LEED v4 Energy Simulation for a Hotel in Southwestern Spain
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LEED v4 Energy Simulation for a Hotel in Southwestern Spain
Location: Cadiz, Spain
ASHRAE Weather File Type: 3C (Warm-Marine Mediterranean)
HVAC System: VRF System
Rating System: LEED v4 Renovation
Certification Level: Platinum
Project Description
- A resort in Spain wanted to refurbish/renovate their building in line with the latest green building standards and hence targeted the LEED Silver certification.
- In line with this requirement, the project had targeted a minimum of 10 credit points as per the EA: Optimize Energy Performance Credit.
- The challenge was to secure at least 24% energy savings vs the ASHRAE 90.1-2010 base case.
- “Since the building’s envelope was already fixed, optimizing this was not an option.
- Hence, the following became the areas of focus:
- Upgrading Lighting Fixtures & Including Lighting Controls
- Retrofitting the Air-Conditioning system
Energy Conservation Measures Identified
- Energy Efficient LED Lighting with Occupancy Sensors
- VRF systems with a cooling COP of 3.6 and a heating COP of 4.7.
- AHUs that have VAV (Variable Air Volume) fans
Energy Simulation
Since no changes were made to the existing envelope, the U-Values for the baseline envelope and the proposed case envelope were modelled exactly the same. In order to optimize the energy savings, the operating schedule, the equipment and lighting operational fractions were taken into consideration. Furthermore, the VRF performance curves were also taken in such a way that they replicate how the COP varies with the cooling load and also the ambient temperature.
Results
The project was able to achieve around 34% energy savings versus the ASHRAE 90.1-2010 base case and hence achieved 14 LEED credit points.
How long does a LEED energy simulation take?
Most projects scope to 10 to 15 working days for the initial model and report. Review comment rectification adds another 5 to 10 working days depending on the depth of the comments.
What does a LEED energy simulation engagement cost?
Simpler typologies start at the lower fee tier. Complex projects sit higher because unmet hour rectification extends the timeline. We quote on confirmed scope after we read your documents.
Do you handle the USGBC review process?
We file the MEPC, we respond to preliminary review comments, and we modify the model as required. We have answered the recurring USGBC comment families across years of submissions.
What software do you use?
DesignBuilder running on the EnergyPlus engine. ASHRAE 140-2004 validated. One Click LCA for life cycle assessment.
Can you deliver white label for our design firm?
Yes. NDA default. Deliverables in your template, your branding, the language your reviewer expects. Standard MNDA available on the For Design Firms page.
What LEED versions do you cover?
LEED v4, v4.1 and v5.
