Required Energy and Atmosphere Guidelines
E.1 Energy Use Reduction by at Least 30%
Intent
Ensure annual energy costs are reduced by at least 30% as required by the Minnesota Legislature. Energy use reduction also results in lower greenhouse gas and other emissions from fossil fuel energy production.
Required Performance Criteria
Reduce design energy costs compared to the energy cost budget by at least 30% for regulated energy components as described in the Minnesota State Energy Code in effect as of 15 January 2003. Comparative analysis is required for all buildings over 5,000 square feet that are heated. The required process is similar for all buildings but there is a different path to compliance for buildings less than 30,000 gross square feet. Enter results on Form P-4 Energy and Atmosphere Documentation.
A. Buildings over 30,000 Square Feet:
A whole building, comparative analysis methodology must be used before the Construction Document phase of the design process to determine the energy conservation solution with the lowest lifetime cost. Programs with the following simulation engines can be used: DOE2.1e, DOE2.2, Energy Plus, Energy-10 and TRANSYS. Compliance with the Performance Criteria are only valid under the following conditions:
- Only one building geometry may be used for a given project analysis.
- Only one set of plug and process loads may be used for a given project analysis.
- Only one mechanical system type may be used for a given project analysis.
- Design teams must first use the Indoor Environmental Quality section I.1 of this guide to establish base operation parameters for outside air requirements.
B. Buildings under 30,000 Square Feet:
- Evaluate building envelope and system options in the Small Buildings Methodology included in this guide (Appendix E-1.)
Recommended Performance Criteria
C. Reduce design energy costs compared to the energy cost budget by at least 60%. Legislation governing this guideline requires a 30% conservation of energy relative to the Minnesota State Energy Code.
Related MSBG Documents
- Form P-4 Energy and Atmosphere Documentation
- Appendix E-1 Suggested Implementation for all Energy and Atmosphere Guidelines
- Appendix E-2 Small Building Methodology
Supplemental Resources
- The Minnesota Office of Environmental Assistance (MOEA) web page on Financing for Energy Improvements is a resource for information on utility programs, performance contracting, the MSBA lease purchase program for schools, and more. www.moea.state.mn.us/greenbuilding/financing.cfm
- The MOEA web page on Building Products and Materials provides links to the Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Network (EREN) and ENERGY STAR listings of products and buildings. www.moea.state.mn.us/greenbuilding/products.cfm
- The MOEA web page on Design Guidelines, Specifications and Rating Systems provides links to the ENERGY STAR online design tools, Portfolio Manager and Target Finder. Also links to ASHRAE standards, the U.S. Department of Energy's Buildings for the 21st Century program, and the MN Commerce Department Energy Office. www.moea.state.mn.us/greenbuilding/design.cfm