The Whole Building Approach is the preferred method of estimating energy savings within SAVINGS BY DESIGN because it enables the design team to consider integrated, optimized energy efficiency solutions. This approach provides better information, which leads to more informed design decisions.

The diagram below illustrates the energy optimization that can be achieved when a building's systems are properly integrated.

Integrated systems that balance electric and gas use may produce a building that offers greater health, comfort, and productivity for its occupants, while being less costly to build and operate for the owner.

To enhance a design in this manner, designers must have reliable information about the energy impacts of various options. This, in turn, requires familiarity with computer simulation tools that are not part of the typical design practice. SAVINGS BY DESIGN can help to fill this gap. The program provides access to tools and analysis techniques that can be used to develop the information needed for cost-effective design decisions.

The Whole Building Approach, in addition to informing the design process, calculates the estimated total annual energy savings for the building compared to the Title 24 minimum requirements. The analysis can be prepared by the design team, or by an energy consultant provided by the utility, using an approved computer tool.

PROJECT ELIGIBILITY

Any nonresidential new construction or major renovation project with interacting building loads that is located within the service area of a participating utility is eligible for Whole Building Approach design assistance and/or analysis.

Additionally, Whole Building Approach incentives are available to owners of projects that, through their participation in integrated design analyses initiated during either the schematic or design development phase, are estimated to exceed a Title 24 or standard practice baseline by at least 10% on a whole building performance basis. Process loads (non-Title 24 regulated building systems) are not considered when determining the design team incentive rate.

PARTICIPATION PROCEDURES

To pursue the Whole Building Approach, follow these steps:

• Together with your New Construction Representative, determine if your project is a good candidate for an integrated design analysis.
• Arrange a meeting with your project design team and experienced energy design specialists to discuss and determine which efficiency strategies will be appropriate to investigate for your facility.
• Make integrated energy efficiency a priority for your project and support the continued participation of your design team in the subsequent analysis of the selected integrated options.
• Review the results provided by the customized analysis that recommends several cost-effective solutions for your specific building.
• Select the integrated strategy most appropriate for your project, and sign an Owner Incentive Agreement, offered by the utility's New Construction Representative, to reserve funds for your project.
• Assure that all elements of the integrated energy design are included in the completed building.
• Notify your New Construction Representative, upon completion of your project, to schedule an on-site verification of the energy-efficiency features.
• Receive your incentive check, and enjoy the ongoing benefits of an energy-efficient facility.
  
  

INCENTIVE CALCULATION

Deriving an incentive is a two-step process:

• First, if the Title 24 compliance margin is between 10% and 30%, use the formulas below to calculate the incentive rate(s):

• Second, to determine the available Whole Building Approach owner incentive, each of the total calculated kilowatt-hour (kWh) and therm savings between the proposed design and the baseline is multiplied by the Incentive Rate. (Process load savings modeled in a whole building simulation can be included in the total energy savings if pre-approved.)

Contact your New Construction Representative today for further details.