What is the allowed maximum tenant space exclusion for Energy and Atmosphere Prerequisite, Minimum Energy Performance?

What is the allowed maximum tenant space exclusion for Energy and Atmosphere Prerequisite, Minimum Energy Performance?
A . 10% of the vacant space
B . 10% of the gross floor area
C . 10% of the project site area
D . 10% of the regularly occupied area

Answer: B

Explanation:

The LEED AP Operations + Maintenance (LEED AP O+M) V4.1 guide specifies that for the Energy and Atmosphere Prerequisite, Minimum Energy Performance, the allowed maximum tenant space exclusion is 10% of the gross floor area. This means that when calculating energy performance, up to 10% of the total floor area of the building can be excluded. This could be due to various reasons such as spaces being unoccupied or not in use.

Reference: LEED v4: Building Operations + Maintenance Guide, LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, Minimum Energy Performance Calculator – ASHRAE 90.1 – 2010, LEED v4 energy update C U.S. Green Building Council

The Energy and Atmosphere Prerequisite, Minimum Energy Performance, allows for certain exclusions to accommodate diverse building types and uses. One such provision permits the exclusion of up to 10% of the gross floor area (GFA) from the energy performance calculations. This allowance is designed to provide flexibility for spaces that may not be fully occupied or operational during the performance period, such as tenant spaces undergoing renovation or spaces with atypical energy usage. By excluding a limited portion of the GFA, the prerequisite acknowledges the variability in building occupancy and use, ensuring that the energy performance assessment is both fair and representative of the building’s typical operations.

Reference: The allowance for excluding up to 10% of the gross floor area from the energy performance calculations is detailed in the LEED for Building Operations and Maintenance reference guide, specifically under the Energy and Atmosphere Prerequisite, Minimum Energy Performance. This guideline is part of the LEED AP O+M training materials, which emphasize the importance of accommodating diverse building uses and occupancy levels in the pursuit of sustainable building operations.