All,

I am working on the design of a project which includes specification of an air barrier in the building envelope and post-construction testing to confirm its performance. I would like to take credit for this in my energy modeling calculations for LEED EAc1. I have seen previous discussions on this mailing list about the lack of a baseline number for air leakage in ASHRAE 90.1 Appendix G being an issue. I am also aware of the fact that performing a precise simulation of infiltration for a building would be complex and take into account wind pressures/directions, building pressurization, massing, etc. etc. However, page 36 of the Advanced Energy Modeling for LEED Technical Manual appears to reference a scenario in which credit can be taken for reduced infiltration, and there are CIRs that state that such credit can be taken if proper documentation is supplied. My question is: has anyone received a favorable review of an energy model that claimed savings due to reduced infiltration as part of LEED project documentation? If so, what methodology/baseline data was employed? Any insights would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

Brian A. Turner P.E., CEM, LEED AP BD+C