Advanced Buildings offers a direct path to better energy performance; Pre-modeled protocol qualifies for LEED points, saves time and money

The client wants a low-energy, LEED building, but time and money are tight. Sound familiar? More and more, design teams are turning to a direct path for achieving energy points in LEED called Advanced Buildings™ Core Performance. Core Performance describes a set of 30 criteria, including envelope, lighting, HVAC, power systems and controls that, when applied together through integrated design process, result in buildings with energy savings of 20% to 30%, compared to model energy codes such as ASHRAE 90.1-2004. Behind the estimate is an extensive modeling effort—over 30,000 energy modeling evaluations-that lead to predicable energy savings across climates and several building types. Buildings that follow Core Performance qualify for up to five points under LEED's Optimize Energy Performance credit. Since all LEED buildings are now required to achieve a least two points in this credit in order to qualify for certification, Core Performance provides an economical and time-saving alternative to energy modeling. High efficiency now affordable for all projects Core Performance can be applied to any size project, but works best on less complex buildings, which tend to be smaller, under 100,000 s/f (the maximum size to qualify for LEED points). We found that small to mid-sized building projects don't incorporate high performance design practices because of concerns about the time and expense of modeling, Advanced Buildings Core Performance addresses those concerns and makes energy efficiency more affordable for those projects. High performance buildings make good business sense Studies have found that high performance buildings offer healthier environments with improved air quality and more productive workspaces. Integrating sustainable building design features, such as lighting and climate control, are not only saving energy, but contributing to improved employee productivity and reduced absenteeism. Increased energy efficiency can also result in higher net operating income for buildings improving profit margins and increasing property values. Testing and monitoring of these advanced systems often leads to reduced maintenance requirements and lower risk. Fran Boucher is a program manager with National Grid, Waltham, MA.