|
LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. Lets look at the actual heart of the programs and the various levels and factors that effect LEED ratings.
LEED Certifications
• LEED-NC (New Construction)
• LEED-CI (Commercial Interiors)
• LEED-EB (Existing Buildings)
• LEED-CS (Core and Shell)
• LEED-H (Single Family Residential)
• LEED-ND (Residential Neighborhood Development)
Note: LEED-EB, CS, H, and ND are currently in development and should be deployed in 2005.
LEED-NC
LEED-NC has been widely used for over four years, and is continuing to shape the building industry. There are seven prerequisites and five points categories.
Prerequisites
• Sediment and erosion control
• Minimum energy performance (ASHRAE 90.1)
• Fundamental commissioning
• CFC reduction
• Storage of recyclables
• Minimum IAQ performance (ASHRAE 62)
• Environmental tobacco smoke control
Certification Levels
Points System
Five basic categories make up the design points system. Totaled together, these points determine your certification level. The level of certification depends upon the total number of points.
As you can see, energy and indoor environmental quality factors make up half of the available basic points. HVAC solutions from ClimateMaster are a perfect fit for these categories and can also offer additional points for enhanced solutions.
Five categories for accumulating points
|
| 1. Sustainable sites |
|
14 Points |
| 2. Water efficiency |
|
5 Points |
| 3. Energy and atmosphere* |
|
17 Points |
| 4. Materials and resources |
|
13 Points |
| 5. Indoor environmental quality* |
|
15 Points |
| |
|
Subtotal: 64 Points |
* ClimateMaster Solutions for maximizing points
• Design and process innovation 4 Points
• LEED accredited professional 1 Point
Total available points available equals 69, which is 17 points over the minimum requirements for Platinum certification.
The CLIMATEMASTER SOLUTION
By choosing ClimateMaster Water-Source Heat Pumps, you can help satisfy up to one-half or more of the requirements for LEED Certification.
How does ClimateMaster equipment help satisfy LEED requirements?
Optimized Energy Efficiency
ClimateMaster produces the world’s most efficient water-source heat pumps. Since the LEED program assigns additional points based upon increased efficiency over ASHRAE 90.1 minimums, equipment selection can greatly affect the total number of points. For example, the Tranquility 27™ series is 30% more efficient than ASHRAE 90.1 minimums. Buildings designed around the Tranquility 27™ series can add 6 points for existing construction or 4 points for new construction when used in conjunction with a geothermal loop system. Other equipment selections and application types can add between 1 and 4 points (no points are added for baseline ASHRAE 90.1 efficiencies). Therefore, ClimateMaster equipment can provide a large percentage of points depending upon equipment selection.
Ozone Depletion
ClimateMaster'scommitment to environmentally friendly design is reflected in the development of new products with zero ozone depletion refrigerants, such as EarthPure® (HFC-410A). EarthPure® is already being used in the Tranquility 27™ and Tranquility 20(TM) series products, and will continue to be incorporated into other product lines over the next five years. One LEED point is available for selecting products with EarthPure®.
Measurement and Verification
Building management controls are becoming increasingly popular in the commercial marketplace. ClimateMaster DDC controls allow the building owner to gain a LEED point if used for monitoring and optimizing building energy usage. Plus, DDC controls from ClimateMaster provide maximum flexibility with all of the most popular protocols － LonWorks, BACnet, Modbus and Johnson N2.
Indoor Environmental Quality
ClimateMaster'sRx ERV module provides a very cost-effective method for bringing in outside air through the use of energy recovery technology. One LEED point can be gained for meeting LEED requirements for air changes per hour. In addition, up to 70% of the energy can be recovered from the building’s exhaust air, saving 3 tons of equipment capacity for every 1,000 cfm of outside air. Smaller equipment directly impacts building life cycle costs and lowers upfront installation costs. Another LEED point can be added for control of outside air using ClimateMaster's CO2 sensor to control the Rx ERV module.
Thermal Comfort
ClimaDry(R), one of the newest offerings in ClimateMaster'sbroad product line, is the perfect compliment to a HVAC system when humidity control is essential. One LEED point is available for systems that monitor and control temperature and humidity. ClimaDry® is the only modulating reheat option in the WSHP industry that maintains neutral supply air temperature even with cool building loop temperatures, using a standard ARI certified refrigerant circuit (the reheat function is applied to the condenser water circuit).
