I have put together an eQuest model for a LEED project where there is no cooling installed for the proposed design. This spurred the following GBCI reviewer comment:

According to the primary HVAC system input and Table 1.4, no cooling has been provided for in the Baseline or Proposed buildings; However, cooling equipment should be modeled in both cases if the spaces are considered conditioned per the definition in Section 3 (page 13) of ASHRAE 90.1?2004. Please refer to the definition of conditioned space, semi?heated space, and unconditioned space in Section 3. If the heating output capacity is greater than or equal to 15 Btu/h?sq. ft. then the space is considered conditioned so cooling should be included in the Baseline and Proposed Case models. The cooling should be modeled using the Baseline cooling system type (system type # 3)in both the Baseline and Proposed Case models, using identical cooling capacity ratios and efficiencies in the Baseline and Proposed Case. If the heating output capacity is less than 15 Btu/h*sq. ft., then the space is considered semi?heated or unconditioned, so only heating equipment should be included in the Proposed and Baseline models; the heating type, capacity ratios, fan volume, and fan power for these spaces should be modeled identically between the Baseline and Proposed Case. Please revise the Proposed model and Baseline model as needed so the correct system type is modeled in all spaces. Please also indicate the total heating capacity and building area for semi-conditioned spaces to verify that they qualify as semi-conditioned spaces. In addition, please update Table 1.2 and Table 1.4 as needed reflecting the changes.

I have read and re-read the ASHRAE section referenced with regards to the definitions of a space and what would make a building required to be modeled with cooling but I am not seeing what the reviewer is seeing. Any help or insight would be appreciated.

A little background of the building: non-traditional school building with no summer use. Proposed design uses radiant floor heating. Climate zone 6B. Heating output for the different zones within the building is between 15-20 Btu/h*sq.ft.

I do not get into modeling very often, but I have found this forum to be an extremely valuable resource. Hopefully I will be able to contribute something for someone else in the future.

Thanks

Travis Miller