. 6
d. 8
the answer is b
Hi Asma,
The answer for your question comes from the Reference Guide Version 2.2 (Third edition October 2007) on Page 185: “This includes one Proposed Design simulation which models the building as designed…and four Baseline Design simulations.”
Also noted under “Option 1” description that Pat has posted on top of this page.
Awesome blog, btw.
thanks yuki
For The exam do i need to and understand all details in approach and implementation and calculation for this credit?
Yes, it really helps to get a good grasp of everything involved for the options and the calculations.
One of the questions that comes up in the practice exams is “what are the common mistakes made using the Performance Rating Method?”. I’d recommend reading through NC 2.2 3rd Ed, page 189-190.
You won’t have to do any actual calculations for this, but it helps to know which types of calculations apply to which options.
This credit is so confusing and difficult to understand.. i am just completely lost…;(
it is difficult to understand the refernece guide.. so looong…
Here’s a question from the practice exam on greenbuilding.com –
Documentation of compliance with EA credit 1, Optimize Energy Performance, can also comtribute to documentation on which credits? (Choose 3)
A) EA Prerequisite 1, Min Energy Perf
B) EA Credit 2, On-Site Renewable
C) EA Credit 5, Meas & Verif
D) EA Credit 6, Green Power
E) EQ Credit 2, Increased Ventilation
F) EA Prerequisite 1, Fundamental Commissioning
The answer key says A, B and D are correct. I guess my confusion comes from using the practice exams on greenexamprep.com that the question reads which CREDITS – and on those tests they tell you to becareful, as they are looking for credits not prerequesites. Should I just forget I ever read this question as I prep for my exam next week?
Angie,
Good catch. I believe you are right; prerequisites are not credits. Forget that question, as it is poorly written. Know that there are poorly written questions on the exam too. But if you remain as keen as you did on that practice question, you’re doing well.
Thanks Ken –
I take the exam on Wednesday the 25th, I am now starting to dream about LEED (when I can sleep) and wake up thinking about the exam, do I sound right on target? HA HA
My boss dreamt LEED, but I never did.
He got a 193, while I eeked out a 174.
You’re on target.
Going back to Angie’s question. They have EAp1 and EAp2 mixed up in the answer.
EAp1 is Commissioning Bldg Energy Systems.
EAp2 is Minimum Energy Performance
Quick question about the exam.
I’m scheduled to take the exam Sat, March 28.
I’m preparing as best as I can to pass it, but just in case that I failed, when can I register again? Immediately after I finished my exam? or should I have to wait 1 or 2 days to register.
Your comments are really appreciated.
Well it all depends on how fast the prometrics communicate your score back to the usgbc. Once your scores are confirmed and you have no “pending” testdates the website will let you re-register. This was a concern I had so I gave myself a week just in case. I take the test on the 23rd so if I fail (which i wont’t I tell you!!! hehe positive thinking never hurts) then i have a week to re-register. Neways food for thought.
Thanks Parker!
Way to go. Let pass it!
GL!
According to GBCI
“Failing the Exam: Prometric will securely transmit your exam results to GBCI within 72 hours of your exam date. You will receive an automatic e-mail from GBCI notifying you when your results have posted.”
I called GBCI and they confirmed that once failed you have to wait for 72 hrs. So if your exam is on 28 and fail(hopefully not), you won’t be able to take the exam again in this pattern.
Good info, mamz, but last I checked, March contains 31 days.
That’s right.I will be finishing the exam at noon of 3/28; worst case scenario is that GBCI will receive my results on 3/31 noon (72hrs)
Hope that is the case, coz I am in the same boat as yours. I have emailed GBCI and will let you know what they say.
MAMZ, I just called them.
In case of failing the 28th.
They said you will be able to schedule again one more time.
Anyway let’s be positive and prepare well because all of us will pass it the first time!
Cheers!
thanks JER for checkin. I got it confirmed again from them. Now I can study.
Good Luck!!
Someone plz help me with this sample question. thanks in advance.
