The use of plug-in devices can affect the Energy and Atmosphere Prerequisite, Minimum Energy Performance, as this prerequisite requires the establishment of a building's energy performance that includes the energy consumption of all plug-in devices. These devices can significantly impact the overall energy usage and therefore influence the strategies to meet the minimum energy performance standards1.
References:
* LEED v4 for Interior Design and Construction Reference Guide2.
* LEED Credit Library - Energy and Atmosphere3.
* Minimum Energy Performance Prerequisite Information1.
The use of plug-in devices can have a significant impact on a building's energy profile, especially when considering the Indoor Environmental Quality Credit for Thermal Comfort within the LEED AP Interior Design + Construction framework. The Energy and Atmosphere Prerequisite, Minimum Energy Performance, is affected by the use of plug-in devices because these devices contribute to the building's overall energy consumption. This prerequisite requires projects to establish a minimum level of energy efficiency for the proposed building and systems. Plug-in devices can alter the thermal load and energy usage patterns within a space, thereby influencing the strategies employed to meet thermal comfort requirements. For instance, excessive use of personal heating or cooling devices might indicate inadequacies in the HVAC system's ability to provide comfortable conditions, which could affect the energy modeling and performance metrics required tocomply with this prerequisite. It's crucial for the design team to account for the energy impact of plug-in devices in their energy modeling and ensure that the building's systems can meet occupants' thermal comfort needs efficiently.