15-0129 v2.1/EcoLiving Hale/Project Case Study Questions

QUESTION

For residential projects is detailed "Actual End Use Breakdown" required as listed in the documentation requirements or can we simply meter total load?

According to the documentation requirements we need to meter the following items separately: heating, cooling, lighting, fans/pumps, plug loads, equipment, vertical transport, domestic hot water, other.

This level of metering seems more appropriate for larger commercial projects but not residential projects.
All projects pursuing certification under the Living Building Challenge are required to provide the information contained in this document to comply with Prerequisite 16: Inspiration + Education, referred to in v2.0 as Imperative 20: Inspiration + Education.

Project Teams pursuing v2.0 are encouraged to reference this document; similar requirements for v2.0 certification will be posted shortly.

UPDATE: PLEASE REFER TO THE DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENTS POSTED IN THE COMMUNITY FOR THE MOST UP-TO-DATE QUESTIONS. THESE WILL BE INTEGRATED INTO THE ONLINE PROJECT PORTAL IN THE FUTURE.  

ANSWER

Yes, residential projects must meter various energy uses separately. Residential energy meters are readily available and affordable (in a cursory search we found some models for as little as $200). Please note that the Documentation Requirements (link) provide an overarching list of items to meter, and you only need to provide data for those that apply to your project. Having access to this level of detail not only can help you improve the performance of your home over time and identify repair/maintenance needs, it also can help others understand how your project and its components function. This teaching element is critical for Living Building Challenge certification under Imperative 20: Inspiration + Education.

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