The intent of this credit is to improve energy performance above the baseline (EAp2) by employing energy efficient strategies and equipment selections.

Requirements for Certification:

Option 1 - Whole Building Energy Simulation (1-10 points). Demonstrate a percentage improvement over the baseline building performance rating per ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-2004 or Title24-2005 by using the Building Performance Rating Method in Appendix G of the Standard. Points will be achieved based on the linked USGBC pdf document.

Option 2 - Prescriptive Compliance Path (office buildings under 20,000 SF, 4 points). Comply with the prescriptive measures of the ASHRAE Advanced Energy Design Guide for Small Office Buildings 2004.

Option 3 - Prescriptive Compliance Path (1 point). Comply with the Basic Criteria and Prescriptive Measures of the Advanced Buildings Benchmark Version 1.1.

Successful Strategies:

• Reduce demand
• Harvest free energy
• Increase efficiency
• Recover waste energy

Helpful Hints:

1. EAc1 example documentation is available on the USGBC website. It is best to follow the USGBC format precisely and not use custom tables or graphs.
2. Separate guidelines (e.g. LEED for Labs) are being developed specifically to address perceived shortcomings in the current energy performance evaluation system. In general, it is best to work with an energy modeler who is versed in LEED Energy Cost Budget requirements to best estimate the percentage of energy cost savings that will be approved by the USGBC for a given project or building type.
3. To maximize the points in this credit, consider renewable energy-based HVAC systems or systems that use waste heat recovery.
4. Consider incorporating energy performance contracting as a way of financing additional energy efficiency in new buildings.
5. The 2005 Federal Energy Bill offers tax incentives of $1.80 per square foot for new commercial buildings designed to exceed the ASHRAE 90.1 standard by 50 percent or more.
6. Check with local utility for demand-side, energy efficiency, and market transformation programs, such as Savings By Design.

Historical Data (updated June 2006):

• 97% of all California LEED Certified projects achieved this credit for LEED v2.1.
• California LEED Certified projects achieved 6.7 credits on average for EAc1 under LEED v2.1.

Additional EDR Resources

Online Tools: EDR Charette

Software: eQUEST

Online Training Module #1

Case Studies: Title 24 and Savings By Design

Design Briefs: Building Simulation

Design Briefs: Improving Mechanical System Energy Efficiency

Design Briefs: Design Details

Design Briefs: Energy Management Systems

Design Briefs: Efficient Lighting Systems

Design Guidelines: HVAC Simulation Guidelines