LEED Energy Modeling and Shell Space

[MinnesotaSlinger]

Hi all. Hopefully some other LEEP AP can answer this---

We are seeking LEED certification for a certain building, which is primarily a data center although it is part of a hospital campus. One floor of the building (which is four stories) is going to be shell space, and will remain so indefinitely but will be finished at some point. How should this be handled with respect to LEED credit EAc1? Using ASHRAE 90 performance rating method, should both the baseline and design models be modeled with the area as shell space (with its temporary systems for shell space heating and such), or do we model the baseline and design models assuming the building is completed? How does one go about modeling a building that will be completed in phases with respect to the EA portion of LEED? Thanks.

 

[GMcD]

My advice is model it both ways and see what the difference in energy is. If the shell space is left as semi-heated space - assuming that the HVAC and lighting will be minimal, then your ASHRAE 90.1 Appendix G reference and model should still show the same relative energy savings whether it was occupied or not.

Personally I'd model it as if the shell space was fully occupied and operating, as that is the intent of the LEED Credit - the building will be guzzling energy for the next 50 years in an occupied mode, so model it that way.