LEED (tm) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
Project Credit Summary
Water Efficiency Credits
WEc1: Water Efficient Landscaping (2 points)
Through the use of climate tolerant plants, 100% of irrigation demands are met by a reclaimed, non-potable city effluent water source and natural rainfall, thereby conserving the use of the municipal water supply. In addition, excess roof and pavement run off is collected in basins along the landscape borders.
WEc3: Water Use Reduction (2 points)
The clinic reduces potable water use by 31.8% from a calculated baseline design through the installation of low- flow fixtures and low-flush water closets and urinals, thereby reducing the burden on the municipal water supply and wastewater systems.
Energy & Atmosphere Credits
EAp1: Fundamental Commissioning of the Building Energy Systems (required)
EAc3: Enhanced Commissioning (1 point)
By verifying through a planned quality control process that the clinic's energy related systems are installed, calibrated and performing according to El Rio's design and construction requirements, several benefits are achieved, including a reduction in overall energy use, lower operating costs, reduced contractor callbacks, better building documentation, and improved occupant productivity. In addition to the requirements for fundamental commissioning, an enhanced commissioning process was employed, incorporating reviews and verifications that began earlier in the project, a greater scrutiny of contractor submittals, the development of a systems manual, training for the maintenance staff, and a review of the building operation after 10 months of completion.
EAp2: Minimum Energy Performance (required)
The clinic's building envelope, HVAC, lighting, and other systems have all been designed to meet minimum energy efficiency standards per ASHRAE.
EAp3: Fundamental Refrigerant Management (required)
EAc4: Enhanced Refrigerant Management (1 point)
No CFC-based refrigerants are used in the clinic's HVAC systems, thereby minimizing the effects of these substances on the earth's ozone.
EAc1: Optimize Energy Performance (6 points)
Through a careful design of the building envelope and systems, the clinic has demonstrated a 28.2% energy cost savings above a simulated baseline case, thereby helping to reduce the environmental and economic impacts associated with excessive energy use.
EAc6: Green Power (1 point)
Through the purchase of renewable energy credits (REC's) on a 2 year contract with a certified green power provider, the clinic is providing 81.3% of its annual electricity usage from renewable sources, thereby encouraging the development and use of grid-source, renewable energy technologies on a net zero pollution basis. As a result, the clinic will help avoid 376 tons of carbon dioxide emissions, equivalent to the amount of carbon dioxide absorbed by 80 acres of forest, or the amount produced by 74 cars per year.
Innovation in Design Credits
IDc1.1: Exemplary performance of SSc5.2 - Maximize Open Space (1 point)
The clinic provides a high ratio of open space to the development footprint. At 34,570 square feet, nearly 41% of the site has been preserved as vegetated open space, thereby promoting biodiversity, reducing the effects of urban heat islands, increasing stormwater infiltration, and fostering greater connections between people and the outdoors. At 41%, the clinic has doubled the minimum requirements for achievement of this credit.
IDc1.3: Exemplary performance of EAc6 - Green Power (1 point)
Through the purchase of renewable energy credits (REC's) on a 2 year contract with a certified green power provider, the clinic is providing 81.3% of its annual electricity usage from renewable sources, thereby encouraging the development and use of grid-source, renewable energy technologies on a net zero pollution basis. At 81.3%, the clinic has doubled the minimum requirements for achievement of this credit.
IDc2: LEED Accredited Professional (1 point)
El Rio supported and encouraged the design integration required by a LEED® for New Construction green building project by employing a LEED® Accredited Professional through CDG Architects, Ltd.
