The baseline energy use for the Green Infrastructure and Buildings credit. Infrastructure Energy Efficiency is calculated by using

The baseline energy use for the Green Infrastructure and Buildings credit. Infrastructure Energy Efficiency is calculated by using
A . current infrastructure items used by IgCC standard.
B . the lowest first-cost infrastructure item assumed for the protect
C . infrastructure items recommended by the National Lighting Safely institute
D . a 15% increase above the minimum requirements for infrastructure items in the state’s energy code.

View Answer

Answer: B

Explanation:

For the Green Infrastructure and Buildings Credit: Infrastructure Energy Efficiency, the baseline energy use is an important metric. The goal of this credit is to encourage the use of energy-efficient infrastructure components such as lighting, pumps, and water distribution systems. To determine energy efficiency improvements, the baseline must be established based on standard practice for infrastructure elements.

Option B: the lowest first-cost infrastructure item assumed for the project is the correct answer. In this context, the baseline energy use refers to the energy consumption of the least expensive, standard infrastructure items that would normally be used in the project if no energy efficiency measures were implemented. This establishes the base case against which the energy performance improvements of more efficient systems can be measured. LEED then rewards projects that exceed this baseline with more energy-efficient infrastructure solutions (Reference: LEED v4 ND Reference Guide).

Option A: current infrastructure items used by IgCC standard is incorrect because the International Green Construction Code (IgCC) may be a helpful reference for sustainable construction, but it is not used as the baseline for this LEED credit.

Option C: infrastructure items recommended by the National Lighting Safety Institute is also incorrect. While this organization may provide guidelines on lighting safety, it is not relevant to the energy baseline determination.

Option D: a 15% increase above the minimum requirements for infrastructure items in the state’s energy code is not applicable, as the baseline is determined by the lowest-cost infrastructure, not by a predetermined increase above state energy code requirements.

Thus, the baseline for energy use in this credit is determined by the lowest-cost, conventional infrastructure items, making Option B the correct answer (Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Neighborhood Development).