LEED Energy and Atmosphere Credit 1
The most important credit available under LEED is Energy and Atmosphere Credit 1 (EAc1). This credit seeks to “optimize energy performance”. What does this mean? This credit is looking to use an Energy Model to analyze various energy measures to see which ones are cost effective and will save the project the most money and energy.
An energy model used in the early design process is a powerful tool to help designers and engineers make the best choices possible. Relying on their gut feel can only get you so far (although good engineers have developed better intuition than others though good experience). A good lighting designer will tell you a high efficiency lighting design will save more and cost less than a high efficiency HVAC unit, but the HVAC designer will tell you the exact opposite! Who’s right? It depends on the project! Various options depend on the specific building type, and your building is unique, so there’s only one way to find out.
A neutral, 3rd party energy-model consultant will put all these questions to rest and put your money to work in the best way possible to optimize your energy efficiency and maximize your LEED EAc1 points!
Michaels has served as the energy modeler for 12 LEED projects and helped projects achieve the maximum points available under the credit (10 out of 10 for an earlier version of LEED)!
Contact us:
For a free estimate or proposal, contact Eric O’Neill (elo@michaelsenergy.com) about your project. Please include information about the size and location of the building, type of facility (hospital, office, higher education, etc), project goals (energy reduction, LEED credits), and any deadlines or timeline constraints you currently are aware of.
