Optimize Energy Performance

Achieve increasing levels of energy performance above the baseline in the prerequisite standard to reduce environmental and economic impacts associated with excessive energy use.
Rating Systems and Code Applicable Products/Systems
LEED NC LEED S LEED CS LEED H LEED R LEED ND CHPS CALGreen
EAp2

EAc1
1-19 Pts.		 EAp2

EAc1
1-19 Pts.		 EAp2

EAc1
3-21 Pts.		 EAp2

EAc1
1-24 Pts.		 EAp2

EAc1
1-19 Pts.		 GIBp2

GIBc2
2 Pts.
Non-res bldgs or Res bldgs > 3 stys		 EE1.0P1

EE1.1
1-15 Pts.		 5.201

A5.203
Direct support of technical goals.
  • Moderate indoor temperature
  • Reduce heating and cooling loads
  • Shift peak heating and cooling loads to off-peak hours

Concrete masonry can harvest site energy using passive solar designs and decrease the size of HVAC systems. It has high thermal mass and specific heat, providing very effective thermal storage. The result is a beneficial lag between peak heating and cooling loads and outside temperature peaks, thereby delaying needed heating or cooling energy and lowering associated energy demand.



Interior walls act as heat-sinks to moderate indoor temperature swings, further reducing heating/cooling loads. Whole-building analysis programs capable of projecting a building's energy use and cost on based on an hour-by-hour simulation can accurately model concrete masonry's thermal mass and predict associated savings.

The California Energy Commission approves computer programs for such use, and are compatible with California's Title 24. The list includes Perform and EnergyPro.

Green Credits & Strategies : Optimize Energy