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<div class=Section1><pre style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=3 color=navy
face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:12.0pt;color:navy'>When comparing standard design based on ASHRAE ST90 and a proposed design for LEED points under “Optimize Energy Performance” using the ECB method, can the fuel types in both cases be made the same? Does STD90 ECB method require natural gas equipment to be used for the standard design if it produces lower energy costs? </span></font></pre><pre
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style='font-size:12.0pt;color:navy'>For example, three years ago, gas prices were at a record high and electricity was relatively cheaper. So a building was designed based on all electric equipment. The proposed design saved about 30% in energy usage per year and about the same in cost over the standard design (electric or gas). </span></font></pre><pre
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style='font-size:12.0pt;color:navy'>Gas prices have since dropped significantly. The proposed design still saves about 30% in energy compared to standard design. The energy cost of the proposed all-electric design is now higher if it is compared to the standard design based on current natural gas rates. Can the proposed electric design be compared to the standard model that also uses all-electric equipment for LEED points? </span></font></pre><pre
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style='font-size:12.0pt;color:navy'>On page 63, Table 11.4.3A, Budget System Descriptions of ASHRAE Std90-2001, System-1 is VAV with parallel fan-powered boxes and electric resistance heating (electric) and System-2 is VAV standard boxes with hot water heating using fossil fuel boiler (gas). If the proposed design used System-1 (electric) then can the standard be System-1 although System-2 will use less energy and also cost less?</span></font></pre><pre
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style='font-size:12.0pt;color:navy'>In comparing energy costs, does LEED consider the difference in source energy efficiency between gas and electric? What about long-term reliability? Electricity can be generated using a variety of fuels including nuclear, whereas natural gas resources are limited and the costs will therefore increase in the future with diminishing supplies. </span></font></pre><pre
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style='font-size:12.0pt;color:navy'>Is the purpose of the Energy “Cost” Budget method to reduce the energy demand based on TOU rates? Is the comparison between standard and design for LEED points based on conditions at the time of design or at the time of occupancy? Does ECB consider future fluctuating gas and electric rates? Shouldn’t there be a LCCA comparison of energy costs of standard and proposed design using the DOE/FEMP future escalation rates?</span></font></pre><pre
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style='font-size:12.0pt;color:navy'>Is it realistically possible to save over 60% in energy costs over STD90 design without using renewable energy such as PV-panels and GSHP?</span></font></pre><pre><font
size=3 color=navy face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:12.0pt;color:navy'> </span></font></pre><pre><font
size=3 color=navy face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:12.0pt;color:navy'>Varkie Thomas</span></font></pre><pre><font
size=3 color=navy face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:12.0pt;color:navy'>Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP</span></font></pre><pre><font
size=3 color=navy face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:12.0pt;color:navy'>Tel: 312-360-4467 (direct)</span></font></pre></div>
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