Providing generous amounts of native deciduous shade trees help gain what credit while possibly eliminating the second?
A. EA1 Optimize Energy Performance, EQ 8.2 Daylight and
Views: Views for 90% of spaces
B. EA1 Optimize Energy Performance, EQ 8.1 Daylight and
Views: Daylight for 75% of spaces
C. SS7.1 Heat Island Effect: Non Roof, EA1 Optimize Energy
Performance
D. SS7.1 Heat Island Effect: Non Roof, WE1.1 Water Efficient
Landscaping: reduce by 50%
5k,
D is the best answer. Shade trees reduce heat island effect, but consume a lot of water.
Can someone help me with this? Thanks
Which three of the following credits requires performance calculations? (Choose
three)
A.EA Credit 1, Optimize Energy Performance
B.WE Credits 3.1 – 3.2, Water Use Reduction
C.MR Credits 4.1 – 4.2, Recycled Content
D.EQ Credits 4.1- 4.4, Low-Emitting Materials
E.EQ Credits 6.1 – 6.2, Controllability of Systems
F.EA Credit 4, Ozone Protection
Ans ABC? why C??
Mamz
I agree, it shouldn’t be C. should be AB and E. Recycled content does not have any performance requirement. Do you agree?
mamz/ wannabe
I would agree, C is incorrect however I think F would be the best option to consider. For EAC4 you must calculate the performance of HVAC equipment to find out their ODP and their GWP.
While 6.1 and 6.2 require coordination with building systems, the submittal template has little to no performance calculation requirements.
Sometimes USGBC supersedes common sense
The project team for a 25,000 sq. ft. office building wants to earn 4 points by increasing the energy performance of the building. What compliance paths could the project team follow?
A CBECS
B ASHRAE Advanced Energy Design Guide
C Advanced Buildings Core Performance Guide
D Advanced Building Benchmark
E Building Performance Rating Method
Ans: C,E. I don’t understand why E can be right? Can someone please explain? Thanks
There are two methods which can be used :
a.Option 1: Whole building Energy Simulation – Using whole building project simulation using the “Building Performance Rating Method”
b. Option 3: Prescriptive Compliance path using Advanced Building Core performance guide.
Great! thanks Reenu
Thanks wannabe and parker for answering my question, I agree with parker ans should be F.
Hi Dears, any idea about the below question :
Which ONE of the following scores represents the average building performance of
ENERGY STATR for achieving EA Credit 1, Optimize Energy Performance credit?
A._____ 60
B._____ 90
C._____ 50
D._____ 75
I remember seeing this on a practice exam and can recall with some confidence the answer is C 50
yup it is C 50, look at the definition of Energy Star in ref guide.
Also regarding my previous ques (which credits requires performance calculations) I figured it out. The third one is D.EQ Credits 4.1- 4.4, Low-Emitting Materials(supplement on EQ 4-ref guide). So the correct answer is ABD.
i had a question on my prep test that asked about the connection between EA cr.5 M&V with LEED-EB… ???
Can something help me with this, I did not see any mention of synergies in the M/V section regarding LEED-EB??
Thanks all 🙂 !! today was my exam and it was 174 :),
And Pat ; I love you man !
I read the comments above – can someone confirm that EP is available for this credit?? Although it is mentioned in the comments, it is not reflected in the summary. I am studying from the first edition, so I can’t ref. the guide. In the EP chart lists this credit as well.
does anyone know, for windows you must use the overall assemby shgc of the assembly instead of the center of glass shgc, this actually works to your favor since the assembly factor is lower. Could your calculation be rejected if you choose to use the center of glass…
Since I use HAP, it is limited in the use of inernal shades and drapes, so I rather use a multiplier for shades, I don’t want to show to many reduction factors by using both the drapes multiplier and the assembly factor, .86
i know that leed2.2 eac1 option 3 does not accept night venting because it is used elsewhere in leed. WHERE?
