[Equest-users] Data Center Modeling

[Stormy L. Shanks]

Omer,

Be careful with how you handle process energy in the LEED energy modeling for a data center. LEED requires that the process energy be modeled realistically and it has to be the same in the baseline and proposed models, unless you are making a case that you're doing something extraordinary to reduce process load. The server energy is typically a very large percentage of the total building energy usage in a data center, and it's considered process energy. So, it is difficult to save enough energy with envelope, HVAC, and lighting strategies to overcome that process energy to meet the minimum energy performance prerequisite. I think there may be some LEED CIRs related to data centers and process energy, so you might read up on those.

In my experience, the LEED reviewers will not allow you to model the process energy in a data center as just 25% because that's much lower than what is realistic. I know there are a number of LEED certified data centers (I've been involved in a couple of them myself), so it's possible to get certification, but I would manage expectations carefully with your client.

Maybe others have had different experiences. It seems like we've been waiting a long time for the "LEED for Data Centers" standard. I think there was a draft of it created before v2009 came out. 


Stormy Shanks, PE
www.kjww.com
 

-----Original Message-----
From: equest-users-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org [mailto:equest-users-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org] On Behalf Of Umesh Atre
Sent: Tuesday, August 14, 2012 11:08 AM
To: omoltay at mimtarch.com; equest-users at lists.onebuilding.org
Subject: Re: [Equest-users] Data Center Modeling

Omer,

ASHRAE Addendum bu might be a good starting point.
http://www.ashrae.org/standards-research--technology/standards-addenda/Addenda-to-Standard-90-1-2007-IP-SI-Versions

Regarding LEED for data centers, have heard that LEED 2012 will have some compliance categories/paths.

While working on a recent data center project (non-LEED), I had come across this website that you could browse through for ideas on strategies:
http://www.datacenterknowledge.com/leed-platinum-data-centers/


Best of luck,
Umesh




-----Original Message-----
From: equest-users-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org [mailto:equest-users-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org] On Behalf Of Ömer Moltay
Sent: Tuesday, August 14, 2012 11:33 AM
To: equest-users at lists.onebuilding.org
Subject: [Equest-users] Data Center Modeling

Dear All,

I need to learn about data center modeling for LEED v2009 certification. 
In particular, I will have to inform the client about how to build a baseline model and what strategies can earn us points. Is there any guideline or note regarding data center modeling for LEED v2009 to which you can direct me to?

Best regards,

Ömer Moltay, LEED AP BD+C, ASHRAE BEMP, ASHRAE CPMP, BREEAM Assessor Mimta EkoYapi Hekimsuyu Cad. 559. Sk. No:39
34255 Kucukkoy Istanbul
Tel: 90-212-617-2296
Fax: 90-212-617-2297
www.eko-yapi.net
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