Reviewer Insight: Two Helpful Energy Modelling LEED Interpretations for LEED v4 Projects

Reviewers would like to share these two important energy modelling LEED Interpretations applicable to the LEED v4 rating systems.

LEED Interpretation #10454 This LEED Interpretation allows commercial interiors projects to model the existing envelope in the baseline energy model in lieu of modelling the baseline to ASHRAE 90.1 Appendix G prescriptive new construction envelope requirements when pursuing LEED v4 ID+C EA prerequisite Minimum Energy Performance and EA credit Optimize Energy Performance, Option 1, Tenant-Level Energy Simulation. In exchange for the allowance, these projects must demonstrate a 5%performance improvement under the prerequisite, and a 2% performance improvement above established performance thresholds in EAc Optimize Energy Performance.

LEED Interpretation #10390 Is your project using a non-traditional fuel such as wood pellets or wood chips? This LEED Interpretation clarifies the methodology for addressing “purchased” on-site renewable energy, and/or purchased biofuel that is not considered on-site renewable energy within the LEED energy model for EA prerequisite Minimum Energy Performance and EA credit Optimize Energy Performance. For non-traditional fuel sources that are unregulated within ASHRAE 90.1, both the baseline and proposed case models must use the actual cost of the fuel. The exception is if the fuel source is available at a discounted cost because it would otherwise be disposed of, the project team may use local rates for the fuel for the baseline case and actual rates for the proposed case. If this applies to your project, provide documentation substantiating the difference in rates, and substantiating that the fuel source would otherwise be disposed of.

For complete details about each LEED Interpretation please refer to the Addenda database.