A value engineering exercise has proposed that exterior horizontal louvers above south-facing windows will be deleted from the project. The change requires that various project team members review strategies and reconfirm calculations for several credits.
Which three credits would be affected by this decision? (Choose three.)
A. EA Credit 6, Green Power
B. SS Credit 7.1, Heat Island Effect: Non-Roof
C. EA Credit 1, Optimize Energy Performance
D. EQ Credit 1, Outdoor Air Delivery Monitoring
E. EQ Credit 8.1, Daylight and Views: Daylight 75% of Spaces
i choose c,d,e but the answer is a,c,d does anyone knows why a???
A C E
B is for site elements.
D is for the quality of air.
D is correct because when you quit the louvers you will have more heat in the interior so this will afect your air quality, I agree with you choosing E but Why A?? if you purchase the electricity from the outsite… and the right answer is a,c,d, so we both are wrong choosing E
A because you have to submit how much power you are purchasing.
But why D? It seems to me air quality is to do with the amount of CO2, not the temperature of the air.
And E seems certain to me too- if not for daylight, certainly for glare . . .
me,
Where did you pull the question from. I know I’ve seen it, but I pulled from all sources too. Do know that all sources, and even the AP Exam itself, may contain errors.
Better stated, all study sources I’ve encountered definitely contain some degree of errors. The Exam itself may contain errors.
Ken, its the first question from The USGBC sample exam in Section 2 “Coordinate project and team” I think is dificult to contain errors coming from the USGBC, but can be…
Jessie you are right, I think I’m more confused jeje
me,
When I google your question, I get the answer to be A-C-E on the usgbc website.
http://www.usgbc.org/ShowFile.aspx?DocumentID=3178
Thats make sense Ken… thankyou very much!!
2. An owner is considering installing photovoltaic panels on the roof of his building. Which of these credits
might this addition affect? [Choose three]
a. EA Prerequisite 1
b. EA Credit 1
c. EA Credit 2
d. EA Credit 6
Answers are a, b & c. ON further reading of the reference manual – option1 Onsite- Renewable energy and site- recovered energy costs are not included in the proposed building performance, therefore these systems receive full credit using the performance rating method.
Question how does renewable enery fit in the calculation?
Can anyone help explain this:
Using rooftop photovoltaic panels supplying 17.5% of a building’s energy needs would help a project comply with EAc2, On-Site Renewable Energy, and with other credit:
A. ID Credit 1, Innovation in Design, for exemplary performance under EAc2
B. EA Credit 1, Optimize Energy Performance
C. EA Credit 6, Green Power
D. SS Credit 7, Heat Island Effect
Answer is B, but why not A? per reference guide, you get an EP point if you reach 17.% r greater?
Thanks in advance!
Hi Stephanie!! I did the same sample test from buildingreen, and I got the same question becacuse you comply with both, and then I read the coments of the exam and I found that the autor said that he had the reference guide 2.1 and there are no examplary performance for that credit in that version, so now you can comply with both A and B, so both answers are ok
cool!
thanks for helping me clarify CRS.
A practice exam question:
The CEO of a successful recording label is committed to reducing the environmental impact of a studio project both by reducing the amount of energy used in the building, and by making sure that the energy used comes from more benign sources. The structures, which will be a major renovation of an old theater, uses green noise barriers with low-VOC adhesives. Additionally, it obtains 15% of its energy by cost from a roof-based photovoltaic system while improving the baseline energy performance by twice of that. The CEO also opts to purchase green power for 35% of the building’s energy use for 4 yrs after its construction.
Which points could this recording studio achieve for its energy innovations under these specifications (choose 4)
A. (1) for EAp2, min energy performance
B. (1) for EAc2, On-site Renewable Energy
C. (1) for EAc6, Green Power
D. (1) for IDc1, Innovation in Design
E. (3) for EAc2, On-site Renewable Energy
F. (3) for EAc6, Green Power
G. (6) for EAc1, Optimize Energy Performance
H. (8) for EAc1, Optimize Energy Performance
Sorry its a long question.