The industry LEEDer
In summary, ClimateMaster equipment offers the designer substantial flexibility in maximizing LEED points, while minimizing up-front installation costs and decreasing overall building operating costs. LEED certification is based upon long-term environmental impact, so HVAC equipment selection is extremely important in determining building sustainability and life cycle costs. ClimateMaster'sreputation for high quality products and leadership in the industry provides the building owner with peace of mind.
For over 50 years we have been focused on enhancing business and home environments around the world. Our mission as the world’s largest and most progressive leader in the water-source and geothermal heat pump industry reveals our commitment to excellence － not only in the design and manufacture of our products, but in our people and services. Let ClimateMaster be your answer to LEED building design.
LEED & Green Building
Green Building
Ten years ago, the theory of high performance “green” buildings was hard to define and the practice even more obscure. All that is rapidly changing. In just three years, 3% of all new construction projects in the United States have registered for certification under the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Building Rating System from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). From reflective roofs and super-efficient windows to flexible access floors and ultra-efficient HVAC systems, a wealth of new technologies is adding function, value and high performance to today’s commercial buildings. Integrated design processes allow project teams to take full advantage of these technologies and at the lowest first costs. Thanks to LEED and other programs such as ENERGY STAR, common benchmarks, support tools and opportunities are emerging to offer market differentiation for buildings that create higher private and public value.
Recover Higher First Costs - If Any
Asking if a high performance green building costs more than a conventional alternative is a little like asking which is more expensive, an efficient car or an inefficient one? The answer, or course, depends on factors such as the make and model, features and driving preferences. Many green buildings cost no more to build － or even less than the alternatives - because resource-efficient strategies often allow downsizing of more costly mechanical, electrical and structural systems.
Design for Cost-Effectiveness
A high performance green building is an efficient building. Savings in energy costs of 20 - 50% are common through integrated planning, site orientation, energy-saving technologies, on-site renewable energy producing technologies, light reflective materials, natural daylight and ventilation, and downsized HVAC and other equipment.
Enhance Health and Well-Being
High performance green buildings typically offer healthier environments for tenants. A new survey of laboratory and field research suggests rich opportunities ahead for owners and occupants alike to better understand and take advantage of various green building features to enhance worker well-being and performance. No wonder businesses are beginning to use high performance buildings as a potent tool for recruiting and retaining the best employees.
Reduced Liability
Clean and healthy buildings can also reduce legal claims for the owner. BusinessWeek’s June 5, 2000, cover story reported that “sick building” cases, often filed against building owner/operators, are becoming more and more common.
With the recent explosion in mold-related claims, insurance companies have begun to take defensive action with mold clauses and rate hikes. Some industry experts are even predicting that insurance companies will start linking lower premiums to high performance buildings.
Create Value for Tenants
According to the EPA, a tenant can save approximately $0.50 per square foot per year through cost management and operations strategies that cut energy use by 30%. The tenant’s accumulated savings can represent $50,000 or more in a five-year lease of 20,000 square feet of office space. Savings can be even higher when incorporating a variety of high performance and flexible building design components.
Increased Property Value
An asset that maintains its value through higher occupancy and easier maintenance is easier to sell and may command a higher market valuation. There is growing confidence in the industry that a high performance green building can either capture lease premiums or present a more competitive property in an otherwise tough market. Reduced operating costs also generate increased cash flow, which helps free capital for other investments. As green buildings are increasing recognition of LEED and ENERGY STAR programs, the marketplace is expected to follow with a system of preferential pricing.
Take Advantage of Incentive Programs
With the increase in private and public benefits stemming from high performance green buildings, developers are eligible for even greater financial and regulatory incentives. New York, Maryland, Massachusetts and Oregon are on the leading edge of states offering tax credits for LEED Certified buildings. Portland (OR) and Seattle (WA) offer grants for energy modeling, commissioning and related costs. The private Green Building Loan Fund in Pittsburgh does much the same on a loan basis. Arlington County (VA) links preferred zoning considerations for LEED projects. Santa Barbara (CA) and Scottsdale (AZ) are some of the first jurisdictions to offer expedited permit reviews for buildings with certain high performance features.
Click here to download the LEED brochure (2.8 MB pdf)
Click here to download the LEED(R) Program and Tranquility™ Series Equipment PowerPoint
United State Green Building Council / LEED
United States Department of Energy
|