Ans: C, D, E, H
I don’t understand H. Any thought?
Thanks!
H because they’ve improved the baseline energy “by twice that” (2x 15% = 30%), and since it’s an existing building, it gets 8 points.
H because you are getting the extra point for Green Power – 35% for 4 years instead of 2. Doubling baseline performance does not give you extra point.
oops – nevermind. read that wrong. sorry. disregard.
what does the default process energy cost of 25% mean (EAc1, pg 175)?? How do the points/percentages of the new and exsisting buildings relate to that 25%?? Can someone please explain that? Thanks!
I love the site and AP Walkthough has helped a lot…but I have to say i’m more than a bit confused by the question examples.
Pat you mention that the summaries in AP Walkthrough provide enough info to pass the exam, but calculations, like “double the baseline” or % thresholds attached to Energy Star Ratings seem to step into calculations, the memorization of which seems practically impossible.
No area of LEED has me more confused than EAC1. As a Landscape Architect, many of the questions that address tradeoffs between specific design features like “shallow floor plate” or specific types of HVAC systems step into areas that i have no basis for knowing the answers to.
Can anyone provide any advice or set me straight. Exam is on June 21 so this is a 1 shot deal!
Pat
Another LEED AP Walkthrough vs LEED Reference Guide (2nd Ed) question– i do not have access to 3rd edition.
The APW stats no calcs are required–was the
Option 2 [LCGWP + LCODP x 10…..] abandoned for more simplified language in V2.2 3rd Edition?
Thanks, Jon
Jon:
The relationship between building size, orientation, how deep it is (skin vs. area), light loads, daylight, solar gain, are very complex, and the “give and take” strategies are complicated, even for me, as a practicing architect.
The EA1 section is very complicated, and you may not spend your time wisely trying to understand it fully.
I just took the test, and there were very few questions from EA overall. I could have anwsered them all by knowing the following:
-EAc1 gets the most points from ASHRAE 90.1 Performance Rating Method (whole building modeling)
-The energy model gives you energy cost info for a baseline case and a design case.
-Those costs allow you to determine energy offsets for EA2 and EA6.
-daylighting increases energy required
-incresed ventilation increases energy required.
-without the EA1 energy model, by using other compliance paths, CBECS must be used to estimate energy usage for EA2, and EA6.
Personally I burned a lot of time on EA1 and EA5, when less than 4 qustions came from those 2 sections. Most came from WE, MR, and EQ.
I just wanted to say how much I hate EAc1. It’s like my kryptonite. I think it’s the hardest one of the whole guide. UGH!!!! Thank you so much for this summary. I really just want to take the pages of the original credit and throw them ouside and run over them with my car. Love the site!
Thanks Barefooter Roy–your comments were very reassuring! TwinsMommy, make sure it is a hybrid or alternatively fueled vehicle. It is good to have some perspective.
Does anyone have any tips for memorizing? With a week to go, i’m having a devil of a time remembering all the percentages. It’s not as when i was 25!
@ Jon
Have you looked at http://downtheline.wordpress.com ? Her memorizing techniques are insanely helpful!
Hey Barefooter Roy, good summary on EAc1. One small correction. Daylighting REDUCES the energy required. This is because daylighting reduces electric lighting which in turn reduces the amount of cooling needed (since electric lights generate a lot of heat).
Daylighting heating offsets depend on you climate zone. In warmer climates daylighting can offset costs to reduce heat from fixtures, but in colder climates that heat is lost and is made up for by mechanical heating, or by solar heat gain (which is free, but there is still an offset).
Could anybody help me to this question? Thank you
1. In any climat a solar hot collector would contribute to achievement of which LEED credits
a. EA c2 Renewable Energy
b. EA c1 Optimize Energy Performance
c. None of the choices
d. EA c1 Opetimize Energy Performance & EA c6 Green Power
Answer is C. Why not b????
(Their explaination is: Solar hot water heating does not apply LEED credits.)
Why?